Fifteen Famous Quotes by Andrew Johnson

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Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson

Andrew Johnson was the 17th President of the United States, and was president from 1865-1869. He was in fact the vice president of Abraham Lincoln at the time of Lincoln’s assassination. Here are 15 quotes from Andrew Johnson:

1. ‘There are no good laws but such as repeal other laws.’

Talking about the complicated laws that ultimately weren’t necessary – the only good laws are those that revoke/annul another law.

2. ‘If I am to be shot, I want no man to be in the way of the bullet.’

Said as military Governor of Tennessee in 1862 after receiving threats to be ‘shot on sight’.

3. ‘Whenever you hear a man prating about the Constitution, spot him as a traitor.’

A remark he made at his time of being the military Governor of Tennessee in the early 1860s.

4. “The goal to strive for is a poor government but a rich people.”

Speaking openly about how he aims to provide a solution for all citizens of the united States.

5. ‘Honest conviction is my courage; the Constitution is my guide.’

Speaking to improve his appearance to the public before finishing the term of the assassinated Abraham Lincoln.

6. ‘It’s a damn poor mind that can only think of one way to spell a word.’

Said in jest, basically suggesting that the rules for spelling are arbitrary and shouldn’t be slavishly followed.

7. ‘Washington, DC is 12 square miles bordered by reality.”

Here is speaks about the fact that the White House is set apart from the rest of the United States – a different world.

8. ‘I feel incompetent to perform duties…which have been so unexpectedly thrown upon me.’

Speaking about the task that lay before him after the assassination of President Lincoln.

9. ‘We are swinging round the circle.”

Andrew Johnson speaking about the Presidential “reconstruction”.

10. ‘Who, then, will govern? The answer must be, Man – for we have no angels in the shape of men, as yet, who are willing to take charge of our political affairs.’

After the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, he used this to suggest that life must go on and he is a suitable man to take over the presidency.

11. ‘Legislation can neither be wise nor just which seeks the welfare of a single interest at the expense and to the injury of many and varied interests.’

Talking about ensuring the legislation in the United States is suitable and beneficial for all.

12. “I have reached the summit of my ambition.”

On the news of him being elected in to the Senate.

13. “If the rabble were lopped off at one end and the aristocrat at the other, all would be well with the country.”

When speaking about his ideals for a harmonious nation.

14. “I am sworn to uphold the Constitution as Andy Johnson understands it and interprets it.”

A quote from him reading his oath on being sworn in to the Senate.

15. “Slavery exists. It is black in the South, and white in the North.”

Here he was speaking honestly and openly about the class differences in the United States.

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