“We have had good and bad Presidents, and it is a consoling reflection that the American Nation possesses such elements of prosperity that the bad Presidents cannot destroy it, and have been able to do no more than slightly to retard the public's advancement.”

Letter to David Mundell (12 October 1848) in which Clay reflects upon his failure to win the Presidency.

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Henry Clay23

American politician from Kentucky 1777–1852

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“We have had good and bad Presidents, and it is a consoling reflection that the American Nation possesses such elements of prosperity that the bad Presidents cannot destroy it, and have been able to do no more than slightly to retard the public's advancement.”

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Henry Clay23

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