Book Review- Grover Cleveland
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Feb 20, 2024
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BOOK REVIEW
Barbara Fuller
HIUS341
February 5, 2024
In Pafford's work "The Forgotten Conservative: Rediscovering Grover Cleveland," the author takes this reader on an eye-opening journey into the political legacy of Grover Cleveland, the 22nd and 24th President of the United States. Pafford's central thesis revolves around the assertion that despite often being overshadowed by more celebrated figures, Cleveland deserves recognition as the most conservative American President to date. This exploration delves into Cleveland's commitment to a strict constitutional interpretation, unwavering personal principles, and a steadfast belief in limited government authority.
Grover Cleveland's presidency, marked by its non-consecutive terms, is a focal point in Pafford's analysis. The author highlights the uniqueness of Cleveland's political trajectory, emphasizing his conservative approach to governance, politics, and executive power. Cleveland's
frequent utilization of the presidential veto emerges as a prominent feature of his leadership style, a tool wielded to counter bills that, in his view, threatened to centralize power in the government at the expense of individual liberties. One illustrative example is Cleveland's veto of the 1887 Seed Bill, designed to provide $10,000 in aid to drought-stricken Texan farmers. While the proposed legislation was deemed noble by many, especially in the context of contemporary
government assistance programs, Cleveland adhered to a conservative philosophy." His warning that "while the people should patriotically and cheerfully support their government, its functions do not include the support of the people" encapsulated his political philosophy, making clear beyond the shadow of a doubt his commitment to limited government, a commitment that would soon come under assault from the left wing of Cleveland's own party."
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Pafford extended his analysis to Cleveland's broader interpretation of the Constitution, emphasizing the President's consistent and narrow view of the government's role. This perspective extended beyond domestic affairs, as Cleveland was reluctant to involve the United States in the internal matters of other nations. At a time when the U.S. was increasingly asserting
itself in global affairs, Cleveland's preference for a more limited approach stands out as a testament to his conservative values. A notable example is Cleveland's indifference to the tumultuous events in Cuba and Hawaii. While contemporary U.S. policy advocated for intervention, Cleveland adhered to a restrained stance, prioritizing internal issues over interference in the affairs of other nations. This reluctance to engage in unwarranted interventions aligns with a fundamentally conservative approach to foreign policy.
The book also sheds light on Cleveland's resistance to expanding executive powers beyond what was expressly outlined in the Constitution. In particular, his opposition to adopting silver back into currencies, as opposed to maintaining the gold standard, exemplifies his 1
Pafford, John M. The Forgotten Conservative: Rediscovering Grover Cleveland.
New York: Regnery Publishing, Inc.,2013. Pp 86.
conservative economic principles. "Cleveland was willing to have silver coins in circulation, but their role would be subsidiary to that of gold."
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Despite liberal arguments that supporting silver would benefit small-scale silver miners and the less affluent, Cleveland foresaw potential economic repercussions and staunchly opposed what he perceived as a move that could adversely affect the nation's economy. Pafford skillfully weaves primary speeches of President Cleveland into the narrative, providing readers with a direct and intimate insight into the President's conservative ideology. By examining Cleveland's earlier roles as Buffalo's mayor and later as the governor of New York
City, the author offers a comprehensive view of the President's evolution and ideological consistency.
While the book intrigued me, I felt a sense of longing for more depth. It occurred to me that the author missed an opportunity to explore how President Cleveland's beliefs and actions, when viewed through the lens of contemporary political landscapes, could have added richness to the narrative of his conservatism. A more extensive exploration of how Cleveland's decisions might be interpreted in today's political and governmental climate could have offered a nuanced understanding of his lasting legacy.
In conclusion, "The Forgotten Conservative" masterfully explores the political philosophy of Grover Cleveland, presenting him as a paragon of conservatism in American 2
Pafford, John M.,The Forgotten Conservative: Rediscovering Grover Cleveland.
New York: Regnery Publishing, Inc.,2013. Pp 93.
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presidential history. Pafford effectively captures Cleveland's unwavering commitment to limited government, economic prudence, and a restrained foreign policy. The book serves as a valuable contribution to understanding the nuanced complexities of Cleveland's presidency, shedding light
on a leader whose conservative principles continue to resonate in discussions of American political history.
Bibliography
Pafford, John M. The Forgotten Conservative: Rediscovering Grover Cleveland. New York: Regnery Publishing, Inc., 2013
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