Andrew Jackson & Polk

Andrew Jackson & Polk, Oil on Canvas Board (20" x 16")

Andrew "Hitler of the Cherokee" Jackson is commonly regarded as one America's best presidents. Old Hickory had a quintessentially American "my way or the highway" attitude I rather admire. Andrew Jackson kicked the Spaniards out of Florida under no authority but his own; he gave us the DNC's Jackass, back when that was something to be proud of, and he would strike down with great vengeance and furious anger anyone who brought offense to his accidentally polygamous wife, Rachel. I think he is my favorite president.

"King Mob" Jackson knew how to party too. At his inauguration, the rabble stormed the White House, broke the plates and got steaming drunk all over the lawn. Those were the good old days of representative democracy. As President he (briefly) paid off the national debt, gave all his buddies jobs and fought a ceaseless war against the banks. We could use some more of that these days. For his work we've named countless parks, counties and even cities after him. We even put him on our money, ironically. And like any President worth his salt, he survived an assassination attempt.

By contrast, James Knox Polk often languishes in history. Polk's was a protege of Jackson, and his political star rose in proportion to Jackson's success. "Young Hickory" is remembered mainly for being America's first 'dark horse' candidate, and for "Polk's War of Aggression." However, the Presidency of James K. Polk was remarkably successful. Polk accomplished all of his campaign promises in his first term, and being satisfied with the results, declined to run for a second term. Polk, the youngest Prez until JFK, reduced tariffs, expanded America's borders, and continued Jackson's prosecution of the banks via the independent treasury. Then he quit, enjoyed retirement for about 100 days, and croaked. Lucky son-of-a-gun never had to live through the Civil War. Polk's most lasting legacy is his invention of the mullet.

Both of these men dearly loved their wives, but neither had legitimate children. An old story relates that Andrew Jackson encouraged the romance between Polk and his wife, Sarah. (Possibly to cover their own illicit Presidential love, according to some malcontents). However, Polk was rendered sterile at a young age by a surgery to remove urinary stones. He never raised any children. Andrew Jackson, on the other hand, had a large cadre of adopted step-children and Indian war babies. He must have taken that white man's burden stuff pretty seriously. Any descendent of these men would be some sort of bastard of history. But hey, leaders are made, not born or bred.

I would like to dedicate this painting to my friend, Andrew Polk, who has been interning in the beltway for the last few months, learning the swampy arts of his forefathers.