Lincoln-Douglas Debates and Politics in the Mid-19th Century
To the Editor of the Freeport Press:
I am writing today to express my strong support for Abraham Lincoln's candidacy in the upcoming Senatorial elections. There are many reasons why I have decided to vote for a Republican -- going against my life-long commitment to the Democratic Party -- not the least of which is the way in which Lincoln stood up to the demagoguery of Mr. Douglas. While Lincoln showed great skill at oratory, Douglas' dirty tactics and his obsession with the idea that Negroes are less than human have contributed to my decision in this election.
In fact, when Douglass loudly asserted that Republicans who supported an end to slavery were something akin to demons, I was outraged. When Douglas said he would "…nail it [Republican platforms] upon the back of every Black Republican in the state," he alienated me, my friends, and many thoughtful, intelligent Illinois citizens. The arrogance and use of slander and intimidation by Douglas was shamefully rude and inflammatory.
Meanwhile, please indulge me while I explain more fully why I am voting for a Republican in this election. It should be noted that the Republican party has only been in existence for a few years, but the platform opposes slavery and opposes the Fugitive Slave Law, and hence, I am going to vote for Lincoln and support his (what some would call) 'radical' candidacy.
My support for Lincoln is not based entirely upon his performance at Freeport -- not at all. In fact Lincoln's handling of the questions, and his intelligent approach to controversy -- showing that he was a thoughtful, sensitive man, who deeply cares about the future of Illinois and of the United States -- was just the tipping point for me. I had been leaning towards voting for a candidate who would speak out against slavery, or who would at least support the gradual elimination of slavery in every state in this country.
Also, I have been an opponent of the Fugitive Slave Law since it was initially discussed in Congress, and since it has been...
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