Weeks 3-4: Historic American Presidential Leadership (pre-1945)

Some of the notable accomplishments and leadership traits of each of the first eight most historically notable presidencies:

George Washington- (Some sources drawn from Heidler and Heidler book Washington's Circle)

• Commitment to duty and service- others begged him to be the President, while he would have preferred staying at his farm at Mount Vernon.
• Commitment to democracy rather than monarchy forms- asked to be addressed as merely Mr. President, while some Senators who dreamed of themselves as nobles wanted to call him some version of Your Majesty.
• United all factions around the new government- had Federalists and Republicans in his government. They were the first two political parties in American history (no relations to either of current two parties). Federalists believed in a stronger federal government that would promote business in our original agricultural economy; Republicans favored states’ rights and a less elitist government.
• Chose good subordinates, delegated authority- chose Alexander Hamilton as Secretary of Treasury, balancing Washington's weakness in finances. Hamilton was so knowledgeable and hardworking that House let him draft legislation. Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson was very knowledgeable of France, important due to the French Revolution. Washington also looked for geographic balance, and gave veterans preference in his appointments.
• Cabinet origin. He sought cabinet's advice individually rather than having group meetings in his first term. He sought advice from many people. He also liked written opinions, as it forced subordinates to think more carefully and not posture in public. He did meet with cabinet in second term to ask their advice on Jay's Treaty, but then made his own decision to sign it.
• Chief executive power asserted, as fired without the consent of the Senate Secretary of State Edmund Randolph for allegedly opposing Jay's Treaty with Britain. This important precedent of being able to unilaterally fire an important executive official who had been confirmed by the Senate was upheld decades later by the U.S. Supreme Court. (Note later presidential controversies- Andrew Johnson firing Secretary of War, Trump firing FBI Director.)
• Asserted the pardon power. Pardoned Whiskey Rebellion rebels, in effort to heal wounds and keep the country together.
• Executive Privilege power asserted- Washington refused to turn over to the House documents relevant to controversial Jay's Treaty, asserting that the treaty ratification power was constitutionally confined to the Senate, and secrecy in such foreign negotiations was important; House's only relevant power regarding treaties was impeachment of the President, he noted.
• Established two-term tradition, orderly transfer of power, rejected lifetime self-rule. Very different from other newly independent countries where the “independence leader” who served for decades (Kenyatta of Kenya, Nyerere of Tanzania). His voluntary retirement contrasts with Trump’s recent obsession with overturning the electoral college vote
• Farewell Address warns against the rise of factions and political parties, which divide our country and permit foreign nations to gain influence.

Thomas Jefferson (quotes are from Jon Meacham's book, Thomas Jefferson, the Art of Power)

• Renaissance man- learned in classical languages, science, mathematics, rhetoric, philosophy, and literature. One professor at William and Mary was crucial in this. Jefferson studied 15 hours a day.
• Exercise was important. Jefferson believed that "a vigorous body helped create a vigorous mind" with a minimum of two hours a day of exercise regardless of weather. (p. 19)
• Political Philosophy scholar- authored Declaration of Independence, championed human rights, life, liberty.
• Republican Party Leader, who opposed Federalist Party, favored states rights' over strong federal government. Clashed with Federalist-controlled federal judiciary, but his party did not convict of impeachment any Supreme Court justices (like John Marshall).
• Opposed elitist aura. He didn't wear the ceremonial sword to inauguration, and sold President Adams's silver harnesses and coaches. He would greet guests at home in "slovenly clothes and without the least formality... he is dressed and looks extremely like a very plain farmer." (p. 363) There were no name plates at his dinner parties, as guests took whatever places they wished.
• Appointments power used. He fired nearly half of federal officeholders, most of whom were Federalists. (p. 377)
• Used pardon power, especially for "printers convicted under the Sedition Act passed by previous Federalist administration and Congress (p. 357).
• He entertained a lot. He believed that "sociability was essential to republicanism... Men who liked and respected and enjoyed one another were more likely to cultivate the virtuous habits... An affectionate man living in harmony with his neighbors was more likely to understand the mutual sacrifice of opinion ..." (p. 394)
• Pragmatic, despite his philosophy of limited central government power, Jefferson negotiated Louisiana Purchase, Senate ratified this treaty, Congress appropriated money for it.
• Jefferson also signed congressional Embargo Act on Britain and France, as they were at war with each other and would seize American trading ships. The embargo delayed war and bought the U.S. time. (p. 432)
• Founded the University of Virginia, after leaving the presidency.

Andrew Jackson (quotes are from American Lion, by Jon Meacham)

• Childhood adversity strengthened him. As a 14-year-old, he refused to polish a British officer's boots, claiming to be a prisoner of war. The officer left a sword blade cut on his head. "Andrew was strengthened by the blows, for he would spend the rest of his life standing up to enemies, enduring pain, and holding fast until, after much trial, victory came." (p. 12)
• He "inspired great loyalty" by risking "his own life to protect others". (p. 26) He escorted settlers thru the forest. "By projecting personal strength, Jackson created a persona of power... that propelled him forward throughout his life." (p. 26)
• Military hero- hero of Battle of New Orleans in War of 1812.
• Leave no man behind. When told to move from Natchez back to Tennessee, he faced full wagons and 150 sick men, he had officers including himself give up their horses to the sick. "Not a man, sir, must be left behind." (p. 29)
• Stood up for what he believed in. Killed a man, who slandered Jackson's wife as a bigamist, in a duel (Jackson was shot first).
• Public trusted him and elected him President. The public "might not always agree with him, they might cringe at his excesses and shortcomings, but at bottom they believed he was a man of strength who would set a course and follow it, who would fight their battles and crush their enemies." (p. 60)
• Common man, political philosophy. Great expansion in American democracy in practice during his term (presidential electors popularly elected, presidential nominating conventions).
• Stands for national unity, opposes South Carolina's nullification of federal tariff, threatens to use U.S. military forces, Congress adopts a tariff compromise. He stood up to these extreme states’ rights activists, despite being a Democrat and politically strong in the South.
• Established presidential veto power for reasons other than constitutionality of a congressional law. He vetoed the extension of the Bank of the U.S., withdrew federal funds from it; Jackson viewed the Bank as corrupt and buying influence over Congress members, favoring the rich, and refusing to lend funds for western expansion. His actions were so controversial that Whig-controlled Senate requested documents pertaining to Jackson's veto. Jackson refused to turn them over, and the Senate censured the President. The next Democratic- controlled Senate expunged the censure.
• Human rights violator reduces his stature today. Waged war against Indian tribes. Ignored Supreme Court ruling in favor of Indian nations being sovereign and state of Georgia not being able to enforce its state laws in their territory; military expulsion of Cherokee nation, Trail of Tears. Slave owner himself, as were other Presidents.

James K. Polk-

• Manifest Destiny. Mexican-American War. After Texas won its independence over Mexico, it became an American state. Texas and Mexico had a border dispute, Polk ordered our military into disputed territory (to the Rio Grande River and beyond the Nueces River), they were attacked by Mexican troops, Polk declared war, Congress approved it. After winning Mexico City, U.S. signed a treaty with Mexico gaining the southwest territory for $15 million (present day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, etc.).

Abraham Lincoln-

• Born poor, log cabin, self-educated.
• Humble, attracted and kept strong-willed, well qualified cabinet members. Secretary of State Seward, Treasury Secretary Chase, Attorney General Bates.
• First modern-day Republican Party President- anti-slavery and pro-industry using federal governmental power.
• Asserted federal authority, forced other side to fire first to start the Civil War. When Confederates surrounded federal Fort Sumpter in South Carolina, Lincoln sent unarmed supply ships, which were fired on by Confederates.
• Emancipation Proclamation- freed slaves in Confederate areas.
• Constitutional Dictatorship- declared martial law, suspended Habeas Corpus. Yet Congress retained impeachment power right, and the 1864 presidential election was held.
• Preserved the Union, opposed secession of states.

Lincoln's Leadership Lessons (quotes are from Goodwin book, Leadership in Turbulent Times)

• Empathy. He could place himself in others' shoes. He had great patience, kindliness, and empathy, and showed "no superiority over anyone." (p. 108)
• He read a lot as a kid.
• He was a great storyteller. He said that "plain people... are more easily influenced through the medium of a broad and humorous illustration than any other way." (p. 15) He had a great "power of mimicry." (p. 108) He had a great knowledge of human nature.
• He "expanded his contacts throughout the country," got elected to state legislature after previous defeat.
• Ambition. He had a great "desire to engrave his name in history." (p. 101)
• He had a mentor- "the leading lawyer in the county" (p. 101)
• Plain speaking. "His language was composed of plain Anglo-Saxon words" that were "easy to follow." (p. 107)
• Hard working. The key to success. Be proactive and do things ahead of time. Seeking the GOP presidential nomination in 1860, "no team in Chicago worked harder than Lincoln's team." (p. 121)
• Passion. His anti-slavery speeches "came from the heart," with "sincerity, clarity, conviction, and passion." (p. 115)
• Overcoming challenges, lost senate races twice. Overcame this setback by "long period of work, creative introspection, research, and grinding thought." (p. 116)
• Preparation great. He "labored daily, researching and deepening his speeches." He knew "the attitudes toward slavery of each of the thirty-nine original signers of the Constitution." (p. 120) A journalist said that "his knowledge of the subject is profound, his logic unanswerable." (p. 118)
• Moderation. He avoided the extremes, including by not denouncing the South, but just opposing slavery's extension into the western territories.
• Be gracious and magnanimous toward political rivals and foes. Unlike Seward and Chase, who made enemies "in their climb to power." (p. 121) He attracted to his campaign team two men who had cost Lincoln his first senate election. After winning nomination, "he wrote a personal letter to Chase humbly asking for his 'especial assistance' in the campaign." (p. 122) He "found exclusive time for each individual team member" when President (p. 223). Chase stayed in cabinet because "the President has always treated me with such personal kindness and has always manifested such fairness and integrity of purpose..." (p. 224)
• He had a "quiet sense of responsibility" after his presidential election (p. 123).
• He controlled his anger by writing an angry letter and then never sending it. Similarly, he would "forgive intemperate public attacks on himself." (p. 226)
• Attract the "strongest and most able men" for your cabinet. Team of Rivals book.
• He would protect his subordinates and shield them from blame.
• Gather information firsthand. Lincoln visited the troops, realized that slaves assisted the Confederate war effort.
• Encourage expression of all points of view in cabinet. Lincoln talked individually with his cabinet members. But he assumed "full responsibility" for the Emancipation Proclamation. (p. 221)
• Cope with pressure with hobbies. Lincoln had the theater, would laugh at tales.
• He always kept his word, so kept to the delay in issuing Proclamation.
• Great sense of timing, he had "a correct reading of the temper of the times." (p. 234)
• He was accessible and "easy to approach," as shown when visiting troops.
• The collective interest is more important than one's self-interest. He preferred electoral defeat to renouncing Emancipation Proclamation.
• Use transactional tools to implement transformational policies. So, he saw the practical benefits of the black troops, nearly 200,000 joined the Union war effort. Two votes short of congressional ratification of the 13th amendment, Lincoln reminded Congress of his ability to provide perks, such as "government jobs for relatives and friends, pardons, ministries abroad, and campaign contributions." (p. 240)

Theodore Roosevelt-

• Sickly as a child, used great physical fitness to overcome. Hunted in Africa, led the Rough Riders volunteers in military action in Cuba during Spanish-American War.
• President was Steward of the People, could take any action unless expressly forbidden by law or the constitution.
• Progressive era leader, Trust Buster- broke up railroad combination in northwest. Anti-trust lawsuits under the Sherman Act.
• Speak softly, and carry a big stick. Built the Panama Canal, after helping Panama become independent nation. Dollar diplomacy- intervened in Latin American nations forcing them to pay debts to American companies. Won the Nobel Peace Prize for mediating end of Russo-Japanese War. Sent U.S. naval fleet around the world.
• Great conservationist, added 230 million acres of protected public land. He lamented species losses such as bison and elk.

Theodore Roosevelt's Leadership Lessons (quotes are from Goodwin book, Leadership in Turbulent Times)

• He read a lot, family library.
• "Rigorous exercise regime," home gym, cured chronic asthma, mother's sickly presence.
• Networked- he became "a member of the local Republican Association." (p. 22)
• Mingle with people not like you. "'Wherever he went, he got right in with the people,' connecting with them, talking with them, enjoying them." (p. 32) Wilderness camp visit. In legislature, he "expanded his understanding of other people's points of view by going to places" very different from his upper class background. (p. 38)
• Independence, opposed machine politicians and corruption. "He brought the two parties together to pass civil service reform," bills helping New York City, when he served in state legislature.
• Learn from mistakes, change course. He became too arrogant, self-righteous, and talkative in state legislature. He now met with a labor leader, visited a tenement.
• Overcoming challenges of dead mother, wife, political setback, he bought ranch out west and lived there for two years. Environmental interest started.
• In appointive positions like Civil Service Commissioner, New York City Police Department board, and Navy Department Assistant Secretary, Roosevelt would "hit the ground running," "ask questions of everyone," "manage by wandering around," and "determine the basic problems." When attacked, he would counterattack, and he would stick to his guns. (p. 133)
• Be industrious as a subordinate, do the work of the boss. Navy example.
• Roosevelt had "the self-awareness to soberly analyze his own strengths and compensate for his weaknesses." (p. 149) He declined top Colonel position as leader of volunteer regiment in Spanish American War, and top number 2 position.
• Share your subordinates' hardships. As Rough Rider, he shared "his life with the men," was always willing "to do anything he asked them to do," and never asked "them to suffer anything he wouldn't suffer first." (p. 151)
• Honesty is important. As governor, Roosevelt preferred legislators to honestly tell him they would not do what he wanted, rather than for them to promise to do something and then not to do it. (p. 157)
• Be uncommitted at first, get all of the facts when dealing with a crisis- Coal Strike example.
• Remind two opposing sides (miners, owners) of the public interest, such as northeastern homes during a cold winter.
• Hit hard if you have to hit. Roosevelt threatened to use troops to run the mines, as he was Commander in Chief.
• Let adversaries save face. Roosevelt set up a 5-member commission to resolve the strike, but business refused to allow any of the slots to go to labor, so President appointed a labor leader to the "sociologist" slot (p. 269).
• Share credit for success. Roosevelt praised businessman J.P. Morgan and 7 members of his executive branch team.

Woodrow Wilson

• Second Progressive President. Federal Reserve Act established, Federal Trade Commission created, Clayton Antitrust Act exempts labor and farmers. Department of Labor created. He also supported 8-hour workday for railroad workers, and enacted workman's comp for federal employees, and prohibition of the sale of goods manufactured by kids in interstate commerce (Berg book, Wilson, p. 399).
• World War 1 leader- domestic civil liberties suffer. We entered war because "the peace of the world is involved and the freedom of its peoples," which was threatened by "the existence of autocratic government backed by organized force" (Berg, p. 436). "Germany had become an international menace... The world must be made safe for democracy." (Berg, p. 437)
• Wilson's 14 points included: "freedom of navigation upon the seas," "equality of trade conditions," "a reduction of national armaments," and national self-determination of European peoples. (Berg, p. 470)
• League of Nations supported, killed by Senate as Wilson refused to compromise, opponents feared loss of American sovereignty. Wilson won Nobel Peace Prize for his effort, though, as 41 nations did join the League.

Woodrow Wilson leadership insights:

• His childhood setting damaged his self-esteem. His father ridiculed his intellectual ability, he "did badly both in studies and in sports," and in college he had "some sort of physical or emotional collapse." (Burns, p. 102)
• He thus had a need to "compensate for damaged self-esteem" which led to a "moralistic, messianic dogmatism and his quest for personal power..." (Burns, p. 102). He became Princeton University president, repudiated Democratic leaders in New Jersey, outmaneuvered party bosses and put his own reform program through as New Jersey Governor. He was unyielding on his League of Nations program.
• As a professor, he was a "compelling lecturer," who would make his major points at the start, "weaving anecdotes with opinions," and provide "vivid descriptions of relevant historical events." His students would be "spell-bound" and at lecture conclusion "would often cheer him." (A. Scott Berg, Wilson book, p. 117).
• Hard working, disciplinarian as university President. He maintained his teaching load, had a class with 376 students, expelled students for cheating, and fired professors who let classes go early or whose lectures were "disorganized ramblings." (Berg, p. 141)
• Wilson believed in a responsible party government with "vigorous presidential leadership" and united parties which would "present clear alternatives to the voters." His own "hubris" and "the very forces of fragmentation and mutual frustration that he had attacked" defeated him. (Burns, p. 166)
• He ran for governor as "an amateur politician," who had pledges "only to the people" as he had made no "promises to any bosses." (Berg, p. 200)
• Wilson "called for leaders who, by boldly interpreting the nation's conscience, could lift a people out of their everyday selves." He wanted to lift people "into their better selves." (Burns, p. 462)
• To enact progressive legislation, he "kept appearing unannounced in the President's Room in the Capitol to lobby Democratic leaders." (Berg, p. 399)
• Leadership failures. Failure to compromise, failure to consider all viewpoints. Wilson did not include a respected Republican on the 4 person U.S. Peace Commission. One nominal Republican was blasted by Republican Senate leader Lodge as "cosmetic... a Republican in name only." (Berg, p. 518) Senate Foreign Relations chair Republican Lodge tore into the treaty in a floor speech, and already had 37 senators opposed to it (Berg, p. 549-50). The Committee called 60 witnesses, delaying the deliberations so that opposition could mount. The Secretary of State complained that he had "been marginalized during the Peace Conference," (Berg, p. 616) and Irish Americans complained that their self-determination desires had been ignored. Wilson had become the first President to personally deliver a treaty to the Senate, and he testified for it before the Committee (which met in the White House). Wilson rejected a "minor rewrite" suggested by Lodge for Article 10, "the guarantee against external aggression through collective security." (Berg, p. 653) The Senate nevertheless accepted Lodge's language by a 49-35 vote, but that lacked the two-thirds requirement for a treaty, so it died (Berg, p. 677).

Franklin D. Roosevelt- FDR

• Inspirational speaker. In depths of Great Depression, his inaugural address line: "So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is...fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and of vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. And I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days." Declaration of war speech to Congress: "Yesterday, December 7, 1941 a date which will live in infamy the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan."
• Made Democratic Party majority party, New Deal domestic economic issue key.
• New Deal was relief, recovery, reform. Social Security, Wagner Act protected organized labor, minimum wage, public jobs. FDIC established.
• Established Executive Office of the President (White House staff)
• World War 2 leader.
• Public leader- only president to serve more than 2 terms (elected to 4).

Franklin D. Roosevelt's leadership insights:

• FDR fought for an "economic bill of rights," because "necessitous men are not free men." Specifics included "jobs, food, clothing, homes, medical care, education, social security..." (Burns, p. 167) His programs during the Great Depression were called the New Deal. Some of these programs were enacted by later Democratic presidents such as Lyndon Johnson.
• Persuasion. He had a "personal charm" and a "flair for persuading." (Burns, p. 281) He would first simply "listen sympathetically to those who poured out their woes and frustrations..." (Burns, p. 374). He would persuade people by using argument, charm, self-confidence, flattery, or his great knowledge (Burns, p. 375).
• Great communication ability- fireside chats.
• "he made news in a never-ending stream of innovations... legislative proposals... travels around the country and abroad." (Burns, p. 281)
• "he studied public opinion" in all of its forms. He had a great sense of timing, and recognized when the public had grown weary of reform. (Burns, p. 281)

More FDR Leadership Lessons (quotes are from Goodwin book, Leadership in Turbulent Times)

• Seeking votes for New York state legislature, he wouldn't immediately talk politics, but would get "people to talk about their work, their families, their lives," and he would "listen intently." (p. 42) He "out-worked, out-traveled" his GOP opponent, and simply listened "to the hopes and needs of whomever crossed his path." (p. 58)
• He had an "optimistic spirit," and "self-confidence." (p. 45)
• His anti-Democratic party machine work caught the eye of President Wilson, who named him assistant navy secretary. He broke rules to ensure nation was prepared for conflict. Chosen as VP candidate in 1920 (they lost), which built him some goodwill for future office.
• Never give up. After being paralyzed from polio, he would daily spend hours strengthening his upper body, and even crawling on the floor. He sought every possible treatment, a "trial and error" method presaging New Deal.
• He gave Al Smith nominating speech at the 1924 national Democratic convention despite his disability. At a Warm Springs disability resort, he completely lost his elite background, gained a "powerful new empathy" and "humility" as he connected "emotionally with all manner of people." (p. 173)
• Governor of New York in 1928. Enacted a state comprehensive relief program, sought "stories that enlivened statistics with the flesh and blood of a shared humanity". (p. 179)
• Presidential campaign focus- instead of a trickle-down philosophy, he focused on "the forgotten man at the bottom" (p. 179). Unlike Hoover, he pledged that the federal government would experiment- "But above all, try something." (p. 181)
• Able to assess an individual for a job in a short conversation. "I get to know people quickly and I have a pretty good instinct about them." (p. 176)
• Inspirational inauguration speech: "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." (p. 277) Great Depression was due to failed leadership, leaving people hurt by the "unscrupulous money changers." He urged Americans to move forward "'as a trained and loyal army willing to sacrifice' for the common good." (p. 278)
• Project confidence. FDR had an "uplifted tilt of his head, the sparkle of his eye, his dazzling smile, and his assured, calm voice..." (p. 281)
• Bipartisan appointments. Republican businessman William Woodin as Treasury Secretary; progressive Republicans Harold Ickes as Interior and Henry Wallace as Agriculture Secretary. After his first 100 days, he praised the teamwork which had "transcended party lines." (p. 304)
• Build consensus among stakeholders. Before announcing bank holiday, FDR consulted with "congressional leaders, leading bankers, and state governors." (p. 284). His team "worked around the clock." (p. 285)
• Used "simple, plain language" in his radio chats with public. His great "gift of communication" built a "reciprocal connection between Roosevelt and the people." (p. 305)
• Ambitious policy demands. Told leader of CCC to hire one quarter million men in their forest camps by mid-July: "Do it now and I won't take any excuses." (p. 295)
• Competition among cabinet members increases creativity- PWA and WPA example.
• Rely on a spousal partner. Eleanor Roosevelt was a social worker, active in improving working conditions. She had her own press conferences- with only female reporters. She got "around a lot", provided reports to FDR leading to improving programs. (p. 301)
• Willing to compromise. SEC, FDIC examples.