Message to Garcia, 2016 The process of election affords a moral certainty, that the office of President will never fall to any man who is not endowed with the requisite qualifications. Talents for low intrigue, and the little arts of popularity, may suffice to elevate a man to the first honors in a single State; but it will require a different kind of merit, to establish him in the esteem and confidence of the whole Union, or of so considerable a portion of it to make him a successful candidate for the distinguished office of President of the United States. It will not be too strong to say, that there will be a constant probability of seeing the station filled by characters preeminent for ability and virtue.
Alexander Hamilton from a letter in the Federalist papers.
