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About this quote

What does it mean?
Lincoln is humorously described as reaching the midpoint of a decline among presidents.
In plain terms
He was midway to the 'sewers' of presidency.
What can you take from it?
Even great leaders have flaws and limits.

Where it applies

  • political commentary
  • media analysis

Putting it to work

  • use humor to critique power
  • recognize leader imperfections

Questions to consider

  • How does satire affect our view of leaders?
  • What does 'sewers' symbolize?

Another view

The statement is vague and possibly sarcastic.

More from Abraham Lincoln

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  2. Ohio claims they are due a president as they haven't had one since Taft. Look at the United States, they have not had one since Lincoln.

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  3. I went to the White House shortly after tea where I found 'the original gorilla,' about as intelligent as ever. What a specimen to be at the head of our affair…

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