It’s 1828. The presidential election is imminent. Andrew Jackson, still seething with anger after the House ignored his electoral vote plurality and made Adams president in 1824, is the favorite. But Jackson has a problem; protectionism is popular in the mid-Atlantic states, but his base in the South hates tariffs, and he needs both to win. How can he square the circle?
Enter Martin Van Buren, known as “The Little Magician.” Van Buren hijacks the tariff bill and adds concessions to groups that Jackson needs in November. The final version of the bill makes no economic sense and is ultimately known as the “Tariff of Abominations,” but it is a winner for Jackson, as his base blames Adams, and the tariff beneficiaries give him the credit for the concessions. Jackson prevails in the subsequent election.
In 2024, an angry candidate who lost what he considered a rigged election in 2020 won in part by making economically nonsensical promises on tips, overtime, and Social Security. His promises were put into law in the BBB. Does that ring any bells?