I Want to Finish this Job 1864

Overview

The turmoil of the Civil War formed the backdrop for Lincoln's re-election campaign in 1864, and we see how this explosive drama plays out. With Ulysses S. Grant now in charge of the Union armies, the bloodiest fighting of the war was underway, and the death toll continued to rise. Lincoln's call for more soldiers made the president unpopular, and his enemies hatched plans for his defeat. Behind the scenes, we get an intimate view of gow Lincoln the man coped with the pain of so many casualties. While he was sorely tested by the cruel conflicts of war, his compassion never flagged. Above all, he wanted to finish the job of preserving the Union. On election day, we see a side of Lincoln less often celebrated - his wonderful sense of self-deprecating humor. While the power-brokers of Washington circled around him, awaiting the voters' verdict, Lincoln read aloud from a book of humor to lighten the mood - much to the chagrin of his quarreling advisors.