Having just finished reading Doris Kearns Goodwin's Team of Rivals, a history of the Lincoln Cabinet and of Abe's "Political Genius", I was struck by the thought that Lincoln's (and all the other candidate's) detractors outnumbered supporters prior to his election, a fact that he leveraged to gain the nomination despite a strong field. The New York Times declared him "a fourth-rate lecturer" and even members of his staff were derogatory. Despite these setbacks he has become one of the greatest Presidents in history. His speeches are legendary and his face is one three denominations of our currency. Can a President be so misunderstood? Will George finally redeem himself? I think it's doubtful.
Here's a picture of Lincoln's first Cabinet (L-R) Edward Bates - Attorney General, W. Henry Seward - Secretary of State, Edwin Stanton - Secratary of War, and Salmon Chase - Secratary of the Treasury. Note the 50% beard / 0% moustache ratio.
Now here's the current Cabinet (L-R) Alberto Gonzales - Attorney General, Condaleeza Rice - Sec. State, Sec. Defense - Donald Rumsfeld, Sec Treasury - Henry Paulsen.
Beards win 2-0*. Note also the resemblance between Chase and Paulsen. Eerie.
* Rumsfeld's recent replacement changes nothing, as he has no beard.
1 comment:
Useless information is good sometimes, like today. I know about 13 women who could use the yogurt information, unfortunately I'm afraid that would take the info literally and all leave the program thinking that the real thing is better than using yogurt to get there.
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