Lincoln Research

[AussieMick]

Hi Danny,
Just to add my two penn'orth .... I've always wanted to know more about Lincoln 'the politician'. How did he manage to win nomination ... how did he select his cabinet and generals ... who were his enemies ... who were his friends ... did he know which was which ... did he hold grudges (or make use of talented people, regardless of past experiences ... I think that was one of his strengths, BTW) what was the Washington culture like (media-wise) ... Did he make any unjustified assumptions (and why) ? What mistakes did he make , why, and how did he deal with them. We know he had to make compromises (such as, I think, Cameron) ... was he aware of the risks? When he was ill, did this affect decision-making? This may mean that the researcher acts more like a Devil's Advocate. Assume that Lincoln was not only astute but also crafty and willing to shaft someone that was no longer useful.

Just as importantly, but frustratingly, I'd like a reasonable attempt by knowledgeable people at telling us how might the US have been different if he'd lived through a second term? Would his first term have exhausted his phenomenal powers in political management?

I, being too lazy and not terribly academic, await the fruits of your work.