A key Obama constituency - Ivy League historians - is threatening rebellion over the tendency, in and out of the Obama organization, to compare the president-elect to Lincoln:
"Some scholars think the comparisons have gone a bit over the top hat.
Sean Wilentz, a scholar in American history at Princeton, said many presidents have sought to frame themselves in the historical legacies of illustrious predecessors, but he couldn't find any examples quite so brazen."
Setting the bar high is no doubt a good thing - who should Obama emulate, James Buchanan? - but then you have to make the jump.
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Comment removed.
Well the only yes ONLY way one could possibly link a Proven leader in crisis from the 1800's to BHO is the similarity in the Issues between Northern and southern States-That is, Union membership and Right To Work State Statutes that collide in the battle for economic expansion and growth--If you thought it was the weather that attracted Northerns Down South- you may be mislead in your assumptions -It's the "Economy Stupid"- People work for wages that are competitive with the local scene-Not for what the Union says--See toyota , bmw and others prosper and GM, Chrysler etc. seek taxpayer bailout!!!! Well now you know-The war is on again but this time its not about slaves rights but worker rights and "Transparency"-Yeah Right !!! I can see the monument now going up in Washington for the 44 th Pres. That is unless his Chicago / Illinois cronies sell him out----— Jaguar
The Inauguration: Jan. 20 blog brings you coverage of President-elect Barack Obama's transition into office.
It's written by political journalists from the Philadelphia Inquirer. Send us your comments -- and news tips -- at this address.
Thomas Fitzgerald joined The Philadelphia Inquirer in 2000, and has covered Harrisburg as well as city, state and national politics for the newspaper. He was a “boy on the bus” in the 2004 presidential campaign and during primary contests in 2000 and 1996.
Nathan Gorenstein has covered politics and government in the city, state and nation for the Inquirer. He's worked in the city hall bureau, had a stint on the business desk, and once covered the suburbs. After serving as assistant regional editor, he was named editor of the "Politics" web site.
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