On October 13th, 2015, five democratic presidential candidates stood on CNN's debate stage and answered an array of political questions from foreign policy to social issues. But one of the questions-or maybe the answers it elicited-that stood out had little to do with any topics previously discussed. The candidates were asked, "Which enemy are you proudest of?" Answers ranged from opposing soldiers in combat to the National Rifle Association. Political enemies are commonplace these days. But in the early years of our government things weren’t very different. Rivalries were just as fierce and sometimes even deadly. On July 11, 1804, Vice President Aaron Burr and former Secretary of Treasury Alexander Hamilton faced each other in Weehawken, New
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After all they weren’t as different as their arguments made them out to be. An article from the Journal of American History about the famous duel between the two political figures, written by Jeffery L. Pasley, has this to say about their similarities: “Both Burr and Hamilton were basically military in their outlooks, and shared other traits as well, including tremendous legal reputations, chronic financial difficulties, and womanizing tendencies. While Burr was more skilled at popular politics than Hamilton was, by 1804 both found themselves outfoxed and isolated by competitors (especially Jefferson) who were still more skilled” (Pasley 631). But unlike Hamilton, Burr would sometimes utilize shady political tactics to get what he wanted, and this did not sit well with Hamilton. This was apparent when Burr ran against Phillip Schuyler, Hamilton’s father-in-law, for Schuyler’s seat in the senate. Burr changed his political party just to have a chance at defeating Schuyler, and then had powerful political figures help him seal his victory. The Livingston’s and Clintons, two powerful political families and long standing enemies of Schuyler, practically delivered Burr the win (“Schuyler”). This upset Hamilton both because Schuyler had become a close relative to Hamilton and because Burr had won the seat somewhat unfairly. Once Hamilton regained control of the senate, Schuyler won his seat back, but Hamilton still resented Burr for what he had done. This senate race was viewed as the first major fight between Hamilton and Burr (“Schuyler”). Even after killing Hamilton in a duel, Burr continued to operate this way, to the point where he was eventually brought up on treason charges. On February 19, 1807, Burr was arrested for conspiring against the United States government, although he was acquitted a few months later on the
After all they weren’t as different as their arguments made them out to be. An article from the Journal of American History about the famous duel between the two political figures, written by Jeffery L. Pasley, has this to say about their similarities: “Both Burr and Hamilton were basically military in their outlooks, and shared other traits as well, including tremendous legal reputations, chronic financial difficulties, and womanizing tendencies. While Burr was more skilled at popular politics than Hamilton was, by 1804 both found themselves outfoxed and isolated by competitors (especially Jefferson) who were still more skilled” (Pasley 631). But unlike Hamilton, Burr would sometimes utilize shady political tactics to get what he wanted, and this did not sit well with Hamilton. This was apparent when Burr ran against Phillip Schuyler, Hamilton’s father-in-law, for Schuyler’s seat in the senate. Burr changed his political party just to have a chance at defeating Schuyler, and then had powerful political figures help him seal his victory. The Livingston’s and Clintons, two powerful political families and long standing enemies of Schuyler, practically delivered Burr the win (“Schuyler”). This upset Hamilton both because Schuyler had become a close relative to Hamilton and because Burr had won the seat somewhat unfairly. Once Hamilton regained control of the senate, Schuyler won his seat back, but Hamilton still resented Burr for what he had done. This senate race was viewed as the first major fight between Hamilton and Burr (“Schuyler”). Even after killing Hamilton in a duel, Burr continued to operate this way, to the point where he was eventually brought up on treason charges. On February 19, 1807, Burr was arrested for conspiring against the United States government, although he was acquitted a few months later on the