Why did the choice of a candidate by liberal Republicans in 1872 harm their efforts to defeat Grant?

The choice of a candidate by the Liberal Republicans in 1872 harmed their efforts to defeat President Ulysses S. Grant because they chose Horace Greeley, who was a controversial and divisive figure. Greeley was the editor of the New York Tribune and had been a longtime critic of the Democratic Party, which made it difficult for Democrats to support him even though the Liberal Republicans and Democrats formed a coalition against Grant.

Major reasons for the failure:

1. Lack of Coherence: The Liberal Republicans themselves were a faction that broke away from the main Republican Party primarily due to disagreements over Reconstruction policy. They hoped to reform the excesses of the Grant administration, but they did not form a cohesive unit with a clear, unified platform.

2. Greeley's Past Positions: Horace Greeley was known for his erratic opinions and changes of stance on various issues. His history of political positions and outspoken nature made him an easy target for political attacks, and it was hard for him to command broad-based support.

3. Public Perception: Greeley had been a vehement critic of the Democratic Party, which made it difficult for regular Democrats to warm up to him, despite the tactical coalition. For many, this alliance seemed more like a marriage of convenience rather than a true political partnership, which undermined the potential for voter enthusiasm.

4. Grant's Popularity: Ulysses S. Grant was a war hero, having led the Union Army to victory in the Civil War. His immense popularity, especially among veterans and many Northerners, was a formidable wall to breach. Despite the corruption scandals of his administration, Grant still held a significant level of public support.

5. Campaign and Media: Greeley was also disadvantaged in the way campaigns were managed. Grant ran a "front porch" campaign, avoiding the stumping that might have exposed his administration to criticism. In contrast, Greeley campaigned actively but faced a media that often ridiculed and caricatured him, diminishing his public image.

Ultimately, the 1872 election was a landslide victory for Grant, and the Liberal Republicans' strategy backfired, effectively ending the movement.