Wasn’t baptized because father Sam fought theologically with Presbyterian minister

University of NC, then clerk for Grundy, Nashville lawyer

Became lawyer in 1820; first case was his father for public fighting

Bantered with Houston as lawyers, and state rep Crockett, both of which very different from Polk

Sarah’s family close with the Jacksons, which helped him side with Jackson for senate in 1823

Clay elected speaker as freshman (had represented Burr during treason trial)

Became Tennessee governor but then lost reelection in 1841 and failed to recapture in 1843

Schemed at 1844 convention to become Van Buren’s VP against other contenders; had to consolidate Tennessee delegation power without alienating Van Buren against him

Van Buren and Cass were top vote-getters, but after 8 ballots shifted away from Van Buren and Polk emerged as compromise

Vote difference was 39,000 out of 2.7 million; if antislavery Birney hadn’t run Clay probably would’ve run

Dual diplomatic fronts of Britain in Oregon and Mexico for Texas: war possible against both depending on how stubborn with land they were

Mexico’s latest government collapse signaled low chances of compromise, so Polk sent Gen. Taylor to Rio del Norte

Secretary of State Buchanan schemed to deny votes for Polk’s Court candidate because he wanted the job himself