Swilling the Planters with Bumbo: When Booze Bought Elections
The Rise of Election Bribery
In the early days of American democracy, political candidates resorted to unconventional tactics to win votes. One common practice was to bribe the electorate with food and drink, a strategy known as “swilling the planters with bumbo.”
This practice was so widespread and accepted that candidates who refused to engage in it often faced an uphill battle. For example, James Madison lost an election in 1777 for refusing to offer “the corrupting influence of spiritous liquors, and other treats” to voters.
George Washington’s Boozy Campaign
Even George Washington, the father of our country, was known to use alcohol to sway voters. When he first ran for office in the Virginia House of Burgesses, he attributed his defeat to his failure to provide enough liquor. Two years later, he successfully won election after distributing 144 gallons of rum, punch, hard cider, and beer to voters.
Political Parties Elevate the Spectacle
By the 19th century, political parties had elevated the tactic of feeding the electorate to a grand spectacle. In October 1876, Republicans in Brooklyn held a massive campaign barbecue, roasting two oxen whole and distributing the meat on sandwiches to an estimated 50,000 attendees.
The Douglas Democrats’ Disastrous Ox-Roast
Not all such events went smoothly. In 1860, the Douglas Democrats held a “Grand Political Carnival and Ox-roast” in Jones’ Wood that attracted 20,000 to 30,000 people. However, the event was marred by a chaotic rush for food, leaving many attendees disappointed and hungry.
The Influence of Food and Drink on Elections
It is difficult to say definitively whether these lavish feasts influenced the outcome of elections. However, the fact that candidates continued to engage in this practice suggests that they believed it was effective in swaying voters.
The Decline of Election Bribery
Over time, the practice of swilling the planters with bumbo gradually declined. This was due in part to the rise of more sophisticated campaign tactics and the growing awareness of the corrupting influence of money in politics.
The Legacy of Election Bribery
The practice of election bribery may have faded, but its legacy remains. It serves as a reminder of the lengths to which candidates have gone to win votes and the importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
Additional Considerations
- The practice of wining and dining the electorate can be traced back to ancient Rome and Greece.
- In the United States, election bribery was technically illegal, but it was often tolerated or overlooked.
- The term “swilling the planters with bumbo” refers to the practice of distributing alcohol to voters, particularly rum, which was a popular drink at the time.
- Despite the prevalence of election bribery, it is important to note that other factors, such as candidates’ policies and personal qualities, also played a role in determining the outcome of elections.