Lincoln Poll in USA TODAY

[RJNorton]

This is an experiment. There are folks with varying opinions of Lincoln on the forum which is exactly what I was hoping for. The purpose of the board is not to glorify Lincoln; rather it is to analyze both the man and his policies in a manner where people differ but respect each other at the same time. If a discussion does develop on this topic, but erodes into personal attacks on members, then I will end it prematurely.

I am asking this question because, in my heart, I really do not know the answer, and I am very curious what others have to say.

Several years ago USA TODAY had the results of an Abraham Lincoln poll on the front page at the bottom left corner. If memory serves me correctly, the results were:

97% Approval

3% Disapproval

I found it almost incredible that one man would have such a high rating among Americans. I do not know how the poll was conducted, whether it was nationwide, or the size of the number polled.

Nevertheless, I am wondering if folks have opinions on this. Just for the purpose of discussion, let's accept the results as being essentially accurate.

So why is this? Is it because he was the first president to be assassinated? Is it because people have a favorable view of his major actions/speeches/decisions, etc. as president? Is it because students are indoctrinated that Lincoln could no wrong? Are Lincoln's extraconstitutional actions not taught in schools? Or do educators teach that the extraconstitutional actions were justified in wartime? Is it because the vast majority of Lincoln biographies are favorable to him? Is it because many Americans really don't read Lincoln books, but they know about Lincoln's Birthday and Presidents' Day (exactly whom Presidents' Day is meant to honor is somewhat of a mystery to me) and just figure he must have been a good president? Why are there 15,000 books dealing with (or at least in part) one human being? What is it about the man?

I could go on and on. I grew up in Illinois, and it was not until I was in college that I ever had a teacher even question any of Lincoln's policies.

Any opinions?