The possibility of a party switch or…
April 1844 CE
The possibility of a party switch or third-party run by President John Tyler looms as Tyler continues to oppose Whig priorities.
Tyler seeks to create a new party opposed to both Henry Clay and Martin Van Buren, the presumed Democratic nominee.
Tyler's plans delight many Whigs who think that Tyler's efforts will prove more damaging to the Democrats.
As 1844 approached, Clay had wanted to focus on economic issues, especially the recovering economy which they argued was a result of the Tariff of 1842.
However, nativism and the annexation of Texas emerge as major issues during the 1844 election, with the latter in particular upending the race.
Clay refuses to take a position on the annexation of Texas, as support for annexation would offend the North and opposition would offend the South.
Clay also calls for a conciliatory policy towards Britain regarding the Oregon Question, as he argues that demographics and geography will eventually compel the British to give up their claims on the region.
After President Tyler concludes an annexation treaty with Texas, Clay announces his opposition to the annexation, stating his belief that the United States should focus on developing territory already part of the Union, and arguing that annexation will cause sectional tensions over slavery.
Perhaps coincidentally, on the same day that Clay publishes a letter announcing his opposition to the annexation, Van Buren publishes a similar letter.