Frederick Douglas on Abraham Lincoln:

“He never shocked prejudices unnecessarily. Having learning statesmanship while splitting rails, he always used the thin edge of the wedge first— and the fact that he used this at all meant that he would, if need be, use the thick end as well as the thin.”

Can you think of any successful politician who has reversed Lincoln’s approach, and always used the thick end of the wedge first?

Hint: He currently occupies Lincoln’s old office.