In last week’s blog post, I compared the tone of the 1800 and 2024. In these elections, candidates framed the stakes as particularly consequential. The same can be said of the election of 1860. 

 

In 1860, the nation’s debate around slavery had reached “a boiling point” (UVA Miller Center). The debate around slavery complicated each party’s nomination process. The Democratic convention was so heated, that the party wasn’t even able to make a decision when they initially met; debate between the Northern and Southern delegates about how the party should address slavery was too intense. When the party reconvened six weeks later, Stephen Douglas was eventually nominated. However, Southern democratic delegates were unsatisfied with this choice. These delegates would reconvene and nominate John C. Breckenridge as the Southern Democratic nominee.  

 

On the Republican side, the convention was also somewhat contested. Entering the convention, William H. Seward was seen as the frontrunner. However, by the third ballot, Abraham Lincoln had captured the nomination. Additionally, John Bell of the Constitutional Union party was elected.

 

As the campaign heated up, Lincoln was seen as a frontrunner. The divided support of the Democrats paired with the North’s views on slavery gave Lincoln a clear advantage. This perceived advantage made Lincoln the target of dramatic personal attacks. These attacks dramatized how Lincoln’s position on slavery would direct the future of the country. A secessionist in Georgia claimed Lincoln wanted to “force the inter-marriage of black and white children” (UVA Miller Center). 

 

In the last presidential debate, Trump similarly criticized the future a Harris presidency would create. These critiques often include racial undertones, particularly when Trump critiques Harris’ plans on immigration. 

 

Like Jefferson in 1800 and Lincoln in 1860, Kamala faces bold attacks against the future of America that could be created by her presidency. Lincoln seemed to follow the mentality adopted by Jefferson when he faced these attacks; he stayed calm and non combative. While it might be difficult for Kamala to appear unfazed by Trump’s attacks – especially in a modern media environment – history seems to encourage such a mentality. 

 

References: 

“Abraham Lincoln: Campaigns and Elections,” Michael Burlingame, https://millercenter.org/president/lincoln/campaigns-and-elections

 

“Harris says ‘We’re not going back!’ So did Thomas Jefferson?”, jarviser2, https://his295-fall2024.sites.grinnell.edu/week-3/harris-says-were-not-going-back-thomas-jefferson/