Many people would consider Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) one of the best presidents of the United States. While most people know that he was president during the American Civil War and that he played a major role in ending slavery, what many people do not know is that Lincoln had many political defeats. In fact, before being elected president, Lincoln held only two political offices for a short time: one as an Illinois state legislator and the other as a congressman. In total, Lincoln ran for office ten times but was elected only three times. As a young man, he also had a business that failed, and he experienced depression. It is a testimony to Lincoln's strength of character that in light of so many drawbacks, his legacy is one of strength, integrity, and success.