As the United States inches toward a possibly momentous Election Day, it could be instructive for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to think about the quixotic — and idealistic — <a href='https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2021/06/09/mormon-land-why-joseph/'>presidential campaign of church founder Joseph Smith</a> in 1844.
It came in the wake of persecution from neighbors that drove the growing band of Latter-day Saints from state to state. When Mormonism’s leaders sought redress from the government and were rebuffed, Smith decided to run himself as a protest candidate for the highest office in the land. His motive seemed to be to speak up for the voiceless, religious minorities and others shunned by the major political parties.
Indeed, Smith “seemed to identify with all of the underdogs in society,” historian <a href='https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2026/02/11/mormon-land-podcast-discussion/'>Richard Bushman</a> has said. “I think that was why he thought he might get elected — because the little people, the beat-up people, would rise and select him.”
On this week’s show, historian Benjamin Park explores the historical setting of Smith’s campaign, how it differs from today’s partisan climate and what lessons Latter-day Saints can learn from their founder’s political vision.

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Would Joseph Smith be a progressive or conservative in today’s political landscape? | Episode 463

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