‘This Is Going to Be the Most Important Election Since 1860’

[David Lockmiller]

New York Times
Sept. 27, 2023
By Thomas B. Edsall

Mr. Edsall contributes a weekly column from Washington, D.C., on politics, demographics and inequality.

Mr. Edsall quotes:

Herbert Kitschelt, a political scientist at Duke, argued that matters of immense concern are at stake: “This is going to be the most important election since 1860, because it is going to be about the future of this country as a democracy.”

The following story was printed in the New York Times on Thursday, November 10, 1864 (the election took place on Tuesday, November 8, 1864):

At a late hour last night, President Lincoln was serenaded by a club of Pennsylvanians, headed by Captain Thomas, of that State. Being loudly called for, the President appeared at a window, and spoke as follows:

Friends and Fellow-Citizens: Even before I had been informed by you that this compliment was paid me by loyal citizens of Pennsylvania friendly to me, I had inferred that you were of that portion of my countrymen who think that the best interests of the nation are to be subserved by the support of the present Administration. I do not pretend to say that you who think so embrace all the patriotism and loyalty of the country. But I do believe, and I trust, without personal interest, that the welfare of the country does require such support and indorsement be given. I earnestly believe that the consequences of this day’s work, if it be as you assure me and as now seems probable, will be to the lasting advantage, if not to the very salvation, of the country. I cannot say at this hour what has been the result of the election; but, whatever it may be, I have no desire to modify this opinion – that all who have labored today in behalf of the Union organization, have wrought for the best interests of their country and the world, not only for the present, but for all future ages. I am thankful to God for this approval of the people. But while deeply grateful for this mark of confidence in me, if I know my heart, my gratitude is free of any taint of personal triumph. I do not impugn the motives of anyone opposed to me. It is no pleasure to me to triumph over anyone; but I give thanks to the Almighty for this evidence of the people’s resolution to stand by free government and the rights of humanity.

[Post #2 on thread titled RE: President Lincoln's "Blind Memorandum"]