Election of 1888 and return to private life (1889–1893)
Defeated by Harrison
Main articles: 1888 United States presidential election and Grover Cleveland 1888 presidential campaign
Poster President Cleveland and Allen G. Thurman of Ohio (1888).
Results of the 1888 Election
The Republicans nominated Benjamin Harrison, the former U.S. Senator from Indiana for president and Levi P. Morton of New York for vice president. Cleveland was renominated at the Democratic convention in St. Louis.[166] Following Vice President Thomas A. Hendricks' death in 1885, the Democrats chose Allen G. Thurman of Ohio to be Cleveland's new running mate.[166]
The Republicans gained the upper hand in the campaign, as Cleveland's campaign was poorly managed by Calvin S. Brice and William H. Barnum, whereas Harrison had engaged more aggressive fundraisers and tacticians in Matt Quay and John Wanamaker.[167]
The Republicans campaigned heavily on the tariff issue, turning out protectionist voters in the important industrial states of the North.[168] Further, the Democrats in New York were divided over the gubernatorial candidacy of David B. Hill, weakening Cleveland's support in that swing state.[169] A letter from the British ambassador supporting Cleveland caused a scandal that cost Cleveland votes in New York.
