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Abe Lincoln Burnishes His Brand Through Comedy Routines and Ads (Video)

From vampire hunter to car salesman, America’s 16th president continues to resonate with the public—through pop culture.

Abraham Lincoln has had a busy afterlife. As if saving the Union wasn’t enough, the former president is now spending his time selling cars, provocatively chopping wood, and starring on Saturday Night Live. It may not always be pretty, but here’s how Lincoln is being portrayed in pop culture.

Louis C.K. and ‘Saturday Night Live’

You probably often find yourself wondering: what would Lincoln’s stand up routine have looked like? Well, thanks to Louis C.K. and Saturday Night Live, you can now breathe easy. (And spoiler alert: he’s hilarious.)

Geico Commercial

“Was Abe Lincoln honest?” asks this Geico commercial. The implied answer is “yes,” which means Honest Abe would have been pissed to learn he would later be used to sell insurance.

Drunk History

Sure, Will Ferrell does a great George W., but he also plays a great Lincoln. Step aside, Daniel Day Lewis.

Lincoln MKZ Commercial

It makes sense that this car company would feature the eponymous president in a commercial, so we’re cool with this Lincoln ad. The great emancipator is featured sparingly, emerging dramatically through the mist at the top of the ad.

Quicken Loans Commercial

First of all, this ad makes no sense. Second, this ad makes no sense. Third: really?! Who is Lincoln running from? Why is he doing flips? Who’s the guy driving the van? Why is there a van? Ugh.

Apples to Apples Commercial

This ad makes sense, and is in fact quite funny. But have we reached a point as a society where an assassinated president who—just to reiterate—saved the Union can be shown in nothing but booty shorts and a top hat, gyrating to weird techno music?

Vampire Hunter

Pretty self-explanatory, sadly.

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