My gut is to go with John Adams. I love that he played a kind of foil to Thomas Jefferson (who I kind of disagree with politically). Also Adams’ respect for and relationship with his wife was astounding and groundbreaking for its time. He actually asked her for her opinion and respected her for her intellect… and she was very accomplished. Abagail Adams is kind of my hero.
(Apparently I really need to watch that HBO John Adams miniseries).
I kind of like Alexander Hamilton, too (who was an even bigger foil to Jefferson)… pity about the whole duel thing.
My vote goes to John Adams or Benjamin Franklin. Adding to GraceKathryn’s reasoning, Adams could also be considered an early abolitionist and his son introduced numerous petitions attacking the institution of slavery when he was a congressman. With Franklin, it just seems like he was involved in virtually everything, even though he was a bit of a womanizer, as shown by “Drunk History.”
I think I’m going to go with Ben Franklin. I like that he was “involved in virtually everything,” as Peter said, and was a man of science. Plus, he just kind of cracks me up. He’s the Founding Father I’d most like to sit down and have a beer with.
George Washington. Why? Many reasons, but some that stand out to me are his moral and ethical values. He sacrified allot for the founding of this nation. He refused the title “King”. And as the first president he declined a salary at first, but ultimately accepted the payment, to avoid setting a precedent whereby the presidency would be perceived as limited only to independently wealthy individuals who could serve without any salary. Washington reluctantly served a second term as president. He refused to run for a third, establishing the customary policy of a maximum of two terms for a president which later became law by the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution.
In short, as our first president he set the standard by which all who would follow as president should (but seldom do) follow.
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GraceKathrym Said:
July 3, 2009 @ 10:57 am
My gut is to go with John Adams. I love that he played a kind of foil to Thomas Jefferson (who I kind of disagree with politically). Also Adams’ respect for and relationship with his wife was astounding and groundbreaking for its time. He actually asked her for her opinion and respected her for her intellect… and she was very accomplished. Abagail Adams is kind of my hero.
(Apparently I really need to watch that HBO John Adams miniseries).
I kind of like Alexander Hamilton, too (who was an even bigger foil to Jefferson)… pity about the whole duel thing.
Peter Said:
July 3, 2009 @ 2:15 pm
My vote goes to John Adams or Benjamin Franklin. Adding to GraceKathryn’s reasoning, Adams could also be considered an early abolitionist and his son introduced numerous petitions attacking the institution of slavery when he was a congressman. With Franklin, it just seems like he was involved in virtually everything, even though he was a bit of a womanizer, as shown by “Drunk History.”
davidbmc Said:
July 3, 2009 @ 5:57 pm
dangit-i was gonna say john adams. david mccullough’s book on him is great.
GraceKathrym Said:
July 3, 2009 @ 8:17 pm
Yay for Adams! (Apparently there is no diversity to be found in the 2HB comment section, as of yet).
I’m interested to hear Sarah’s and Dwight’s answers.
Dwight Said:
July 3, 2009 @ 9:41 pm
I’m going with Jefferson–on the basis of the Declaration of Independence.
Sarah Said:
July 3, 2009 @ 9:59 pm
I think I’m going to go with Ben Franklin. I like that he was “involved in virtually everything,” as Peter said, and was a man of science. Plus, he just kind of cracks me up. He’s the Founding Father I’d most like to sit down and have a beer with.
Elder Greg Said:
July 6, 2009 @ 10:00 am
George Washington. Why? Many reasons, but some that stand out to me are his moral and ethical values. He sacrified allot for the founding of this nation. He refused the title “King”. And as the first president he declined a salary at first, but ultimately accepted the payment, to avoid setting a precedent whereby the presidency would be perceived as limited only to independently wealthy individuals who could serve without any salary. Washington reluctantly served a second term as president. He refused to run for a third, establishing the customary policy of a maximum of two terms for a president which later became law by the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution.
In short, as our first president he set the standard by which all who would follow as president should (but seldom do) follow.
The Filmcake » Second Wind! Second Wind! Said:
July 13, 2009 @ 10:05 am
[...] Adams (TV miniseries) – After recent discussions surrounding favorite Founding Fathers, I was compelled to finally make it through the HBO [...]