Comments on: The Presidency of Franklin Pierce by Larry Gara

By: David C.

David C. — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:44:52 +0000

I really enjoyed your review of Mr. Gara’s book, and the summary of the complex mess that was the life of Franklin Pierce.

By: Rob McMillin

Rob McMillin — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 23:34:24 +0000

Franklin Pierce stands as a testimonial to the necessity of the 22nd amendment.

By: Tiffin

Tiffin — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:27:12 +0000

I think the people deserved Franklin Pierce the same way the Dodgers deserved Ricky Ledee.

This is probably one of my favorite ones you’ve done so far — partially because I enjoy discovering that at least one of the presidents I knew nothing about was actually as ignominious as I had assumed.

By: Bob Timmermann

Bob Timmermann — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:44:19 +0000

Until Theodore Roosevelt, Vice Presidents who ascended to the Presidency were never considered serious contenders for renomination.

By: Tom Timmermann

Tom Timmermann — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:01:45 +0000

You say Pierce was the only incumbent president not renominated. Wasn’t Fillmore not re-nominated? Was he the only elected president not re-nominated?

By: Bob Timmermann

Bob Timmermann — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:17:03 +0000

So I’m guessing Franklin Pierce College is devoted to heavy drinking and slavery? Are either of those majors?

By: Tom Timmermann

Tom Timmermann — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:14:23 +0000

Franklin Pierce University is a Division II soccer powerhouse. (And how many presidents have a college named after him?) I quote from the school’s website:
“While many New Hampshire-born men and women have achieved greatness, only one has attained the pinnacle of political leadership. From 1853 -1857, Franklin Pierce proudly served as the 14th President of the United States.

More than a century later, a visionary group set out to charter a college uniquely dedicated to preparing future leaders. The name for such an institution was clear to all – Franklin Pierce.”

You may beg to differ.