I could not more vehemently disagree. Have you read the book or any history. To say that John Adams played politics is a statement of ignorance. Go back and read what he actually said and what he did. The reason he lost reelection was because of Alexander Hamilton in his own party. The party of Jefferson wanted peace and an alliance with France. Adams’ Federalist party wanted war with France. Adams went against his own party to pursue peace while angering the Jefferson’s party by preparing for war. Adams didn’t play politics he tried to do what was best for the country in a terrible time.
This is not to argue that Adams was perfect. He was not. The Sedition Act was not good. However, it is wrong to try to judge Adams’ actions at that time by today’s standards.
Anyway, there is more, the main issue is that it is incorrect to say that Adams played politics. He tried to do what was right, whether anyone liked it or not.
Yes, I have. Have you ever crafted a sentence in English before?
Adams and Jefferson and their followers gave us a little something called factionalism, which you might recognize today as bitter partisan politics. And Adams most definitely played the game; sorry to burst your bubble.