The presidential election of 1828 introduced new electoral elements and new political campaign techniques that radically changed the American political system. Until 1828, presidential campaigns were ideological conflicts, focused primarily on issues and policies and not individuals. Presidential candidates leaned either toward a larger centralized government to guarantee freedoms, or toward a decentralized government, often referred to as a “true republic,” which granted more freedom to states and therefore to individuals. Although these opposing views can be defined as Federalist or Republican, partisanship has not played a significant role. The 1828 campaigns of Andrew Jackson and John Quincy Adams changed all that, shifting the focus from policy and issues to party character, image, and rhetoric, thereby changing elections and future politics in America. At the conclusion of Lynn Parsons's The Birth of Modern Politics, one is unimpressed by the virtue of either Andrew Jackson or John Quincy Adams. Andrew Jackson was considered a “military hero” but he was also known for his character, his aggressive, violent and often militant behavior. Parsons portrays John Quincy Adams as erudite and knowledgeable about foreign and domestic policy, but uncharismatic, aloof, and sometimes self-righteous. The election of 1828 was full of irony, both men in the previous election of 1824 had proclaimed that they would not fight for the presidency "by playing the role of the 'Dumb Tribune'." (Parsons p.77) “Adams viewed the presidency as a reward for public service and not as a prize to be won through competition. » (Parsons p.76) Additionally, Adams and Jackson held each other in high regard, supporting each other publicly and privately for many years. Yet, in the middle of the article......n p.236) "The result is a lack of communication about the real problems and virtually no discussion of the real divide in American political life." » (Lakoff p.177) Americans have become so absorbed in the rhetoric of political parties that many are unable to have real discussions about "liberty, fairness, equality, opportunity, security, and responsibility." ". (Lakoff p.177) The election of 1828 gave birth to the “professional politician.” She demonstrated how “ambivalence” on issues, how image and the right language or narrative can influence voters. Partisanship has indeed increased competition and given more power to voters, but it has also divided Americans and hindered communication. As one historian put it, the “old hickory tree” killed the ideal of nonpartisan leadership. (Parsons p.184) For better or worse, American politics would change forever 1828.