toldailytopic: George Washington and Abe Lincoln: how would they have fared in the up

[Quincy]

Lincoln had surprisingly progressive views about labor, capital, and the plight of the working class. It'd be a stretch to call him a socialist but he certainly was a populist figure and no elitist.

Yep, I agree. He'd probably be a center right type.

How would they fare? Beyond appearance, grooming, and the ability to politic effectively on the campaign trail?

Neither man would stand a chance of being elected by Americans today because Americans today would not make the sacrifices either man would require of them.

Very true, the country is far too dependant on a lot of things being supplied by government and producers. I sometimes think we're slaves to the greatest drug ever made. I don't see either winning either. When Romney is polled as most presidential looking, neither of guys would fit that image and I figure both favor much smaller government than we have.

Lincoln would favor a much smaller government than even most conservatives would today.

 

[Quincy]

it had nothing to do with slavery at the outset and more to do with a central government trying to lord over the states (sound familiar?).

You mean like, there might be a cold civil war going on in the media, Obama is a modern Lincoln and well, there is no George Washington today?

 

[fool]

Well, Abe would have a thing or two to say about all these vampires...

Abe in 2012

I gotta see that.

 

[rocketman]

Maybe. But I've been very disappointed by Obama's almost non-existent efforts. He's afraid to even speak of the real problem - the legalized bribery that has completely perverted the prime directive of government that was supposed to be by and for the people.

Why would you expect Obama to speak out or attempt to change a system he himself is a part of? Or do you really believe he is a purist? Cmon, be honest with yourself.

 

[rocketman]

You mean like, there might be a cold civil war going on in the media, Obama is a modern Lincoln and well, there is no George Washington today?

No, more like since the civil war the central govt. has slowly stole states rights away, and built itself into an institution it was never designed to be, constitutionally speaking.

 

[S0Z0]

And a "right wing fanatic" is a... what?

Right, of course.

 

[Cracked]

I gotta see that.

I know, right?

 

[eameece]

Maybe. But I've been very disappointed by Obama's almost non-existent efforts. He's afraid to even speak of the real problem - the legalized bribery that has completely perverted the prime directive of government that was supposed to be by and for the people.

To be like Lincoln, Obama could not unite America, but would have to rouse one faction to fight against the other. I'm afraid that is what might be necessary to fix things like money dominating our politics. A conciliator like Obama probably can't do that, though he's starting to try. Whoever could do it, would have to start a battle that would last many years. The right-wing is powerful and entrenched; it has to be defeated in order for America to make any progress now on anything.

 

[eameece]

Yep, I agree. He'd probably be a center right type.

No, what Granite described is center-left, and certainly leftist by today's standards in America.

Lincoln would favor a much smaller government than even most conservatives would today.

Such a government cannot deal with the problems we face. He would favor a stronger government than exists today, just as he did then. He would be a Democrat who would act to end the Republican obstruction of today.

 

[ideogenous_mover]

Lincoln was homely and had a surprisingly high-pitched voice.

Really? Whenever I see pictures of the guy I think of someone getting ready to sing a sonorous and somber deep low-pitched version of "old man river." (joke)

 

[ideogenous_mover]

hmm, what was I going to say.

#1 Both Lincoln and Washington would have to make a serious effort to tone down their pre-20th century sophisticated use of the English language. Their standard for language back then was so far advanced that none of the people would understand what they are talking about. so cut the budget on recreational reading of the dictionary and thesaurus

#2 no wigs, mad-genius hair-styles, top-hats, royal looking shirts and pants, or deep and contemplative staring allowed. Cut your beard, put on a monochrome tie like any good salesman, and whenever their are cameras be sure to put on a big dorky smile. and btw, those brilliant clothes with all the buttons and fancy belts? No way man. Your going to wear a boring plain gray suit from now on. And dress socks and shoes. nothing with a buckle on it

#3 Don't you dare share any religious views that are products of your own idiosyncratic and creative interpretation. The people aren't gonna get that stuff, kapeesh? Tone it way down. Subscribe to a popular church and denomination. No more of the contemplative out-in-the-woods in a cabin alone with a bible stuff, your going to church that's that buster

 

[Angel4Truth]

There are no liberal Republicans today.
.

Mitt Romney

 

[Granite]

Really? Whenever I see pictures of the guy I think of someone getting ready to sing a sonorous and somber deep low-pitched version of "old man river." (joke)

Yep, same here! Evidently though he was not the deep-bass orator we imagine.

 

[Nick M]

Rachel Madow would probably do a nightly synopsis on how evil they are.

 

[eameece]

Mitt Romney

Like I said, there are no liberal Republicans today.

 

[eameece]

And a "right wing fanatic" is a... what?

A moron. duh.

 

[eameece]

Maybe. But I've been very disappointed by Obama's almost non-existent efforts. He's afraid to even speak of the real problem - the legalized bribery that has completely perverted the prime directive of government that was supposed to be by and for the people.

Not afraid to speak about it; he did so at the state of the union address last year. Doing something about; what can he do as long as Republicans control the government on all levels? Nothing.