Why did William Jennings Bryan lose the 1896 presidential election?

counting the votes, he had less votes. (end of the first answer)

Bryan favored the coining of silver , the end of protective tariffs and a federal income tax. He was called the "Great Commoner" with some reason. His ideas favored the farmers and the working people at the expense of the bankers, investors and factory owners. In this case, the Eastern establishment were able to put the Republican candidate, William McKinley into office. Bryan was only 36 , something of a fire-brand with little political experience. He may have scared some potential backers into voting for the solid, more experienced McKinley.