Lincoln changed much during his presidency – he even changed his position on issues – how might a politician be viewed today who did the same?
“I claim not to have controlled events, but confess plainly that events have controlled me,” said Lincoln to Albert G. Hodges, April 4, 1864. Lincoln had a pragmatic approach, he stated, “My policy is to have no policy,” if one solution did not work he was ready to try another. Lincoln changed his position on colonization and slavery, influenced by Joshua Giddings, Horace Mann and Frederick Douglas. He changed his mind about some of his generals during the Civil War. The newspapers, magazines, and the Internet are full of criticism for politicians who seem to “flip flop” on issues. Presidential and governors’ elections are full of condemnation from the public when a candidate changes or alters their position on issues. Candidates today are expected to enter the public arena with their policies and positions fully formed and supported by their party’s platform. There is little room to grow today in the public eye when a candidate or after being elected to public office. This question po
Related Questions
- Lincoln changed much during his presidency – he even changed his position on issues – how might a politician be viewed today who did the same?
- How is Lincoln viewed by historians today, in terms of how effective a president he was and how important was his presidency?
- How was the presidency of Lincolns day different from the presidency today?
