3.0

Learned a lot about Polk and the Mexican American war/acquisition of Texas. You'd think I'd have a wide bit of knowledge about him, having grown up and been educated in Tennessee, but everyone is so busy hero-worshiping the genocidal maniac (Jackson) that Polk is just a blip.

My presidential reading journey is getting more interesting as I get into the weeds of the lesser talked about presidents. I thought Borneman did a good job of analyzing Polk's beliefs and methods in the context of the time without necessarily excusing or mythologizing him - much like the Tyler biography I just finished.

Still, it wasn't exactly a riveting ride of excitement. Though. I was fascinated to find out that Polk died pretty much immediately after leaving office.