Lately I've been reading Team of Rivals, by Doris Goodwin. The book was talked about a lot as Obama chose his Cabinet.
It is a fascinating book that I recommend to you. I'm going to describe where I am in the book now, and perhaps you will infer some parallels between Lincoln and another modern politician.
Lincoln was an unusually talented orator. He wrote his own speeches, carefully writing and rewriting them. His speeches on the Union and slavery became nationally known, especially during the Lincoln-Douglas debates.
When Lincoln decided to run for President, he was a pretty obscure politician. In fact he had served as a Congressman, but was out of office at the time that he ran.
Lincoln was definitely a dark horse candidate. The candidate thought most likely to be elected was Sewell, a Senator from New York. But Lincoln had an astute grasp of politics and strategy. He really knew every district, every politician, and every issue. He knew when to make a statement and when to avoid controversy.
As Lincoln's profile rose in the Republican race for nomination, many politicians vied to be on his ticket. They wanted to trade endorsements for a commitment to be on his ticket or in the Cabinet. However, Lincoln steadfastly refused to make any such commitments.
When Lincoln won the Republican nomination, he still faced a difficult battle to be President. As the South was seceding, he could not expect to win any Southern states. Therefore he needed to win all the Northern states. Key battleground states included Pennsylvania, Indiana, which Lincoln eventually won.
After winning the Presidential race, Lincoln had to wait months before his inauguration. It was frustrating for him to wait, because the country was literally falling apart. During this time he assembled his Cabinet. He chose Sewell from NY as his Secretary of State.
The South was seceding, and President Buchanan, from Kentucky, was taking no action at all. Finally the inauguration date approached, and Lincoln proceeded by train to Washington DC. Thousands of people cheered him at every stop, buoying his spirits. Lincoln was careful to limit his statements, because the country was in a time of crisis. Still, many people believed that he was a novice and a simpleton, and not up to the task of the Presidency. There was also considerable concern for Lincoln's safety, as he had received numerous death threats.
An early military crisis came immediately in the Lincoln Presidency. The Southerners had taken over the Federal military base of Fort Sumter. Lincoln had to decide whether to reinforce Fort Sumter, or let the rebels take the fort. If he reinforced the Fort, he knew that bloody war could result. On the other hand, if the rebels took the Fort, Lincoln would be appeasing the South and showing considerable weakness in the Union.
Lincoln had extensive meetings with his Cabinet on Fort Sumter situation. He requested written opinions from every Cabinet member, and talked extensively with his Generals. His Cabinet finally recommended to give up Fort Sumter. Secretary of State Sewell wrote a vigorous memo, in which he implied that Lincoln was a figurehead, and that in fact Sewell was the true leader of the country.
After much deliberation, Lincoln decided differently than his Cabinet. He decided to defend Fort Sumter. (which was promptly lost a few days later ! But at least Lincoln had sent a message to the South that he would not give up the Federal military installations.)
Anyways hope you found this a bit interesting, and I make no representation that this exactly parallels any modern situation.