The Collegian

Issue date: 9/11/08 Section: Arts

Abraham Lincoln inspired armies to fight in the Civil War. Now, nearly a bicentennial after his birth, Assistant Professor of Political Science Thomas Krannawitter is defending Lincoln's reputation.

This latest battle rages in Krannawitter's new book, "Vindicating Lincoln: Defending the Politics of Our Greatest President."

"It is unclear to me if Lincoln will continue being favored by the American people if no one makes a defense of him," said Krannawitter. "I wrote this book as Lincoln is the preeminent model of statesmanship and the greatest American president."

Krannawitter began repelling arguments on Lincoln 10 years ago at California's Claremont Institute, a conservative think tank. As he researched more, Krannawitter said he found academics tearing down popular opinion of Lincoln.

"I was writing at Claremont about hot topics like immigration, same-sex marriage, and the like," said Krannawitter. "I found that if I even mentioned Lincoln in passing, my writings were attacked worse."

Inspired by these assailments, Krannawitter raised nine questions about Lincoln's character. The questions became the seeds for "Vindicating Lincoln," a book addressing each of Krannawitter's initial queries with answers meant to restore appreciation for Lincoln.

"In writing this book I have had to be constantly aware of every challenge and question toward Lincoln and account for it," said Krannawitter. "Hopefully my book will be very persuasive for non-specialists."

So far, that seems the case. The book sold out of its first printing of 6,000 copies before its release, Aug. 25. Barnes and Noble Booksellers picked the book as one of its showcased New Arrivals. It will be stocked as a top pick title for next month.

"Vindicating Lincoln's" crowning achievement so far, however, came with its appearance at last week's Republican National Convention's non-partisan historical event, CivicFest in St. Paul, Minn.

The book appeared for sale at two key locations: independent bookseller M. Revak & Company - which sold the book on the basis of good reviews - and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum & Library's Abraham Lincoln Self-Made in America Bicentennial Tour.

The response toward the book was so favorable even the RNC's official Abraham Lincoln impersonator, Lance V. Mack, signed copies of the book and posed with them for pictures, said CivicFest attendee Debbie DeJong, whose son, junior Drew DeJong, Krannawitter academically advises.

The book's success is reopening doors to positive discussion of Lincoln. Though initially unsure of his opinion on Lincoln, Professor of History Burt Folsom said "Vindicating Lincoln" settled some of his concerns.

"Some economists and historians fault Lincoln's methods and suggest that long-term damage resulted from his presidency," he said. "Dr. Krannawitter's book restores Lincoln to his rightful place as a top president - someone whose pluses were much greater than his minuses."

Associate Professor of Political Science Mickey Craig said Lincoln remains relevant nearly 200 years after his birth.

"The best line on Lincoln comes from Ronald Reagan's First Inaugural Address," Craig said. "'Whoever would understand in his heart the meaning of America will find it in the life of Abraham Lincoln.'"

For Krannawitter and "Vindicating Lincoln," the search for the meaning of America starts on page one.

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