The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg A Man of Great Sideburns | Interview: James M. Bradley
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Dec 10, 2025 James M. Bradley, a historian and biographer of Martin Van Buren, dives into the intricate world of 19th-century American politics. He discusses Van Buren's embrace of political parties as vital democratic institutions and reflects on the chaos of the 1824 election. Bradley elaborates on Van Buren's uneasy alliance with Andrew Jackson and examines how his caution on issues like Texas annexation shaped his legacy. Additionally, they explore the Free Soil Movement and assess the modern weaknesses of political parties, pondering how Van Buren might respond to today's political landscape.
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Van Buren Invented The Modern Party
- Martin Van Buren deliberately professionalized parties as permanent, organized institutions rather than ephemeral factions.
- He argued parties strengthen democracy by connecting voters to consistent platforms and ensuring electoral survival.
Burr’s Practical Schooling
- Van Buren received a granular political education working for Aaron Burr's associates in New York City.
- Burr taught him detailed electioneering tactics like canvassing and building networks that Van Buren later systematized.
1824 Pushed Van Buren Toward Parties
- The chaotic 1824 election convinced Van Buren that permanent parties were necessary to prevent frequent contingent elections in the House.
- He aimed to avoid repeated House-decided presidencies by building disciplined national coalitions.
