What Candidates Need David Brooks Analysis

In the article “What Candidates Need”, David Brooks discusses the foundations of the “Lincoln Standard” by dissecting one of the most influential presidents America has ever seen, Abraham Lincoln. According to David Brooks, “Lincoln had in fullness: a fundamental vision, a golden temperament, and a shrewd strategy” (Brooks, “What Candidates Need”) that aided him in political matters and are the qualities that make up the “Lincoln Standard”. The qualities observed in Abraham Lincoln and his “Lincoln Standard” are applicable to any figures recognized as an influential leader. Alexander the Great, a leader and the king of Macedonia was a profound leader, proportionate with Abraham Lincoln and his “Lincoln Standard”. Alexander in his time sought …show more content…
Alexander the Great brilliantly showcased his ability to strategize in the Battle of Gaugamela. The Battle of Gaugamela was an “extraordinary victory” (Matthews, “Battle of Gaugamela”) against the Persian army. Alexander’s army was composed of an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 soldiers, while his counterpart, Darius III was believed to have “anywhere between 90,000 to 250,000 men” (Wasson, “Battle of Gaugamela”). Outnumbered, Alexander knew he could not face Persian army in their traditional formation. With soldiers up front equipped with the legendary sarisa spears, 18 feet long, Alexander “led his cavalry out to the right” (Wasson, “Battle of Gaugamela”). Afraid of being outflanked by Alexander, Darius “ordered his left wing…to keep pace with Alexander's outflanking movements” (Wasson, “Battle of Gaugamela”). This maneuver by Darius III proved to be a fatal mistake. By moving his calvary, Darius unknowingly opened up a gap in the center of his army, thus giving Alexander an opening, and launched a “determined assault on the center” (Wasson, “Battle of Gaugamela”) of Darius’s army. With this tactic, nothing stood between his cavalry and Persian soldiers as he led a “ferocious charge in the Persian lines” (Wasson, “Battle of Gaugamela”). Alexander chose to leave some of his cavalry units behind to fight off the Persian horsemen and preventing them to pursue Alexander. Alexander’s soldier soon followed with their sarisa spears, and into Darius’s front lines. King Darius III, flees the battle, causing panic within his army. Not far after, Alexander the Great claims victory and would end the Persian Empire. At the end of the battle, it was reported that the Macedonian army lost a total 700 soldiers, while the Persians reportedly lost 20,000 men. This unbelievable feat displays Alexander the Great’s ability to strategize,