Like Jefferson, many U.S. citizens supported the new Constitution because they were reassured by the prospect of Washington as the first president. Given his vital role in securing the independence of the American colonies, Washington by now was widely viewed as a charismatic leader selflessly committed to the common good. Not surprisingly, the contest for president was a one-horse race. By present-day standards it was also a very unusual contest. Washington did not campaign for the office, and he made no public mention of whether he was even a candidate. Nevertheless, when the new Congress convened in 1789 and the votes of the electoral college were tallied, Washington emerged as the unanimous choice. He accepted the electors' decision and went to New YorkCity, the temporary capital. John Adams, the runner-up in electoral votes, became vice president
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