Obama Campaign Following Lincoln Blueprint

It is rather silly to compare, as some have done, Barack Obama to Abraham Lincoln. But it is fair to compare their means of assent in the nomination process. How is Obama on the cusp of defeating the party establishment? This is not the first time an upstart candidate came out of nowhere to win a party nomination. There are a few interesting examples in American history to compare it to, but perhaps none are as tantalizing as the republican nomination for President in 1860.

Both Lincoln & Obama ran against the establishment party candidate, who in 1860 and 2008 were from New York. Like Hillary Clinton, William Seward’s march towards the nomination looked like a lock. In fact, in Seward’s hometown (255 miles away from Clinton’s home), cannons were already positioned and ready to be fired in celebration of Seward’s nomination.

Unlike Clinton & Seward, Lincoln and Obama were new to national politics, and had little enemies. It was thought that in nominating Lincoln, the Republican party would have a greater chance of getting more votes in places it was weaker, such as the West. The Obama campaign argues it can get more votes out of the South, and can bring out young people in droves to vote.

Obama’s speaking abilities have drawn much adulation, as did the stoic speeches of Lincoln. Both held elected office for 8 years in the Illinois state legislature, and two years in Washington before running for President. Each used vivid imagery on the campaign trail to drive home their message - from ‘the rail splitter’ to ‘yes we can.’

After starting off slowly, Lincoln began to gain delegate votes at the convention. Many of the more partisan delegates were offended by Seward’s tactical move to the move center wing of the party and instead looked elsewhere. The Lincoln campaign staff moved deftly to secure the support of key delegates. Then there was a swift sea change in support and his opponents – Seward, Salomon Chase, and Edward Bates, began to lose steam, and the party rallied behind the lanky man with the broad smile yet unfamiliar name.

Years of failed leadership have left the United States in a quagmire. The world opinion of the country had fallen, as did its economy. There was no doubt that this was a time of war. The outgoing President was extremely unpopular, and thought by many to have failed in a time of crisis. Is this 1860 or 2008?

It’s both. History has a funny way of repeating itself.

Some have called an Obama/Clinton or Clinton/Obama ticket for the democrats the “dream ticket.” It’s called the “dream ticket” because in reality most assume it will not happen. But consider the cabinet of Lincoln - all his former rivals for the nomination became his top officials. Despite personal animosity towards each other, they found a way work together and steer the country through some treacherous times.

That’s the kind of leadership and sacrifice we could use today.