I probably should have prefaced my previous post by saying that I'd seen this posted elsewhere and thought it was funny as hell ;).
My point, broadly, was that Lincoln was an outstanding leader but lacked obvious qualifications. There's an interesting book by the American historian T. Harry Williams called Lincoln and his Generals which examines Lincoln's growth as a strategist during the Civil War years. He (Lincoln) compares very favorably with the professional soldiers who ought to have directed the war effort; actually, Lincoln compares very favorably with most of our "war presidents."
Wilson, whom I absolutely loath, had more professional training but was completely unsuited to international diplomacy and did not grow into the role. I give Obama better than even odds to win the election, so I hope that, like Lincoln, he displays heretofore unknown/unused leadership qualities (which I consider as separate from his rhetoric).
For my part, I would welcome being led by people obviously smarter and cleverer than myself. I would love to see what good governance looks like.
Right--on to important matters. We'll be swinging through Madison this week, and I'm going to try and see if I can fit all three computers in the fleet car. If so, then I can save you the trip ;).
My point, broadly, was that Lincoln was an outstanding leader but lacked obvious qualifications. There's an interesting book by the American historian T. Harry Williams called Lincoln and his Generals which examines Lincoln's growth as a strategist during the Civil War years. He (Lincoln) compares very favorably with the professional soldiers who ought to have directed the war effort; actually, Lincoln compares very favorably with most of our "war presidents."
Wilson, whom I absolutely loath, had more professional training but was completely unsuited to international diplomacy and did not grow into the role. I give Obama better than even odds to win the election, so I hope that, like Lincoln, he displays heretofore unknown/unused leadership qualities (which I consider as separate from his rhetoric).
For my part, I would welcome being led by people obviously smarter and cleverer than myself. I would love to see what good governance looks like.
Right--on to important matters. We'll be swinging through Madison this week, and I'm going to try and see if I can fit all three computers in the fleet car. If so, then I can save you the trip ;).
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