Who supported Benjamin Harrison?

President Benjamin Harrison served one term as the nation's chief executive (1889–93). Who supported him? This question can be answered by looking at his support during three periods: his nomination and election campaign, the results of the 1888 presidential election, and his presidency.
The Republicans sought to defeat the Democratic incumbent, Grover Cleveland, in the presidential election of 1888. As president, Cleveland had earned the enmity of big business. Cleveland had regulated the powerful railroad industry and fought for lower tariffs. Harrison was nominated to run against Cleveland for several reasons. First, he was the grandson of a former president. Second, he came from the pivotal state of Indiana. Third, his conduct as a Civil War general was exemplary. Finally, and most important, the Republicans wanted a candidate who was willing to keep tariffs high. In those days, presidential nominations were carried out by party leaders behind closed doors. (Today, candidates are elected by the public in voter primaries.) Cleveland's campaign benefited from large donations by big business.
The election of 1888 was controversial for several reasons. Harrison won the North and the West. This was typical as Republicans carried the North while Democrats carried the South during this period. Also, there was corruption. The Republicans carried Indian by using paid "floaters" who voted for Harrison. Finally, Harrison lost the popular vote and became president through his majority in the Electoral College.
As president, Harrison enjoyed the support of a Republican-controlled Congress for his first two years in office. In 1890, tariffs were increased to please business interests. Harrison had inherited a budget surplus, but he squandered it through lavish spending on veterans' pensions and big business subsidies. Harrison became increasingly unpopular as the public came to associate his presidency with affluent businessmen. Farmers, in particular, came to resent Harrison. His policies were repudiated in the 1890 elections for Congress. Harrison's party was badly defeated and he was no longer able to implement his programs during the last two years of his presidency.