Lincoln/Douglas debate

[LincolnMan]

Interestingly enough, according to author Richard Striner, Lincoln didn't fare so well in the debate at Freeport- despite the town's Northern locale in the state and Republican favor. And, as it turned out, Douglas didn't do well in the debate at Jonesboro despite it's Southern locale and Democratic majority. Overall, the debates provided Lincoln the exposure that would help propel him to the presidency-and at the same time doom Douglas for the same.