I wrote most of this a few months ago but I’ve edited it, added to it, and I’d like to share it, it’s a small essay on why I believe in Thomas and James friendship, James takes a leadership role better than Thomas does.
First of all, in “What’d I Miss” it directly states “Thomas we are engaged in a battle for our nation's very soul, can you get us out of the mess we're in? Hamilton's new financial plan is nothing less than government control…” etc. Heres James is DIRECTING Jefferson to “FIX” their Hamilton shaped issue. James is the reason Thomas was fighting Hamilton’s debt plan despite not knowing anything about it— which leads us directly into my next point.
In “Cabinet Battle #1” Thomas says “It’s to many damn pages for any man to understand” further proving how Thomas didn’t even really comprehend the full extent of what he was arguing against, he was simply aware of the fact James wasn’t a fan, there's actually another quote in this song “JAMES MADISON won’t talk to me, that’s a non-starter.” Alex refers to Madison as the one unwilling to co-operate even though he had been previously arguing Thomas over the matter. Furthermore he refers to James ALONE, with zero mentions of Jefferson, proving how James is the one currently is control of their stance, if James says no, then Thomas says no.
Thirdly, in “The Room Where It Happens,” which crazy right? Burr’s ‘villain’ origin song isn’t exactly where I was expecting to be pulling evidence from, but in factuality I acquired more evidence from here than the previous two songs. Let me explain, the song states “I approached Madison and said ‘I know you hate him but let's hear what he has to say’.” Thomas refers to Madison as the one who hates Hamilton. He doesn’t say “I know WE hate him” no he says “I know YOU hate him.” He doesn’t even refer to himself as somebody against Hamilton here(that’s not to say that he isn’t.) Once more this shows how most of Thomas’s dislike for Alexander is just following James example, Now for another example from “The Room Where it Happens.”
While Thomas is talking to James this conversation insues “Maybe we could solve one problem with another, and win a victory for the Southerners, In other words” (-James Madison)
“Ho ho” (-Thomas Jefferson)
“A quid pro quo” (-James Madison)
“I suppose” (-Thomas Jefferson)
“Wouldn't you like to work a little closer to home?” (-James Madison)
“Actually, I would” (-Thomas Jefferson)
“Well, I propose the Potomac” (-James Madison)
“And you'll provide him his votes?” (-Thomas Jefferson)
“Well, we'll see how it goes” (-James Madison)
“Let's go” (-Thomas Jefferson)
James is the one who suggests what they get out of this deal with Hamilton. THOMAS is the one going along with JAMES plan.
“Washington On Your Side” also provides evidence for us, though not as strong evidence as the last, where Madison suggests they “follow the scent of his enterprise.” Demonstrating how he suggests the plan.
and finally, “The Election Of 1800.” In the song, Madison is helping Jefferson, with suggestions on how to win the presidential campaign. As well as insight on the peoples feelings towards the two candidates, such as the line “Thomas, that’s the problem see, they see Burr as a less extreme you.” And how he suggests that Jefferson acquires Hamilton’s endorsement. And while this is the one plan of Madison’s that Jefferson simply, doesn’t follow, it still shows how Madison is the one making the plans here.
JAMES is the leader here, while THOMAS is just there representative, the one who is outwardly executing the plans, which paints him as a more outspoken figure in their friendship, but James is pulling the strings from BEHIND the scenes, he’s quietly scheming, and plotting. He, while not being the face of their plans, is CREATING said plans, Jefferson just follows them, and I think the fact Jefferson is the one of them who is enacting said plans is what gives the false impression that Thomas is the one in a leadership role, but no it’s Madison.
