Politics is an art of possibilities. I was surprised by all the political tactics employed by Lincoln to secure votes for the thirteenth amendment to abolish slavery. As his famous words:"I am the president of the United States of America, clothed immense power, you will procure me these votes". Lincoln actually tried to influence the congress election after his Emancipation Proclamation, since the result of the election will be viewed as a public judgement on his policy. He had to win, so he used all possible ways to make sure that he would win.
A man with super ability will never be buried. Who can anticipate a self educated man who lost in his bid for congress and senate several times would rise to become the president of the United States? I remember what Lincoln said after the he lost the senate, he said, I slipped, I didn't fall.
