Parallels in style are even more striking. As a self-made man from a provincial background, Jackson pioneered a campaign strategy that has lasted from his day to ours: running against Washington.

Established politicians dismissed his candidacy: Former President Thomas Jefferson called Jackson “one of the most unfit men I know of” for the presidency.

Jackson’s campaign responded with charges that the political establishment had become a corrupt and unresponsive elite. Only an outsider such as he, Jackson insisted, could bring to bear the common sense and virtue of the common people.

Events proved that no one liked Jackson — except the voting public.