Every President struggles to chart his own course, but for the Presidents grouped together here, J. Adams, Taylor, Hayes, Carter, independence in action was raised to a point of principle, and it became a test of character. Each took on powerful interests with which he was himself politically affiliated, determined to stand on his own ground despite the potential damage to his political base. Each of these Presidents: Van Buren, Buchanan, Lincoln, LBJ, dedicated their lives to cultivating the art of politics, and more.