James Traub discusses the Militant Spirit of John Quincy Adams

Journalist and foreign policy expert James Traub unveils his essential biography on the life and complex political career of America’s sixth president, John Quincy Adams—from his upbringing as the son of Founding Father John Adams to his death on the floor of the House of Representatives. Michael Gerhardt, professor of constitutional law at the University of North Carolina and scholar-in-residence at the National Constitution Center, moderates.
Traub is the author of John Quincy Adams: Militant Spirit.

[robertpolityka]

My personal opinion of why Henry Clay supported John Quincy Adams:

1- Crawford suffered a massive stroke during the campaign. In Clay's eyes, that makes him unable to perform the duties of the office of President.

2- Jackson was seen as a potentially as his strongest opponent in the next election, especially in the West.

3- Clay sèes Adams as the closest to him, amongst his rivals, in terms of ideology.

(There might be a "corrupt bargain" between the two of them. The bargain would set a precedent where future Presidents would place formal rivals as their Secretaries of State [and potential successors], such as the duo of Polk and Buchanan..or Lincoln and Seward..or Obama and Clinton.)