In Joseph J. Ellis' book "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation," he explores the fraught political landscape of the early United States. One key insight is that directly confronting the established political power, represented by Washington and his administration, was seen as a reckless move that could lead to a swift political downfall. The revolutionary era was marked by a delicate balance of power, and challenging Washington directly often resulted in severe consequences for dissenters.

Ellis emphasizes that the founders were acutely aware of the risks involved in opposing Washington. This caution stemmed from their understanding of Washington's influence and the respect he commanded among the populace. As such, many political figures chose to navigate their ambitions carefully, recognizing that maintaining political viability often meant avoiding direct conflict with the revered leader of the revolution.