Dirty Campaigning
Both sides accused each other of lies and scandals. The Republicans used a tactic dubbed "Waving the Bloody Shirt", which was claiming that the Democrats caused the war. Many Republicans called Tilden "unpatriotic" for not supporting the troops during the war or fighting in the war. They also heavily criticized him for a minor railroad scandal when he was governor. Both sides also accused each other of supporting the African-American population.
vahistorical.org, www.archives.gov, fdfny.org
fahg.org
americanpoliticalbuttons.com
An article degrading Tilden - from Ohio, Hayes' home state. Newspapers were also used to campaign.
The role of Music
During the campaigns of 1876, many composers created choral and instrumental pieces to create festivity during campaign rallies and help promote the candidate. The songs were especially aimed to defame the opponent.
From the Library of Congress