2009 Lincoln Bicentennial - Lincoln the Politician

The seven Lincoln-Douglas debates were some of the most well-attended political events of the time. Illinois was a swing state and the issue of slavery was the main topic of discussion nationwide. It was the model for future debates, including those for President. Stephen Douglas's Democratic Party won the majority of the state legislature and thus was appointed to the Senate (this was before the direct election of Senators). However Lincoln gained the attention of the nation and would use this exposure on his way to the Oval Office.