Who Was the Real Chester Arthur and His Link to James Garfield?
When President James Garfield was shot in July 1881, few believed his Vice President, Chester A. Arthur, could handle the unfolding crisis. Known mainly as a New York Republican party figure tied to patronage and machine politics, Arthur initially lacked public trust. However, following Garfield's death later that year, Arthur became the 21st President of the United States, surprising many with his leadership.
Public Perception and Political Background
Before becoming president, Arthur was seen as a party insider connected to political corruption. His reputation was that of a Republican enforcer associated with the political machine operating in New York. Despite this, his accession to the presidency marked a turning point in how the public viewed him.
Portrayal in Popular Culture
Arthur's story features prominently in Netflix's 2025 drama Death by Lightning, which dramatizes Garfield’s assassination by Charles Guiteau. In the film, Michael Shannon plays Garfield, Matthew Macfadyen portrays Guiteau, and Nick Offerman appears as Chester Arthur, depicted as a reluctant figure suddenly thrust into high office amidst political turmoil.
"Chester Arthur… portrayed as something of a low man pushed in high office, a Republican enforcer famed for his carousing."
Arthur’s unexpected presidency challenges the initial distrust, revealing a more complex leader than his political background suggested.
Author’s summary: Despite his background as a political insider, Chester Arthur’s presidency demonstrated unexpected leadership after Garfield’s assassination, reshaping his public image.