Hamilton notes that Gurowski's description of the political climate in 1862 as a 'cesspool' reflects the current state of American politics. 'The political cesspool is deeper, broader, filthier and more feculent than ever, Gurowski wrote.' He highlights the deep polarization and turmoil America faces today, drawing parallels between Lincoln's times and the current climate of division and unrest after a contested election. Hamilton underscores that we're confronting a similar scenario where election results breed discontent and even violence.
Hamilton expresses that writing 'Lincoln vs Davis' during tumultuous times, particularly from 2019 to 2022, allowed him to observe history's cyclical nature firsthand. He stated, 'We're pretty much facing the same situation as Lincoln over 160 years ago. He wins an election and the results of the election are not accepted by half the country.' This insight reveals how political discontent continues to challenge the nation, resonating with the fraught atmosphere surrounding the recent elections.
Reflecting on the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, Hamilton draws a direct connection to historical events, emphasizing that modern protests often echo sentiments from the Civil War era. 'We had a kind of inkling of that on January 6 2021, when Trump sent his supporters to storm Congress,' he remarked, encapsulating the anxiety surrounding political demonstrations in the present day and how they're reminiscent of past insurrections that challenged democratic processes.
Citing Marx, Hamilton emphasizes that historical events like Lincoln's election echo throughout time with a twist. 'History repeats itself, first as tragedy, then as farce,' he quotes, pointing to the cyclical nature of societal struggles. This frames the narrative of his book as not just a recount of Lincoln and Davis's rivalry but a reflection on the broader implications of political strife on America’s fabric throughout its history.
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