I can only imagine that it would have been extremely difficult to follow our first president, who was also a revered, respected, and greatly loved man!  I'm sure Adams felt a lot of pressure when he went into office.  I certainly cannot imagine anyone in his position not feeling a tremendous amount of pressure.  Having to follow a hugely popular man would add that much more pressure to the unimaginable burden of running a brand new country.

Had Washinton decided to run for a thrid term I think it is safe to say he would have ran unopposed, as this was the case for his second term.  Washington had tremendous insight by realizing that he was setting a presidential precedent, (until F.D.R.'s historic third term run) He realized power had to be transferred to another, however he did not envy Adams one bit.  No matter how modest he could have been, Obivously he realized "someone" had to follow him.  Adams deserved to be president, however his greatness would always be overshadowed by the first president of The United States.

I can only imagine that it would have been extremely difficult to follow our first president, who was also a revered, respected, and greatly loved man!  I'm sure Adams felt a lot of pressure when he went into office.  I certainly cannot imagine anyone in his position not feeling a tremendous amount of pressure.  Having to follow a hugely popular man would add that much more pressure to the unimaginable burden of running a brand new country.