Andrew Jackson and Jefferson ran negative presidential campaigns . John Quincy Adams was labeled a fool , a hypocrite , a criminal , and a tyrant , . Fortunately , that meant he did n't have to witness what many historians consider the nastiest contest in American history . John Quincy Adams was branded a weakling , an atheist , a libertine , and a coward . Many historians say Adams / Andrew Jackson contest the nastiest .
Andrew Jackson and Jefferson ran negative presidential campaigns . John Quincy Adams was labeled a fool , a hypocrite , a criminal , and a tyrant , . John Quincy Adams was branded a weakling , an atheist , a libertine , and a coward . Many historians say Adams / Andrew Jackson contest the nastiest .