[jeffersondem]

“If you're someone like Lincoln you realize that they are entitled to those liberties but the institution of slavery is preventing them from enjoying them. And you work to end it.”

For the purpose of this post, let's stipulate that you are correct: Lincoln, as early as 1858, was working to end slavery directly, or indirectly.

This is the exactly opposite of what candidate Lincoln was selling to his state and national audiences.

Let's look at his own words: “I will say here, while upon this subject, that I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists. I believe I have no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so.”

Note well the words “no inclination to do so.”

It is ironic that you take the southern view at the time that candidate Lincoln was an insincere charlatan.

[DoodleDawg]

Note well the words “no inclination to do so.”

Note well the words "where it exists". Why should Lincoln have the inclination to end slavery in places where he knew he had no power to do so? Why waste time on that? Far better to work on preventing the expansion of slavery using the powers available to the government.

It is ironic that you take the southern view at the time that candidate Lincoln was an insincere charlatan.

It is not surprising that you would somehow stumble to that conclusion in spite of all evidence to the contrary.