It's easy to remember Washington. Lincoln is unforgettable. There's half a dozen other Presidents who are seared on to our collective consciousness. But what about the forgotten or overlooked ones? What President doesn't get the props he deserves?
I have to give my vote to James K. Polk. Why Polk? He gave us the western part of America through the Oregon territory and the Mexican Cession, by winning a war with Mexico and avoiding one with England. Not to mention he lowered tariffs to encourage trade and established an independent treasury.
Sure that's impressive work, but other Presidents might've done more or better. But what gives Polk the go-ahead in my book. Is that he did all of that in his first term and then decided not to even run for a second term because he'd already done what he promised during his campaign. One and done? That's just style.
I have to give my vote to James K. Polk. Why Polk? He gave us the western part of America through the Oregon territory and the Mexican Cession, by winning a war with Mexico and avoiding one with England. Not to mention he lowered tariffs to encourage trade and established an independent treasury.
Sure that's impressive work, but other Presidents might've done more or better. But what gives Polk the go-ahead in my book. Is that he did all of that in his first term and then decided not to even run for a second term because he'd already done what he promised during his campaign. One and done? That's just style.
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