What happened
A new book, He Has the People: Abraham Lincoln and the Election of 1860, challenges the idea that Lincoln's rise to the presidency was inevitable. The book's author, Jonathan Earle, argues that Lincoln's path to the White House was contingent on various factors, including fractured parties, failed candidates, and political contingencies.
Earle's book is centered around the reporting of Murat Halstead, a journalist who attended all seven major political conventions of 1860. Halstead's firsthand accounts provide a unique perspective on the election and the political climate of the time.
The book highlights the uncertainty and instability of the political landscape in 1860. The Democratic Party was divided, and the Republican Party was growing in strength. The election was marked by rumors, speeches, and private maneuvering, making it difficult to predict the outcome.
Lincoln's victory was ultimately due to a combination of careful organization, the failures of his rivals, and a bit of luck. The book shows how Lincoln's disciplined approach to the campaign, including his decision to remain in Springfield and limit his public appearances, helped him to navigate the chaotic political landscape.
The book also explores the role of the press in shaping public opinion and influencing the election. Halstead's reporting, which was carried by newspapers across the North, helped to promote Lincoln's candidacy and shape the public's perception of him.
