Chapter 49: Lincoln’s Debates with Stephen Douglas Attract National Coverage

1858

Conditions now convince Abraham Lincoln to shift from his legal career into politics, and he aims to contest the Illinois Senate seat held by Douglas.

He wins the Republican nomination after his stirring “House Divided” speech declaring that the Union cannot endure half free and half slave. He then joins Douglas in a series of eight debates between August and October 1858 which focus on the future of slavery.

Douglas goes on the attack early asserting that “America is for the White race,” labelling his opponent a radical abolitionist, and challenging him to deny that Blacks are inferior. Lincoln is caught off guard at first, rambling about “physical differences” that exist and making an awkward confession that, if one has to be superior, he would favor the White race.

But then Abe turns the tables, citing the Founder’s declaration of equality and proving their intent to have slavery wither away. He also traps Douglas into his “Freeport Doctrine,” where he admits favoring “popsov” over the Dred Scott mandates as the right way to decide the expansion of slavery. (Some say this costs Douglas the Southern support he needs to become president.)

The outcome of the race in favor of Douglas is decided before it begins, since the Illinois legislature is dominated by Democrats, and it’s their votes which determine the winner. Still Lincoln’s performance captures attention among the Republicans, and henceforth he is viewed by many as a credible national candidate.