Democrats in the Lincoln Cabinet

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Edwin M. Stanton (1814-1869)

A pro-Breckinridge Democrat who was Attorney General under President
James Buchanan (1860-61) and Secretary of War under Abraham Lincoln
and Andrew Johnson(1862-68).

I knew that most in his Cabinet were political rivals, but I
usually think of them as being Republician. Even though I have read
it before, I've forgotten that some were also Democrats, and Edwin
Stanton was in the previous administration.
Thanks to the internet, you can get lost in very informative tales
of that era. The link below was enjoyable to read.

Rich Wagner

http://www.mrlincolnswhitehouse.org/inside.asp?ID=96&subjectID=2

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Post by b***@aol.com
Edwin M. Stanton (1814-1869)
A pro-Breckinridge Democrat who was Attorney General under President
James Buchanan (1860-61) and Secretary of War under Abraham Lincoln
and Andrew Johnson(1862-68).
� �I knew that most in his Cabinet were political rivals, but I
usually think of them as being Republician. �Even though I have read
it before, I've forgotten that some were also Democrats, and Edwin
Stanton was in the previous administration.
� �Thanks to the internet, you can get lost in very informative tales
of that era. �The link below was enjoyable to read.
Rich Wagner
http://www.mrlincolnswhitehouse.org/inside.asp?ID=96&subjectID=2

Lincoln's choices for his cabinet also revealed his wisdom to have
them represent all the diversity of the Union, and not simply that of
the Republican Party. They were his peers, his rivals from both his
party and the Democrats, but in this group he knew that he could
gather much more public support.
When the 'Committee of nine' (Republican Senators) attempted to
change this delicate balance, Lincoln called an emergency meeting to
have his cabinet publicly support his position. Had he not done this,
Congress, and not the President would have taken control of the war.
Lincoln knew that he must maintain the delicate balance to maintain
the Union's resolve.
Lincoln had already "told his cabinet that he would have gladly
stepped aside in favor of anyone who commanded more of the nation's
confidence than he; but knowing of no such person, he must continue to
serve." (Quote from "Abraham Lincoln" by Benjamin Thomas)

This also reminds me of the current President's opinion.