Doris Kearns Goodwin

Team of Rivals

1. IDEA 1

   Lincoln brought rivals into his cabinet

   Goodwin tells how Abraham Lincoln, after winning the presidency in 1860, appointed the men who had competed against him for the nomination to key posts in his cabinet. William Seward, Salmon Chase and Edward Bates had all expected to win instead of him.

2. IDEA 2

   Lincoln was underestimated

   Goodwin describes how Lincoln, with little formal education and modest experience, was seen as less impressive than his rivals. His abilities surprised them. In Goodwin's account, people who dismissed him early saw that he understood politics and people better than they had expected.

3. IDEA 3

   Seward became an ally

   William Seward, once Lincoln's main rival, became his Secretary of State and close friend. Their partnership grew over time. In Goodwin's account, the two men learned to trust each other, and the former rival turned into one of Lincoln's most loyal supporters.

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