Outsider Status

One of the biggest differences between Abe Lincoln and Bush 43 was Lincoln's campaign and presidency as an outsider. Political survial required that Lincoln not only make compromises but also bring in rival factions to stay in power. The Bush 41 presidency supplied the "insiders", money, and political ties (and Supreme Court!) to help Bush 43 will the 2000 election. It is difficult to unseat an encumbent president during time of war. Parallels here can be with the election of 1864 and 2004. Another striking difference was Lincoln's ability to emphathize with human pain; Bush wouldn't even speak with Cindy Sheehan in Crawford, Texas. Perhaps the dire situation in Iraq can eased with diplomacy.....even Lincoln was reluctant to go this route unless all his conditions were met.