The Untold Story of Abraham Lincoln: A Political Powerhouse

Abraham Lincoln is often remembered as the humble, honest man who rose from a log cabin to the presidency. But the reality is much more complex. Lincoln was a shrewd political strategist who knew how to navigate the murky waters of politics.

A Driven Individual

He was not just a wise old man who stumbled into the presidency. Lincoln was a driven individual who clawed his way to the top. He was known for barking out orders, providing advice, and even writing "BURN THIS" at the bottom of his letters. He used his position to flood constituents with his speeches and made sure to shake every farmer's hand he could.

Political Acumen Before the Presidency

Lincoln's political acumen was evident even before he became president. He was a skilled lobbyist who pushed rail lines through Northern Illinois, so much so that a town was named after him. This shows that Lincoln was a man of consequence, not just a lucky break.

"Boss Lincoln" and Political Maneuvering

The book "Boss Lincoln" sheds light on Lincoln's political maneuvering. It shows that Lincoln was not afraid to get his hands dirty. He even followed his political rival, Stephen Douglas, around, doing opposition research and offering on-the-spot rebuttals. This led to the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates, where Lincoln's sharp wit and political savvy were on full display.

Challenges and Relevance

Lincoln's political career was not without its challenges. He had to deal with issues like immigration and slavery, which are still relevant today. Lincoln's ability to navigate these complex issues shows that our current political climate is not as unique as we might think.

Critique of the Book

However, the book is not perfect. It sometimes gets bogged down in the details of political maneuvering, spending nearly 20 pages on the fate of a single subcabinet post. But overall, "Boss Lincoln" offers a fresh and relevant look at Lincoln's political career.