According to Lincoln third debate: Jonesboro,Illinois on September 15, 1858 Why does Lincoln say he is obligated to hold this position?
In the Lincoln-Jonesboro debate on September 15, 1858, Abraham Lincoln asserted his obligation to hold his position as a Republican candidate for the United States Senate from Illinois. Lincoln justified his obligation by stating that the issues discussed in the debates were of great importance and directly impacted the lives and well-being of the American people.
He argued that the issues at stake, primarily pertaining to slavery and its expansion into new territories, were vital to the preservation of the principles and values upon which the nation was founded. Lincoln believed that the debates were an opportunity to discuss these matters extensively, clarify his positions, and promote his vision for the future of the United States.
Moreover, Lincoln considered himself accountable to the people who had nominated him as the Republican candidate. He felt responsible for representing their interests and giving them a voice in the political process. By engaging in these debates, Lincoln aimed to demonstrate his commitment to the democratic principles of open dialogue and provide voters with the necessary information to make an informed decision.
Overall, Lincoln regarded his obligation to hold this position as a duty to uphold the ideals of the United States and give the electorate an opportunity to choose a leader who would advocate for their interests.
In the third debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas in Jonesboro, Illinois, on September 15, 1858, Lincoln explains why he is obligated to hold his position on the issue of slavery.
Lincoln begins his response by acknowledging that Douglas accuses him of having a hidden agenda to abolish slavery. He counters this by explaining that his position is not based on a personal desire or a political motive. Instead, Lincoln claims that his opposition to slavery is rooted in a moral obligation.
He goes on to state that the Declaration of Independence, a foundational document of the United States, declares that all men are created equal and endowed with certain unalienable rights. Lincoln argues that this statement, along with the nation's history and principles, places a duty on him to oppose slavery.
Lincoln then addresses the criticism that his beliefs may lead to racial equality, saying that he does not believe in immediate social and political equality between races. However, he firmly maintains that slavery is a violation of the principles on which the nation was founded.
In summary, Lincoln asserts that his position against slavery is not based on personal gain or ambition. Instead, he feels morally obligated to oppose slavery based on the principles of equality and inherent human rights outlined in the Declaration of Independence.
In the Lincoln-Douglas debates, Abraham Lincoln stated in the Jonesboro debate on September 15, 1858 that he was obligated to hold his position due to the coming together of moral, political, and constitutional reasons. Lincoln was a staunch opponent of slavery and believed that it was both morally wrong and a violation of the principles on which the United States was founded.
To understand why Lincoln said he was obligated to hold this position, we need to delve into the historical context and the arguments he put forward during the debates.
Firstly, let's discuss the moral aspect of Lincoln's position. He regarded slavery as a moral evil, as he believed that all individuals possess certain inherent rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. For Lincoln, these rights were not dependent on race or skin color, and he saw slavery as a clear violation of these principles. Thus, he felt obligated to oppose slavery on moral grounds.
Politically, Lincoln argued that the expansion of slavery into new territories would harm the system of free labor upon which the Northern economy was built. He believed that the Founding Fathers intended for slavery to be kept within the existing Southern states but prohibited in the new territories. Lincoln feared that the Southern slave power's expansion would undermine the rights and opportunities of Northern citizens, leading to an imbalance of power.
Constitutionally, Lincoln argued that the framers of the Constitution did not intend to safeguard slavery as an institution. He believed that the framers' statements and actions suggested that they sought to limit slavery and ultimately phase it out. Therefore, Lincoln saw it as his duty to defend the original intent of the Constitution and prevent the further spread of slavery.
By combining these moral, political, and constitutional reasons, Lincoln felt compelled to hold his position against the expansion of slavery. He believed that allowing the institution to continue its growth would undermine the principles on which the United States was built, perpetuating a grave injustice.
To further understand Lincoln's arguments and his position on slavery, it is important to study his speeches, letters, and other writings from this time period. Additionally, examining historical records, such as the transcripts of the Lincoln-Douglas debates themselves, can provide further insights into his views and the context in which he expressed them.