William Bryan Campaign Button, 1896, 1900, 1908

William Jennings Bryan ran for the presidency of the United States three times--but fell short each time. He gained acclaim for his rousing oratories and his appeal to poor farmers and the common man. The Democrat Bryan--who also captured the People's or "Populist" Party nomination in 1896--lost twice to McKinley and later to Taft, both Republicans.