Abraham Lincoln was clearly one of America’s greatest presidents. The Republican Party was founded in Michigan as an anti-slavery party in the 1850s. Lincoln was the second Republican candidate for president, and the first to be elected. Before he was even sworn in a number of Southern states withdrew from the Union, so he had no choice. He was a war president. However, he had military service, so he knew something of war. Far from perfect, he was, however, a man of real integrity. Happy Birthday, Mr. President. We do miss you.