What President Was Nicknamed The Dark Horse?

James Polk responded by becoming the candidate in favor of national territorial expansion. Polk avoided trouble over his desire to annex Texas (which would become a slave state) by proposing to add Oregon as a free state. Do you know why Polk was called the “dark horse” as the Democratic nominee in 1844?

What does dark horse president mean?

In horse racing, a “dark horse” is a horse that wins a race when no one expects it to. As the surprise Democratic nominee, Polk was first “dark horse” candidate for the presidency. News of his nomination was spread to Washington by the first Morse telegraph line, which was only a few days old at the time.

Who was the first dark horse presidential candidate?

The First “Dark Horse” Presidential Candidate. Henry Clay ran against Polk for president and lost. James Polk went to the 1844 Democratic Convention supporting the presidential front-runner Van Buren. Polk wanted to be the vice president but became the presidential nominee by accident.

What is a dark horse in politics?

A dark horse is a previously lesser-known person or thing that emerges to prominence in a situation, especially in a competition involving multiple rivals, or a contestant that on paper should be unlikely to succeed but yet still might.

Was President Polk a good president?

A man of firm personal principles, he kept his word to retire after a single term, although he easily could have won reelection. Despite Polk’s accomplishments, many historians today regard him not as a great president but as one who missed opportunities.

What does dark horse mean slang?

dark horse noun [C usually singular] (SECRET)
a person who keeps their interests and ideas secret, especially someone who has a surprising ability or skill: Anna’s such a dark horse – I had no idea she’d published a novel.

What’s another term for dark horse?

What is another word for dark horse?

What does being called a dark horse mean?

noun. 1. : a usually little known contender (such as a racehorse) that makes an unexpectedly good showing. : an entrant in a contest that is judged unlikely to succeed. : a political candidate unexpectedly nominated usually as a compromise between factions.

What was James K Polk famous quote?

“Well may the boldest fear and the wisest tremble when incurring responsibilities on which may depend our country’s peace and prosperity, and in some degree the hopes and happiness of the whole human family.”

What is the 54 40 or fight?

Polk’s battle cry was “Fifty-four forty or fight,” which meant the United States would accept nothing less from the British than all of the Oregon Country, as far north as the border of Alaska. Polk won the Presidency and took office in 1845.

What does the word Polk mean?

(obsolete, slang) To dance the polka.