Abraham Lincoln's Political Savvy Summary

Summary of Lincoln’s Political Savvy Abraham Lincoln was able to overcome many personal hardships in his lifetime. Through Lincoln’s undying ambition, and his personal and endearing qualities, he was able to achieve notable success. Part of Lincoln’s political genius was in his ability to form friendships with his rivals who ultimately opposed him, and his exceptional personal qualities. Those things eventually lead Lincoln to one of the most famous and successful presidencies. By looking at the lives of his friends and colleagues, we are able to attain a better understanding of Lincoln and his political genius. A monument was dedicated to Abraham Lincoln in Washington D.C., honoring his name. It was assembled by African Americans. A former
slave, named Fredrick Douglass was the man who dedicated this monument in Lincoln’s name. Fredrick Douglass states that “The whole field of fact and fancy has been gleaned and garnered. Any man can say things that are true of Abraham Lincoln, but no man can say anything new of Abraham Lincoln” (pg. 56). Douglass’s point is that there is so much information out there that the “field” of facts is not about gathering facts, but rephrasing and refining them to establish the sense of new knowledge. Anybody could write a book about Lincoln and say things that are true of him. But, because there are countless biographies written about Lincoln we would not be able to write any more additional facts of him or to say anything new of him. Many historians have uncovered new details that provide a better understanding of Lincoln.
Edward Bates, Salmon P. Chase, and William H. Seward were Abraham Lincoln’s main rivals in the republican presidential nomination. These men, along with Lincoln, all followed the same thoroughfare in their lives. All of these men were lawyers, outstanding public speakers, involved in politics, and against slavery. Many people during this time were looking for a new opportunity and experiences. By looking at Lincoln’s companions, we can more clearly paint a picture of Abraham Lincoln. He had a fruitless childhood with relatively little education. Lincoln also suffered a complicated marriage and his thoughts about death can be further understood when he is placed beside his peers. When news spread of Lincoln’s victory in the nomination, his rivals believed that the wrong person was chosen for the position. Lincoln’s name was not recognized on a national level. He seemed to come from nowhere, had lost two contests for the Senate and also served one mediocre term in the House of Representatives, and his name was known only from a local reputation. Yet, Lincoln still prevailed and won the presidency. The reason behind Lincoln winning the nomination lies within his personal qualities and an undying initiative that threw his rivals off
guard. After winning the election, Lincoln made a bold move by selecting his three main rivals for his cabinet, which showed Lincoln’s self confidence in his abilities as President. The remaining positions were given to three former democrats, Montgomery Blair, Gideon Welles, and Edwin M. Stanton. All of these men were better known, better educated, and more knowledgeable in public relations. Seward was the first to acknowledge Lincoln’s exceptional talents and was also his closest friend and advisor. It was soon realized that Lincoln was an unmatched leader and problem solver despite him lacking in certain areas of public relations. According to Edward Bates, Lincoln was “very near being a perfect man.” (pg. 57). Overall this was the political genius of Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln was endowed with a keen understanding of the sources of power essential in the presidency. His ability to form friendships with rivals who opposed him and his patience and tact along with many other personal qualities, molded Lincoln into one of the greatest presidents of all time.