Publishers Weekly describes this book as âthe most meticulously researched Lincoln biography ever written. Burlingame's Lincoln comes alive as the author unfolds vast amounts of new research while breathing new life into familiar stories. It is the essential title for the bicentennial.â Publishers Weekly also notes, âThe book need not be heard in one sitting. Each part stands alone.â Now Gildan Media brings to you, chapter by chapter, what Doris Kearns Goodwin calls a ââŠprofound and masterful portrait.â
The âRail Splitterâ Fights For and Wins the Republican Nomination (1859-1860)
âThat Presidential Grub Gnaws Deepâ â Pursuing the Republican Nomination (1859-1860)
Lincolnâs speeches were being published and widely circulated, as he began to practice law again as a means of income. When John Brownâs raid on Harpers Ferry occurred, Democrats cited this as an example of slave-agitation caused by the Republicans. Lincoln also began to address the southern threat of succession, deeming it an âact of treasonâ. In 1860, leading Republicans sought to boost Lincolnâs candidacy, as many saw him as the âmore-electableâ of the candidates. Of all of the speeches in his political career, the ones that seemed the most difficult for Lincoln were his New York speeches as they made him feel uncomfortable and out of place. During this time, Lincoln acquired the moniker ârail-splitterâ which stemmed from a casual comment he made.
âThe Most Available Presidential Candidate for Unadulterated Republicansâ â The Chicago Convention May 1860
Lincoln seemed to have a good chance of winning the election, despite his opponent, William Henry Seward. One major hurdle Lincoln faced was that he was seen as radical compared to Seward. Also, Seward supporters ranged from the sophisticated to the brash, and often made Lincoln feel inferior. But Seward was racked with mistakes of his political past in New York which included fiscal impropriety. A major victory for Lincoln at this point is Indiana, a victory that slows Sewardâs momentum. Lincoln ultimately beats Seward for the Republican nomination.