[LS]

The problem was, Jefferson never had solutions for anything. Ally with France. Ok, then what? Since we don't have a navy (ooops, TJ opposed building one), we won't be able to keep the country free after Britain declares war. Oppose Hamilton's fiscal policies. Ooops. TJ HIMSELF ordered Albert Gallatin to create the biggest spending (per capita) program in the nation's history, a $10 million roads-and-harbors project when the entire government budget wasn't $10 million. Fortunately, Congress wouldn't pass the program.

TJ built 200 stupid coastal gunboats that were all sunk in the War of 1812. Adams built four frigates that did incredible damage to the British fleet, and made them think twice about attacking American ships.

BTW, the original usage of the term "Federalist," which the miniseries failed to capture, was a group that favored SEPARATION of powers between states and the federal government. The Jeffersonians hijacked it to mean anti-central government.

[Sherman Logan]

I agreee that TJ is vastly overrated as a statesman.

As a writer, his language will perhaps never be topped.

I’m not sure I understand your last paragraph. The Federalists like Adams were of a stronger central government. The anti-Federalists like Jefferson were opposed to what in hindsight were necessary central government powers. TJ initially opposed the Constitution for this reason.