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The Presidential Turkey Pardon: Tad Lincoln’s Role in the Thanksgiving Tradition

by Kim
written by Kim

The History of the Presidential Turkey Pardon: Tad Lincoln’s Role

Abraham Lincoln and Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving became a national holiday in 1863 thanks to President Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation. However, the Confederate States of America refused to recognize Lincoln’s authority due to the Civil War, so Thanksgiving was not celebrated nationally until after the war.

Tad Lincoln and the White House Turkey

Tad Lincoln, the youngest son of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln, played a pivotal role in the first known sparing of a Thanksgiving turkey. In late 1863, the Lincolns received a live turkey for their Christmas feast. Tad, an animal lover, quickly adopted the bird as a pet and named him Jack.

On Christmas Eve, Lincoln informed Tad that Jack was intended to be killed for the holiday meal. Tad protested, arguing that the turkey had a right to live. Lincoln, unable to resist his son’s pleas, wrote a reprieve for Jack on a card and handed it to Tad.

Jack the Turkey

Tad kept Jack for another year, and on election day in 1864, Lincoln spotted the bird among soldiers lining up to vote. Lincoln playfully asked his son if the turkey would be voting too, and Tad replied, “O, no; he isn’t of age yet.”

The Death of Willie Lincoln

Tad’s childhood was marked by both joy and tragedy. His older brother, Willie, died of typhoid fever in 1862. Tad was deeply affected by Willie’s death, and his behavior became more rambunctious as he sought to fill the void left by his brother.

Tad Lincoln’s Legacy

Tad Lincoln died of tuberculosis in 1871 at the age of 18. Despite his short life, he left a lasting legacy as a tireless advocate for animal rights. His successful plea to spare Jack the turkey established a precedent that continues to this day, with presidents granting pardons to turkeys every Thanksgiving.

The Evolution of the Turkey Pardon

President Harry Truman is credited with starting the tradition of the presidential turkey pardon in 1947, but he did not officially spare a bird. It was President George H.W. Bush who formally began the tradition in 1989 by pardoning a turkey named Drumstick. Since then, every president has continued the practice.

The Impact of the Civil War on Thanksgiving

The Civil War had a significant impact on Thanksgiving. The holiday was first celebrated as a national day of thanksgiving in 1863, but the Confederate States refused to recognize Lincoln’s authority. As a result, Thanksgiving was not celebrated nationally until after the war.

The Medical Problems Faced by Tad Lincoln

Tad Lincoln was born with a cleft palate that gave him a lisp and dental impairments. He also suffered from emotional problems and was easily distracted. Despite these challenges, Tad was a beloved member of the Lincoln family and played a special role in the White House during his father’s presidency.

Conclusion

[No conclusion was provided in the original instructions.]

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Abraham Lincoln: A Contested Legacy Explored by Philip Kunhardt

by Peter
written by Peter

Abraham Lincoln: A Contested Legacy

Philip Kunhardt’s Insights into Lincoln’s Life and Impact

For over two decades, Philip Kunhardt has dedicated himself to exploring historical subjects through documentaries and companion books. Among his many works, Abraham Lincoln has consistently captured his attention, culminating in his latest book, “Looking for Lincoln.”

The Genesis of “Looking for Lincoln”

Kunhardt’s fascination with Lincoln began in the early 1990s with a three-hour documentary and an accompanying book, “Lincoln: An Illustrated Biography.” While that book chronicled Lincoln’s life from 1809 to 1865, Kunhardt felt there was more to the story.

“Looking for Lincoln,” co-authored with his brother and nephew, delves into the aftermath of Lincoln’s assassination and follows the legacy of his family. It concludes with an exploration of the ways Lincoln’s memory has been shaped and contested over the years.

Lincoln’s Enduring Legacy

Lincoln’s legacy has been a subject of ongoing debate and interpretation. Kunhardt’s research reveals how diverse groups have invoked Lincoln’s name, from socialists and communists to anti-communist senator Joseph McCarthy.

This raises questions about the coherence of Lincoln’s message and the extent to which his legacy can be appropriated by such different ideologies. However, Kunhardt also recognizes the deep connection many people feel to Lincoln, a testament to his enduring impact on American history.

The Tension Between History and Memory

Kunhardt emphasizes the tension between historical fact and the collective memory of Lincoln. While history provides a factual account of events, memory is often shaped by personal experiences, emotions, and cultural narratives.

In Lincoln’s case, the man and the myth are inextricably intertwined. From the final years of his life onward, Lincoln’s legend has been molded and reinterpreted, creating a complex and multifaceted legacy.

Obama’s Fulfillment of the American Dream

Kunhardt found a profound connection between Lincoln and Barack Obama when he witnessed Obama’s acceptance speech in Grant Park in 2008. Obama’s引用 of Lincoln’s first inaugural address, “We are not enemies, but friends,” resonated with Kunhardt as a fulfillment of the American dream.

This moment, coupled with Obama’s use of the Lincoln Bible at his inauguration, underscored the enduring relevance of Lincoln’s legacy and its influence on American history.

The Significance of the Lincoln Bible

The Lincoln Bible holds a special place in American presidential history. It was first used by Lincoln at his second inauguration in 1865 and has since been used by many subsequent presidents.

Kunhardt notes that the Lincoln Bible symbolizes the enduring connection between Lincoln’s legacy and the American presidency. It serves as a reminder of Lincoln’s commitment to unity and his belief in the power of words to heal and inspire.

Conclusion

Philip Kunhardt’s “Looking for Lincoln” offers a nuanced exploration of the complex and contested legacy of Abraham Lincoln. Through his extensive research, Kunhardt highlights the tension between history and memory, the diverse ways Lincoln’s legacy has been appropriated, and the enduring influence of his words and actions on American history.

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Politics

How to Assess Presidential Greatness: A Guide for Voters and Historians

by Peter
written by Peter

How to Assess the Greatness of Presidents

Presidents and Greatness

What makes a president great? Historians and voters have debated this question for centuries. Some argue that greatness lies in the ability to win elections and maintain power, while others emphasize the transformative impact a president has on the nation.

The Importance of Elections

According to Robert W. Merry, author of “Where They Stand,” voters play a crucial role in determining presidential greatness. He argues that the greatest presidents are those who have earned the trust of the American people in multiple elections.

Historians vs. Voters

While historians’ views are important, Merry believes they should not be the sole factor in assessing presidential greatness. He contends that voters’ perspectives offer valuable insights into how presidents are perceived in their own time.

The Three-Part Test

Merry proposes a three-part test to identify the greatest presidents:

  1. Consistent recognition as great or near-great by historians
  2. Reelection to a second term by their own party
  3. Transformation of the political landscape and the nation’s course

Leaders of Destiny

Merry identifies six presidents as “Leaders of Destiny”:

  • George Washington
  • Thomas Jefferson
  • Andrew Jackson
  • Abraham Lincoln
  • Theodore Roosevelt
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt

These presidents shared several key traits, including:

  • Understanding the needs of the nation
  • Visionary leadership
  • Political adroitness

Good Presidents vs. Great Presidents

Merry distinguishes between good presidents and great presidents. Good presidents effectively manage the country, while great presidents take risks and make bold changes. Bill Clinton is cited as an example of a good president who lacked the boldness to achieve greatness.

Character and Scandals

Scandals can damage a president’s reputation, but character flaws like indecisiveness and unwillingness to take risks are even more detrimental to success. James Buchanan’s failure to address the slavery crisis is an example of such character flaws.

Reputation-Altering Biographies

Presidential biographies can significantly influence public opinion about a president. Grover Cleveland, the only two-time, one-term president, saw his reputation improve after the publication of a biography that hailed him as a man of destiny and character.

Evaluating Current Candidates

Merry advises that voters focus on the incumbent’s performance when evaluating presidential candidates. The American people tend to make sound judgments based on the president’s leadership and the country’s well-being.

Qualities to Look for in Candidates

Predicting presidential greatness is impossible, but history shows that great presidents are often elected in times of political turmoil. Supporters and detractors alike may hold strong opinions about a candidate’s potential, but only time will tell how effective they will be.

The State of the Country and Deadlock

Merry expresses concern about the current political deadlock in the United States. He questions how the country can overcome this crisis and move forward.

Confidence in Beliefs

Merry acknowledges that certainty about one’s views diminishes with experience. However, he believes that thoughtful observation and analysis can lead to well-grounded perceptions about how the world works.

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