As leader of the Republican Party, Lincoln was outspoken in his views on slavery and expressed then during the debates of 1858. What would best fit with his position?

As the leader of the Republican Party, Lincoln was staunchly opposed to the expansion of slavery. He expressed his views during the famous debates of 1858, particularly in his speeches and arguments against Stephen Douglas. Lincoln firmly believed that slavery was morally wrong and was determined to prevent its expansion into new territories. He argued for the preservation of the Union and the eventual abolition of slavery, although he did not initially advocate for immediate emancipation. Instead, Lincoln supported a gradual approach by preventing the spread of slavery and ultimately hoped for a peaceful transition towards its eradication.