The more one studies Abraham Lincoln and witnesses the Presidency of Barack Obama, the more one can see comparisons.
Both of these Presidents faced more hate than any other Presidents, and both faced more assassination threats than any other Presidents.
Both of these Presidents faced the greatest crises in American History, along with Franklin D. Roosevelt, and dealt with them effectively, although not appreciated at the time of the events.
Both of these Presidents used their executive authority to effect change, and in so doing, divided their own nation, but did what they felt they must do.
Both of these Presidents came from comparatively little background in national government, with Lincoln having just two years in the House of Representatives, and Obama having four years in the Senate.
Both of these Presidents picked their chief rival for the nomination, New York Senators William Seward and Hillary Clinton, to be their Secretaries of State, with both cabinet members being significant in their roles on foreign policy.
Both of these Presidents came from Illinois, the only two Presidents elected from that state, although Ronald Reagan was born in Illinois, but elected from California.
Both of these Presidents were anti war, Lincoln in the Mexican War, and Obama in the Iraq War, and yet both waged war in office.
Both of these Presidents stretched civil liberties in reaction to threats to the nation–Lincoln with the Civil War and Obama with the war on terrorism.
Both of these Presidents had the gift of oratory, and the making of memorable statements.
Both of these Presidents had an excellent sense of humor, and could make fun of themselves.
Both of these Presidents showed compassion and empathy, crucial character strengths for any President.
Both of these Presidents demonstrated great courage in the face of challenges internally and externally, and could make decisions and live with them.
Both of these Presidents made mistakes, admitted to them, and moved on to other challenges without regrets.
Both of these Presidents were ridiculed, lampooned, denounced, abused in oratory, and yet kept their dignity and class as human beings, never giving in to petty responses.
Both of these Presidents were attacked by Southerners, and both worked against the racism and narrow mindedness so prevalent in the 19th century South, and, sadly, in the 21st century South.
Both of these Presidents were very devoted to their children, and found adequate time to be good dads while serving in the most stressful job any American can have, the honor of being our President.
Barack Obama still has three years to go, and as time goes on, he will rank higher in history than he is seen as now by critics, just as Lincoln suffered while in office, but now has been regarded by serious historians as the greatest American President!