unlike in 1896 and 1900, bryan did not advocate in favor of free silver in 1908, believing this issue to be dead. rather, bryan focused on labor issues, trusts, campaign finance reform, and imperialism during his campaign. as in 1896 and 1900, bryan ran an active and energetic campaign and delivered speeches throughout the north and west. of the 60 days that bryan spent on the campaign trail, half were spent in the midwest, 10 in new york, 6 in other eastern states, and the remaining 14 days in the plains states and colorado. meanwhile, vice-presidential nominee kern focused on campaigning in the south. as in 1896 and 1900, bryan attracted large crowds and gave numerous speeches each day (including a record-breaking 30). due to his older age, bryan became more exhausted as a result of giving so many speeches than he was back in 1896 and 1900. while he expected to lose new england and the west coast, bryan expected to hold the south and rocky mountain states (as he did in both 1896 and 1900).