Post Civil War World

[eleanorigby]

I was channel surfing tonight and the Ken Burns Civil War series was on my local PBS. I watched episode 8 (ends with Appamatox), but didn't want to hear about Lincoln being assassinated, so I came in here to spend some time with you lot. Here is my question, which since I have no clue how to do a poll, could get interesting in an odd way quickly. I actually have 2 questions, but what the hell.

First question:

Who do you think was the best President ever? I tried to put in some modern ones, but I don't want to have too many options. Feel free to write one in.

I think Lincoln was. I realize it's an impossible choice, given that times of history demand different talents etc. But for me, he leads the pack by a substantial margin.


Second question:

How different would Reconstruction have been if Lincoln had not been cruelly and stupidly assassinated by an alcoholic racist moron? (sorry, but I really admire Lincoln in many ways and his death was such a waste of talent and ability). Lincoln was charitable and compassionate in victory--the antithesis of Reconstruction and carpetbaggery. It's not a period I have studied up on, but I am interested in thoughts you all might have.