If Lincoln had not died

[Rob Wick]

Quote:Was he aware of the damage that he did, as far as respecting (disrespecting, actually) the Constitution, and the precedent it might set for future presidents? Or did he sort of muddle through his presidency and do whatever it took to obtain his goals of abolition and preserving the Union, rather than carefully planning it all in advance? Did he see himself as a sort of Messiah, or handpicked by God, or fated to lead the country through the Civil War and Reconstruction?

First, I have to respectfully say I disagree with your premise. Lincoln no more set precedent for future presidents than Thomas Jefferson did when he negotiated the Louisiana Purchase. Jefferson never believed that he had any constitutional authority to buy land, but did so as a buffer against French influence in the region and to keep free trade flowing through the Mississippi. Also, one might say the same of the judiciary branch, specifically the Supreme Court. Nowhere in the constitution does it mention the term "judicial review" yet, when the court heard Marbury vs. Madison (and even before that point) it was practiced. My point is that it is easy to look at Lincoln's self-interpretation of his constitutional powers as having no precedent, but that's not correct. Before William Henry Harrison died in office, there was a question as to whether the vice-president was acting president or whether he assumed the duties as president. Things which are unprecedented sometimes happen that require actions which in other circumstances would have been wrong. Before the southern states seceded, there had never been an internal attempt at rebellion which had gone this far. Lincoln had very little choice if the nation was to survive.

Also, Lincoln's goals at the outset of the war did not include abolition. His only goal, stated or otherwise, was preserving the Union. Lincoln NEVER embraced abolitionism (at least in the sense we understand the concept) up until three years before he was murdered, and even then I think he would have preferred some sort of compensated emancipation followed by voluntary colonization. Lincoln never saw himself as a messiah. That came from others after his assassination.

Best
Rob