Summary of Speech: William Jennings Bryan would end up becoming a three time democratic candidate for the presidency, and although he never succeeded in his ultimate pursuit, he was wildly popular within the democratic and populist parties. One of the moments that Bryan could attribute his success to would be his electrifying cross of gold speech. At the democratic convention in Chicago, at 2:00 he opened up and delivered what's considered to be one of the greatest pieces of rhetoric in American political history, helping to advance the goals of bimetallism and increase his own popularity. Bryan opens by asserting that he wishes not to make enemies of the Republicans, but take a stand alongside the Democrats for the good of the people. It's in the working man's best interest to maintain a dual metal standard, allowing the lower classes to pay off debtors more easily. Of course the wealthier capitalists wanted nothing to do with it, but this rung on the social ladder than Bryan was fighting. He said that the working men truly deserve legislation in their favor, for if the fields were burned, the cities would grow grass, while the cities quickly rebuild if the farms are operational. Bryan compares his economic stance to Jefferson, soon inquiring about the inconsistencies in the Republican party. Why would they be waiting along with Europe to change metal policies if their platform holds that Gold is the most beneficial? Bryan says that the businessmen wouldn't be interfered with by change, for THEY interfere with the common man. WJB successfully consolidated the Democratic and Populist parties, developing a strong constituency, becoming a chief proponent of bimetallism and turning himself into a widely regarded orator.
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