On March 4, 1845, James Polk reiterated a campaign promise that he would serve only one term as president, during a time when American presidents were not limited to any number of terms. While not feeling beholden to mid-administration campaigning or legacy building, openly serving one term could essentially make someone into a temporary dictator—or at least a leader who needs no self restraint in pursuing what he thinks is best. Regardleess, Polk then ran through the walls into the White House—more commonly known as The Executive Mansion—with raging vigor and spent four years diligently crafting the most underrated administration in United States history.
Too busy working on his street cred growing up, Polk did not actually go to school at all until turning 18. Unlike fellow President Andrew Johnson, who defiantly remained illiterate for much of his adult life, Polk decided he could be more than the leader of some turn-of-the-century street gang and sought real education. In school he was likely inspired by some free-thinking, nonconformist, teacher who believed education was more powerful than guns—and in 1813, definitely more accurate. Three years later, Polk entered the University of Carolina. Three years after I started school, I was learning long division and cried when I had a remainder left over. I hated remainders. Two years after starting college, Polk graduated with honors. Two after I started college, I was an undecided major using my classes as a self-imposed, expensive daycare. Polk, age 23, decided to enter politics, after being admitted to the bar. Near age 23 myself, I rarely decide to enter political websites and am not actually allowed in a handful of bars anymore.
As a member (and eventual speaker) of the U.S. House of Representatives, Polk was a staunch ally of President Andrew Jackson—which is kind of like being friends with Blackbeard the Pirate. Actually, saying Andrew Jackson was like a pirate is akin to saying Mike Ditka was like a football player. Jackson is the president of choice among many historians, but his violent outbursts, cannings, duels, land speculating, Indian-abusing, Supreme Court-challenging and camaraderie among New Orleans’ worst makes him rather divisive as a historical actor. Jackson was great at leading drunkards to battles but a (slightly) different kind of leadership is necessary for Presidential duties. Reveal: James Polk, the more effortless politician who extended more effort than any other man.
In 1844, Polk was quoted saying, and fully acted out, “It has been well observed that the office of President of the United States should neither be sought nor declined.” Not since George Washington and never after, had or has a presidential candidate done so little campaigning. In fact, Polk’s main opponent, Henry Clay of the Whig Party, played up Polk’s obscurity with the regrettable campaign slogan, “Who the hell is James K. Polk?” Unfortunately for them, and the rest of America, few people have found an answer 160 years later. While Polk did not actively campaign, he assured supporters that if he were president he would have four goals: the reestablishment of the Independent Treasury System, the reduction of tariffs, the acquisition of some, or all, of the Oregon Country and the acquisition of California/New Mexico from Mexico.
When challenged by these rather bold promises, Polk responded, “No President who performs his duties faithfully and conscientiously can have any leisure.”
"...and no President should have time to get a haircut either."
--Polk
And damn, he followed through. Over the course of four years he might have gotten 18 hours of sleep. In 1845, President Polk offered Mexico up to $30 million for the land of California and New Mexico. Infuriated by Polk’s audacity and acting the part of a small-time bandleader, Mexico invaded Texas (an “independent” country protected by America at the time). About a year later, America bought the land that’d become California, Nevada, Utah, most of Arizona, and parts of New Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming for the total amount of $15 million. That was some real “Godfather-type” negotiating right there.
Regarding the British-controlled Oregon, Polk just had to give them the old crazy eye (a likely imitation of Andrew Jackson). Polk wanted the border at the 49th parallel, the British said America can jump off a bridge. Polk said, fine, we now want the border at--the more Northern--54th parallel. (Cue the crazy eye.) Britain, impressed by America’s military display against Mexico, agreed to Polk’s original terms. They’re just lucky we didn’t ask for Scotland while we were at it.
Polk then solved the two financial disasters with more 24-hour fist shaking and retired after his first term, going five for five with his campaign promises. He died three months later, presumably from exhaustion—making him arguably the most self-sacrificial president ever. Also, the group of historians/alternative rock band They Might be Giants enshrined him in their song “James K. Polk.” Like the rest of Polk though, the song has been promptly and inexcusably forgotten.
While maybe not the best president of all time, Polk’s level of ambition and dedication was perfect. Like Batman, James Polk set the unrivaled standard for the president America needs, but not the one we deserve. Also, he beat up jokers and occasionally employed the catchphrase, "You just got Polked."
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