David Rogers of Politico writes an interesting--if overly gushy--look at how Obama has a chance to "seize the moment," starting with his inauguration.
Of course, Rogers talks a lot about how Obama is trying to follow the examples of FDR and Lincoln. But he also points out another, less celebrated president who Obama should seek to emulate: Grant.
True, Grant wasn't what anyone would call a great president. The best thing anyone can say about his administration is "It was pretty corrupt, yeah, but it wasn't Grant's fault. He was asleep at the switch, that's all." Hardly high praise.
But if Obama should avoid the example of Grant the President, he can learn some important lessons from Grant the General.
Rogers quotes James McPherson:
“One of Grant’s hallmarks as a general was his refusal to panic. He stayed cool when others around him were not. ... Grant took the long view of any campaign and wasn’t discouraged by temporary setbacks but pushed on. Obama has already demonstrated some of the same qualities in taking the long view.”
Is Obama a history lover? I hope so. If he is, he'll know that being a good president is more than parroting Lincoln and FDR. You've got to look at the qualities of all the past presidents, even the bad ones. Grant's not a bad place to start.
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