He should say that those on the extremes--the far Left and the far right--will be equally disappointed in his administration. Because he intends to work first and foremost for the vast middle of America and cares more about our Nation than about furthering a particular policy and scoring political victories--in direct contradistinction to the outgoing administration.
It's pretty clear from historical accounts, including Lincoln's own words and actions that his actual views were substantially divergent from "moderation and deliberation". Indeed, they were often racist, authoritarian, deceptive, and aggressive (Sumter, anyone?).
That's no judgement on Lincoln, but to frame Biden-Lincoln-2021 as you have above seems unproductive.
Biden's been harping on unity since his election, and while I hope he invokes Lincoln's words and I hope they strike a chord, it's hard to see how the buffoons who two weeks ago stormed the capital will suddenly be inspired by, or even understand them. Calls for calm and reason aren't working - as you say, "there are limits to the powers of speech." That doesn't mean we should keep trying, but I'm more interested to see how Biden confronts the divisiveness from a policy standpoint. It seems, at this moment, history and language have less meaning to the everyday American than at any point in my lifetime. I wonder what the government's job is moving that needle.
I think we need to give him a little time. Lincoln's words didn't work either at least in the short term but he felt it important to show that democracy takes work.
David, I agree that this is what Biden has been saying all along and his Cabinet choices reflect a focus on re-building a civil society. It is not the left or right that will make the difference, it is how the the center-left and center-right work together that will make the difference. Remember that Lee did not want civil war but went with his commonwealth.
He should say that those on the extremes--the far Left and the far right--will be equally disappointed in his administration. Because he intends to work first and foremost for the vast middle of America and cares more about our Nation than about furthering a particular policy and scoring political victories--in direct contradistinction to the outgoing administration.
I wasn't aware that it was Lincoln who fired on Fort Sumter, the first time, to my knowledge, that Americans had fired on the American flag.
Didn't say that. But I will say that you have some reading to do.
It's pretty clear from historical accounts, including Lincoln's own words and actions that his actual views were substantially divergent from "moderation and deliberation". Indeed, they were often racist, authoritarian, deceptive, and aggressive (Sumter, anyone?).
That's no judgement on Lincoln, but to frame Biden-Lincoln-2021 as you have above seems unproductive.
Biden's been harping on unity since his election, and while I hope he invokes Lincoln's words and I hope they strike a chord, it's hard to see how the buffoons who two weeks ago stormed the capital will suddenly be inspired by, or even understand them. Calls for calm and reason aren't working - as you say, "there are limits to the powers of speech." That doesn't mean we should keep trying, but I'm more interested to see how Biden confronts the divisiveness from a policy standpoint. It seems, at this moment, history and language have less meaning to the everyday American than at any point in my lifetime. I wonder what the government's job is moving that needle.
I think we need to give him a little time. Lincoln's words didn't work either at least in the short term but he felt it important to show that democracy takes work.
David, I agree that this is what Biden has been saying all along and his Cabinet choices reflect a focus on re-building a civil society. It is not the left or right that will make the difference, it is how the the center-left and center-right work together that will make the difference. Remember that Lee did not want civil war but went with his commonwealth.