Reply #10: But as a Congressman he was only one out of 435

[Time for change]

It's hard for me to believe that he thought he would have more power as a Congressman as President.

Rather, I think that he may have been overwhelmed with his responsibilities as President, as many Presidents are (but certainly NOT Reagan or W), and tackling the issue of slavery was such a monumental task that be believed (probably correctly) that it would destroy his presidency if he tried.

By the time he became a Congressman he had probably matured some, and he probably told himself that he may as well spend the rest of his life fighting for what he felt was right, and throw caution to the wind. He had done just about everything by that time, and probably figured that there was nothing left to lose.

At least, that's the way I see it.

And even though he didn't address the issue as President, I still greatly admire him.

And also, he may have deeply regretted the fact that he didn't address the issue as President.