Yes Thomas Jefferson! We may disagree, but I respect your opinions. 

This story begins on June 11, 1776. 

John Adams! You are so smart! Let's write the Declaration of Independence. 

BESTIES!

Five years later...

Jefferson! You served in the House of Burgesses as well as the Continental Congress. You were the governor of Virginia, and you served as a delegate to France. I need you as my Secretary of State. 

Adams! You served in the Continental Congress, helped draft the Paris Peace Treaty, and served as an ambassador to Great Britain. Please be my vice president!  

Initially, Jefferson and Adams were besties, but during the course of Washington's presidency they began to splinter from Federalist and Anti-Federalist factions. 

In 1796, Washington stepped down after two terms and Thomas Jefferson ran against John Adams in a nasty election. 

Adams is a "hideous hermaphrodital character, which has neither the force and firmness of a man, nor the gentleness and sensibility of a woman.”

Jefferson is a “mean-spirited, low-lived fellow, the son of a half-breed Indian squaw, sired by a Virginia mulatto father.”

John Adams won the presidency! 

But Thomas Jefferson must serve as his vice president...

Which led to an awkward four years. 

In 1798, Adams signed the Alien and Sedation Acts which Jefferson violently opposed. These acts were created in response to the French Revolution which Adams dissented and Jefferson supported. 

In 1800, the Democratic-Republicans put up Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr. 

The Federalists nominated John Adams and Charles Cotesworth Pinckney.

It was time for an election rematch...

Vote Adams! I will work for manufacturing, strengthen the federal government, and secure alliances with Great Britain! Jefferson is a stupid francophile. 

Vote for Jefferson! I will prioritize small government and agriculture. We will provide support to the French Revolution! Everyone deserves freedom!

On election night, the results were startling.

With 73 electoral votes each, Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr tied for the presidency.