crawford had run for president once before in 1816. he had served two terms as a u.s. senator. he served two presidents as a cabinet member and had experience as a foreign diplomat. crawford was a strong supporter of states' rights. he was a member of a group called the "old republicans" or "radicals". he was against protective tariffs and wanted limited budgets to keep the federal government weak. while generally easygoing and friendly, he had a temper every bit as bad as jackson's. he suffered a severe stroke in 1823 and nearly died. this left him frail and weak. at the time of his nomination he was blind and still paralyzed. but he refused to give up another bid for the presidency.