Obama and Lincoln, according to historian Richard Norton Smith
Presidential historian Richard Norton Smith spoke at Calvin College Wednesday as part of the school's January Series. Smith is the former head of the Ford museum, and many other presidential libraries. As we approach Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday, as well as the inauguration of a new president, Smith reflects on the connections between Lincoln and President-Elect Barack Obama.
Smith quoted Lincoln, saying "In your hands, and not in mine, my dissatisfied countrymen, is the issue of civil war." Smith quoted Abraham Lincoln's inaugural speeches as he spoke at Calvin College's January Series. Smith quoted, "Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this scourge of war may fervently pass away."
As another inauguration approaches Smith draws many connections between Lincoln and Barack Obama. He says, "In some ways it's a story that's been 200 years in the making. A promise we made to ourselves a long time ago that we've belatedly kept. ... And in a very real sense, this Inauguration Day represents Lincoln's unfinished business in terms of putting race on the national agenda."
Smith says it's no surprise Obama looks to Lincoln as an inspiration. He explains, "Lincoln was someone who came from the most unlikely of backgrounds, who was in many ways self taught in everything that he did. Who took on the establishment of his day. Political and otherwise. And who ultimately brought a kind of moral authority to the presidency."
When asked about the "team of rivals" both men created in their cabinets, Smith admitted Lincoln's group was more rival than team. But, he says, "What's important about a team of rivals is what it says about Lincoln's belief in his own ability to master the strong egos."
Now Smith says Obama must make his own history.
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Smith quoted Lincoln, saying "In your hands, and not in mine, my dissatisfied countrymen, is the issue of civil war." Smith quoted Abraham Lincoln's inaugural speeches as he spoke at Calvin College's January Series. Smith quoted, "Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this scourge of war may fervently pass away."
As another inauguration approaches Smith draws many connections between Lincoln and Barack Obama. He says, "In some ways it's a story that's been 200 years in the making. A promise we made to ourselves a long time ago that we've belatedly kept. ... And in a very real sense, this Inauguration Day represents Lincoln's unfinished business in terms of putting race on the national agenda."
Smith says it's no surprise Obama looks to Lincoln as an inspiration. He explains, "Lincoln was someone who came from the most unlikely of backgrounds, who was in many ways self taught in everything that he did. Who took on the establishment of his day. Political and otherwise. And who ultimately brought a kind of moral authority to the presidency."
When asked about the "team of rivals" both men created in their cabinets, Smith admitted Lincoln's group was more rival than team. But, he says, "What's important about a team of rivals is what it says about Lincoln's belief in his own ability to master the strong egos."
Now Smith says Obama must make his own history.