Lincoln (2012)

Richard Topol: James Speed

Photos 

Quotes 

• John Usher : It seems to me, sir, you're describing precisely the sort of dictator the Democrats have been howling about.

  James Speed : Dictators aren't susceptible to law.

  John Usher : Neither is he! He just said as much! Ignoring the courts? Twisting meanings? What reins him in from, from...

  Abraham Lincoln : Well, the people do that, I suppose. I signed the Emancipation Proclamation a year and half before my second election. I felt I was within my power to do it; however I also felt that I might be wrong about that; I knew the people would tell me. I gave 'em a year and half to think about it. And they re-elected me.

  [pauses] 

  Abraham Lincoln : And come February the first, I intend to sign the Thirteenth Amendment.