"To the Rescue"

Populists decided to hold their national convention after those of the Democratic and Republican parties in 1896.  They hoped to pick up the support of those disenchanted with their old party's pro-gold stance.  Republicans predictably nominated William McKinley for president and endorsed the gold standard.  Democrats, however, bolted from Cleveland's dominance and nominated William Jennings Bryan for president on a "free silver" platform.  This left Populists with little choice but to support the Democratic nominee, or split the pro-silver forces.

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