I think that as the war dragged on, and Lincoln became more familiar with the performance of black troops in the Union cause, he became more optimistic about their ability to be citizens. I don’t know if he ever went so far as to believe them equal, but I think he believed them deserving of equal rights.
“As I would not be a slave so I would not be a master. This expresses my view of democracy, whatever differs from this, the the extent of the difference is no democracy.” -Abe Lincoln.
As the War dragged on the Confederate States congress authorized freedom for any slave that would fight for the South - but that doesn't matter to those wanting to purge American history.
No, Lincoln was by anyone’s definition a white supremacist and he must be brought down regardless. Not quite yet. But the purge of Washington, Jefferson, and eventually Lincoln is coming.
And the star spangled banner that flew over slavery in the war of 1812, and during the native American genocide, and the landing of segregated U. S. troops at Normandy, and the imperialist invasion of Vietnam - all bad, all the time. I think even the Reverend Jeremiah Wright would agree to this narrative. Everything must go but the rainbow flag and president Obama.