Donald Trump’s statement on his Truth Social platform asserts that the Democratic Party has not removed a candidate from the ballot since 1860, citing an incident involving Abraham Lincoln. The quote, attributed to the Gateway Pundit, is posted at 06:55 AM EST on December 20, 2023. Examining this statement requires delving into historical and political contexts to understand its accuracy and implications.
The mention of the Democrats removing someone from the ballot in 1860 refers to a pivotal moment in American history. During the 1860 presidential election, Abraham Lincoln, a Republican, emerged as a formidable candidate. The Democratic Party, deeply divided over the issue of slavery, had Northern and Southern factions with conflicting views on the institution. As the country teetered on the brink of Civil War, Democrats held two separate conventions and nominated two different candidates: Stephen A. Douglas in the North and John C. Breckinridge in the South.
The claim that Democrats did not allow Abraham Lincoln to be mentioned in “Slave States” during that time needs nuanced consideration. The political climate in the lead-up to the Civil War was indeed highly charged, with pro-slavery sentiments prevailing in Southern states. While Lincoln’s name may have faced opposition or censorship in certain Southern regions, the broader suppression of his name across all “Slave States” requires closer scrutiny.
The last time the Democrats took someone off the ballot was in 1860 – They would not allow a man named Abraham Lincoln to be so much as mentioned in “Slave States.” Gateway Pundit Donald Trump Truth Social 06:55 AM EST 12/20/23
