a topic assigned to me by my mother

My mom had offered to come up with some topics for me when I started out on this 30 (now 31) day adventure. I'm digging into them for the first time... so today's topic, or assignment, is:

"My Favorite President and Why"

People who know what a freaking crazy liberal I am are going to expect me to say FDR or Clinton, or even Obama, despite the fact he's been president for less time than babies gestate. But, no. My favorite president is likely not a favorite of anyone, because he's just kind of... forgettable.

For one thing, he was early on in the line. After the first 3, everyone kind of forgets until Lincoln, and then again until Kennedy. There are other presidents, but once you pass 8th grade civics, you pretty much forget about them.

Because I am a dork, I read all the time. I read even more when I was a kid. I read cereal boxes. I read my mom's Family Circle magazines. I read under the covers, I read in the shower. I couldn't leave the library without at least a dozen books (I still can't). One of the books I happened upon (a librarian may have recommended it; I don't remember) was a biography of James Madison. Perhaps it was because it was written so vividly, or because Madison had a great story, or maybe some identification, but I loved it. I read it at least 4 or 5 times. But it's not just that biography that makes him my favorite.

James shouldn't have been president. He shouldn't have even survived his childhood. He was a sickly little thing. Even as an adult, he topped out at 5'4". He was quiet. His voice was high, shrill, and whispery. He was painfully shy. But somehow, he ended up being the 4th president, taking the nation through the War of 1812 (also known as the war that officially made England our bitch), getting his White House burnt down, while his wife dragged out the portrait of Washington that still hangs in the House today.

Speaking of Dolley, what an awesome chick she was. Opposite of James in most ways- she was big, boisterous, vivacious, and outgoing. She charmed everyone who met her. As shy and averse to human interaction as James was, Dolley was the party hostess of D.C. The White House became the Delta House- parties and teas and socials and galas. Opposites attracting and a great love story to rival George and Martha or John and Abigail.

Why is Madison my favorite? He defied the odds. He didn't really even think he could. It wasn't necessarily ambition that helped him along. Just a belief that he had to do what he thought was right, to do what would help people and the country, and do what he must. Our system of government, as flawed as it is, is still a testament to the greatness of compromise- between central and state governments and between Madison and his co-writers of the Federalist Papers, and between the federalists and anti-federalists. Madison didn't set out to change history. He didn't try to found a country or government. He had no want for fame or even attention. But he had to do what he thought was right. Which is pretty freaking awesome.