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What Are The Similarities Between John Quincy Adams And Robert A. Taft

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“The Courage of a Few Politicians” John Quincy Adams and Robert A. Taft both demonstrated an exceptional amount of courage. The courage shown throughout their terms in Congress displayed an abundance of similarities as well as differences. Through their bravery, they reshaped the nation in which we live in today. Both politicians fought for their principles; whether they were wrong or right, the fact that they stood beside their ideals is courage enough. Both politicians displayed bravery and reflect what our nation embodies today. To begin with, John Quincy Adams was the face of courage throughout his term. Adams was constantly defending his principles, although that often left him to standalone. He entered the Senate in 1803 under the Federalist …show more content…

Taft. He became Senator in 1938. Like, John Quincy Adams, he stood for his principles and beliefs. However, unlike Adams that did not cost him his popularity. Usually, his concepts were accepted by his public- although he they weren’t aimed to please the people. In other words he wasn’t driven by popularity, but by the integrity of his work. Due to this he was nicknamed, “Mr. Integrity”. His biographer even went on to describe him as “a Senator who never broke an agreement” and “never compromised his deeply felt Republican principles” (Kennedy 195). Yet, this demeanor was what lost him the presidential election in 1940,1948, and 1952 (Kennedy 202). Taft had the great ambition to become president. He also had the habit to speak when he was “disturbed” as described by John F. Kennedy (Kennedy 197). For Taft his ambition to become president and his need to speak on untouched topics didn’t mix. As we see on October 6, 1946 where he arrived to speak at conference about The Nuremburg Trial- a topic that had not been up for discussion (Kennedy 199). Yet, that didn’t stop Taft from discussing the matter, ten days before the Nazi leaders were to be hanged. No other candidate had touched the matter, and the people were not debating the subject. Debating The Nuremburg Trial was Taft’s death in the campaign. However, it was that same trait that demonstrated Taft to be courageous and brave. Taft put his ambition to be president aside to defend his foundation. In the case of Robert A. Taft, he was a Constitutionalist. The “ex post facto law” not being followed as the Constitution demanded was no exception and he made that his concern. Taft neglected his popularity ranking to act upon what was best for the country in his opinion. That is what defines him as a courageous man. He didn’t wait for a “political correct time”- he simply said it as he saw it. John F. Kennedy was undeniably right about

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