Looking for Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln is the secular patron saint of America and perhaps and the most legendary and mystic of anyone in our history. Because of his stature, his legend has taken on all sorts of meanings and in all his grandeur, it is possible to lose sight of who he really is. In the documentary special "Looking for Lincoln", historian Henry Louis Gates, Jr. spans the country exploring many different facets of Lincoln's life and legacy. Exploring Lincoln in the present, Gates attends an auction of his memorabilia, visits the foremost Abe collector, and visits a descendants of Confederate veterans gathering to gain a perspective of those who do not have a lofty opinion of the man. He also visits historical sites such as Gettysburg, the Lincoln Bedroom in White House, his summer cottage in D.C., Ford's Theater and across the street to his deathbed at Peterson's Boarding House. Joining him on his journey and offering insight are George W. Bush, historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, Harvard President Drew Gilpin Faust, and Bill Clinton. Gates' trek is a fascinating look into the life and legacy of our 16th President although it does very little to shed any new light on who he was.