[1] Cleveland's vetoes (and other moves, such as issuing "an executive order [which was later rescinded] directing the return of captured Confederate battle standards to their home states") angered the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), a powerful organization advocating for Union veterans.

In order to ensure his renomination in 1888, Cleveland made sure to weaken the power and influence of his opponents and political enemies within the Democratic Party, especially protectionist Pennsylvania United States Congressman Samuel J. Randall and New York Governor David B.

Senator Allen G. Thurman (from the electoral vote-rich state of Ohio) was picked as Grover Cleveland's vice presidential running mate.

[2] President Cleveland's campaign managers in 1888 were "William Barnum, the Democratic national chairman, and Calvin Brice, a railroad promoter.

[3] Thurman's brief speeches explained "why high tariffs were bad for workingmen and consumers" and delineated "his physical ailments, such as cholera, head cold, and neuralgia.