Although on Harrison's side and against Blaine, Senator Cullom remarks in his memoirs that Harrison had "a very cold, distant temperament," and that "he was probably the most unsatisfactory President we ever had in the White House to those who must necessarily come into personal contact with him." Cullom is of the opinion that "jealousy was probably at the bottom of their disaffection," but it appears to be certain that at this time Blaine had renounced all ambition to be President and energetically discouraged any movement in favor of his candidacy.

On February 6, 1892, he wrote to the chairman of the Republican National Committee that he was not a candidate and that his name would not go before the convention.
President Harrison went ahead with his arrangements for renomination, with no sign of opposition from Blaine.

Then suddenly, on the eve of the convention, something happened--exactly what has yet to be discovered--which caused Blaine to resign the office of Secretary of State.

It soon became known that Blaine's name would be presented, although he had not announced himself as a candidate.

Blaine's health was then broken, and it was impossible that he could have imagined that his action would defeat Harrison.