James Buchanan (1791-1868)

In which we discuss the three-way presidential contest of 1856 & its importance in the stunning rise of the Republican Party.  Plus, we see Abraham Lincoln start to position himself to be a leading national figure in the party.

Our book recommendation for this episode is James Buchanan by Jean H Baker.

Almost no president was as well trained and well prepared for the office as James Buchanan.  he had served in the Pennsylvania state legislature, the U.S. House, and the U.S. Senate; he was Secretary of State and was even offered a seat on the Supreme Court.  And yet, by every measure except his own, James Buchanan was a miserable failure as president.  Historian Jean H. Baker explains that we have rightly placed Buchanan at the bottom of the presidential rankings, but that is no excuse to forget him.  To study Buchanan is to consider the implications of weak leadership in a time of national crisis.  Elegantly written, Baker’s book offers a balanced look at a crucial moment in our nation’s history and explores a man who, when given the opportunity, failed to rise to the challenge.

Listen to Episode 14: Election1856