[304] With the complete backing of his cabinet, Johnson personally accused Grant of lying and "duplicity" at a stormy cabinet meeting, while a shocked and disappointed Grant felt it was Johnson who was lying.[305] The publication of angry messages between Grant and Johnson led to a complete break between the two.[306] The controversy led to Johnson's impeachment and trial in the Senate.[307] Johnson was saved from removal from office by one vote.[308] Grant's popularity rose among the Radical Republicans and his nomination for the presidency appeared certain.[309]

Election of 1868
Main article: 1868 United States presidential election
Grant–Colfax Republican TicketPublished 1868
When the Republican Party met at the 1868 Republican National Convention in Chicago, the delegates unanimously nominated Grant for president and Speaker of the House Schuyler Colfax for vice president.[307] Although Grant had preferred to remain in the army, he accepted the Republican nomination, believing that he was the only one who could unify the nation.[310] The Republicans advocated "equal civil and political rights to all" and African American enfranchisement.