Document Interpretation 6: Popular Sovereignty, Sherman's March to the Sea &

Impeachment
Veronica Hernandez
Sum14_HIST007A_5115
Abraham Lincoln, Charleston Debate
How would you attribute Lincolns attitude toward race and slavery as expressed in
this excerpt?
The excerpt is the height of the art of debate for its time. How does it compare with
political rhetoric in todays elections?
What is Lincolns main point within this introductory speech? What issue does he
devote the most his time to?
It is clear that Lincoln was for the freedom of slaves but he still believed that the White Race
was superior. And inasmuch as they cannot so live, while they do remain together there must
be the position of superior and inferior, and I as much as any other man am in favor of having
the superior position assigned to the white race He felt the negroes where not as intelligent
as the Whites and should not participate in the Politics or Jury yet he did believe they should
not be slaves. I will add to this that I have never seen, to my knowledge, a man, woman, or
child who was in favor of producing a perfect equality, social and political, between negroes
and white men
Lincoln was Brilliant when it came to dishonoring Douglass name and intentions when he says
he will examine the points of Douglas Suppose it were true that there was such a change in the
bill, and that I struck it out,is that a proof of a plot to force a Constitution upon them against
their will? and when he mentions Judge Douglas proceeded to remark that he should not
hereafter occupy his time in refuting such charges made by Trumbull, but that Lincoln having
indorsed the character of Trumbull for veracity, he should hold him (Lincoln) responsible for the
slanders. He is putting the Idea in the heads of the voters that Douglas is deceitful and has no
concern for the people of the land and that Douglas used the word Veracity to describe
Turnbull. Its a play on words and it is subtle so Lincoln does not come off as if he is Attacking
Douglas. The press is there to write about Lincolns speech thus slandering Douglas throughout
the different Colonies. And Politicians do the same today but they are more open and to the
point. Lincoln opens with slavery and not wanting a True Equality then proceeds to very
tactfully tarnish Douglass name. Now a days they come right out and slander each other with
little regard to the issues. Todays press includes Newspaper, television and the internet so it
travels faster and further.
Lincoln opened his speech with clarification on the difference between his fondness for
abolishing slavery and not wanting a true Equality, which led into a second clarification of the
Misunderstanding between Turnbull and Douglas so he may point out the untrustworthy
Personality of Douglas. By doing this he was smart to play such a neutral role on such a Taboo
subject and then simply state the disputed words between two men so the audience will feel he
is just helping them understand what the dispute is about and at the same time putting
thoughts of who is trustworthy and who is not into the publics mind.