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The Democratic Party chose another candidate instead of their incumbent President when they nominated James Buchanan at the national convention. Since the Jackson Administration, he had a distinguished career as a Senator, Congressman, Cabinet officer, and ambassador. The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice Roger Taney on the East Portico of the Capitol. A parade had preceded the ceremony at the Capitol, and an inaugural ball was held that evening for 6,000 celebrants in a specially built hall on Judiciary Square.