Americans still celebrate the Lincoln-Douglas debates after more than 150 years. Following Lincoln as He Followed Douglas explains their struggle for the hearts and minds of the American people.
Historians emphasize the 1858 debates as an important landmark for Lincoln's rise to the front-rank of politics. At the opening of the campaign, it was more than likely that proponents of slavery would win. Lincoln and Douglas were two experienced lawyers, who argued the case for and against the extension of slavery in front of the people. Lincoln and Douglas set a standard for mid-term mudslinging. Their wrangling still influences today's politicians. Their campaign helped America redefine liberty.
This program is important to students of history, politics, civil rights, rhetoric, sociology, and rhetoric, as well as Lincoln enthusiasts.