Harold Holzer, author of Lincoln President-Elect: Abraham Lincoln and the Great Secession Winter, 1860-1861, draws comparisons between the lives of President-Elect Obama and Abraham Lincoln and the circumstances surrounding their elections.

Discussion Questions

1. What does President-Elect Obama mean when he says, "We are not enemies but friends. Though passions have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection"? From which speech was this quote taken? Compare the context of the original statement to today.
2. List some of the comparisons that Harold Holzer draws between the lives of Abraham Lincoln and President-Elect Obama. Which do you believe to be the most significant? Why?
3. Mr. Holzer mentions that both men had to "overcome great obstacles" in their respective elections. To which obstacles was he referring?
4. Mr. Holzer mentions that both President-Elect Obama and Lincoln were "anti-war legislators". To which war was Lincoln opposed? To which war is President-Elect Obama opposed? What were the causes of both wars?
5. Click here for the complete text of Abraham Lincoln's First Inaugural Address.
6. Click here for the complete text of President-Elect Obama's speech in Chicago's Grant Park.