[WhiskeyPapa]

The conventional wisdom in America is that Abraham Lincoln was a great emancipator who preserved American liberties. In recent years, new research has portrayed a less-flattering Lincoln that often behaved as a self-seeking politician who catered to special interest groups.

So which is the real Lincoln?

Both

How do you reconcile your statement with the fact that Lincoln was pretty sure in his own mind that he would lose the 1864 election? In August, 1864 he was actually asked by the head of the Republican Party to withdraw. Failing that, he was asked to rescind the Emancipation Proclamation to increase his chances of winning. He flatly refused. And Lincoln was a very experienced campaigner, and he had lost a number of elections.

He said, according to [David H. ]Donald, "But now, if he followed their advice, he would have to do without the help of nearly 200,000 black men in the service of the Union. In that case 'we would be compelled to abandon the war in 3 weeks.' Practical considerations aside, there was the moral issue. How could anybody propose 'to return to slavery the black warriors of Port Hudson and Olustee to their masters to conciliate the South?' "I should be damned in time and eternity for so doing,' he told his visitors (Gov. Randall, and Judge Mills, both from Wisconsin). "The world will know that I keep my faith to friends and enemies, come what will.'"

I'd be very glad if you could show that -ever- Lincoln undertook -any- action on behalf of a special interest group.

Walt

[Valin]

How do you reconcile my statement? Simple he was a politician.
So many people either place people like Lincoln or Washington, Jefferson, FDR, etc either on a pedestal or in the 9th circle of hell. When they were just like you and me imperfect creatures doing the best they can.