Buchanan had run for the nomination in 1992, but lost to George H.W. Bush. After the 1996 election, Buchanan associated with the Reform Party, and successfully became that party's nomination for the 2000 presidential election; he again lost the general election.
Background
Pat Buchanan was an aide to presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and Ronald Reagan. Meanwhile, he became an author and political commentator on TV and radio. He was a "harsh critic" of President George H.W. Bush during his term, and in 1992, Buchanan ran for the Republican nomination in the 1992 presidential election, against him. Bush ultimately won the nomination. Buchanan received 23% of the primary vote.[1]
Campaign
Buchanan in 1986Gold denotes a state won by Buchanan.
Pat Buchanan announced his campaign in February 1995.[2] The Christian Science Monitor wrote that he "has highlighted an ideological schism within the GOP at a time when the party would rather be closing ranks to defeat President Clinton."[3] He used "blunt, memorable" populist and nativist language and divided the right wing, especially because of his opposition to free trade economic policies like NAFTA which many conservatives supported.[1][4]Britannica writes: "Buchanan criticized U.S. attempts to broker peace in the world and what he saw as the undue influence of Israel on U.S. foreign policy. He advocated [for] a temporary moratorium on immigration. He decried the feminist and homosexual rights movements and was adamantly opposed to abortion. He denounced as futile Republican attempts to win elections by moving toward the middle of the political spectrum."[1] He also wanted the U.S. stop giving foreign countries aid and take American soldiers out of Bosnia, saying American troops should be sent to the U.S.-Mexico border instead.[3]
After being compared ideologically to Ku Klux Klan member David Duke, Buchanan disavowed Duke and removed a campaign adviser who had ties to him.[5]
Buchanan won the New Hampshire primary, receiving 27% of the vote, compared to Dole at 26% and former Tennessee Governor Lamar Alexander at 23%.[9] Buchanan had difficulty later on. He continued his campaign until August 1996, and did not endorse Bob Dole, who won the nomination but later lost the general election. He encouraged his supporters not to leave the Republican Party.[4][10]
Buchanan received 20% of the primary vote or 3,184,943 votes and 4 states (Alaska, Louisiana, New Hampshire, Missouri).
This section is missing information about delegate selection results. Please expand the section to include this information. Further details may exist on the talk page.(September 2022)
In October 1999, Buchanan left the Republican Party and became associated with the Reform Party. He successfully became their nomination for the 2000 presidential election, but lost the general election.[1] Some commentators believe Buchanan's policies may have inspired those of Donald Trump.[4][5]
↑ "Dole wins both Dakotas, but is lagging in Arizona." Toledo Blade. February 28, 1996. Accessed December 2, 2009. Final paragraph: Mr. Mecham is supporting Buchanan "all the way," and he still has an effective organization in the state.
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