Franklin Pierce – our 14th president from 1853 to 1857 – is often considered one of the worst presidents in American history (and one of the most obscure), with historians typically citing his role as a pre-Civil War compromiser who greatly favored an expansion of the country at all costs. Pierce supported the expansion of the nation even if that meant ceding power to more slave-holding states, which enraged the North and only exacerbated the growing tensions between the two sides of the burgeoning conflict.
Pierce even wanted to annex Cuba, even if that meant taking it by force. He is often seen as a pawn of the South, a ruthless expansionist and one of the many enablers of the slave states. He didn’t make a ton of friends during his time in office, and he sure didn’t make a lot of Northern friends during the Civil War either, as many people saw him still as a sympathizer based on a variety of evidence.
Also, depending on who you ask, he may have even run over an elderly woman with his carriage at one point.
Franklin Pierce’s Quote Upon Leaving the Presidency
So when he couldn’t even manage to get renominated by the Democrats for the 1856 election, he allegedly said:
“There is nothing left to do but get drunk.”
Given that Pierce’s tumultuous term in the White House started with a train derailment that killed his only remaining son, 11-year-old Benjamin, it’s not much of a surprise drinking would be the first thing on his mind. He was a known drinker throughout periods of his tragic life as well, which ultimately culminated in a legacy of leading a disastrous single term as president that helped usher along the bloodiest conflict in American history.
So yeah, Pierce really didn’t have anything left to do but get drunk.
More Franklin Pierce Quotes
“Frequently the more trifling the subject, the more animated and protracted the discussion.”
“If your past is limited, your future is boundless.”
“While men inhabiting different parts of this vast continent cannot be expected to hold the same opinions, they can unite in a common objective and sustain common principles.”
“You have summoned me in my weakness. You must sustain me in your strength.”
“Of all knaves the religious knave is the worst.”
