Murphy was chosen as a delegate to the national convention in 1896, but did not attend because of ill health, and was replaced by alternate Wilson S. Bissell. Though he was against the Free silver policy advocated by William Jennings Bryan, once Bryan was nominated, Murphy supported him for president in the general election. Murphy attended the 1900 Democratic National Convention as a delegate, and again supported Bryan for the presidential nomination. Murphy's name appeared in several news accounts as a potential candidate for the vice presidential nomination, but he disclaimed any interest and made no move to obtain it. In 1904, Murphy was again a delegate to the Democratic Party's national convention, and supported Alton B. Parker for president.