Final answer:
The correct choice about Lincoln during the debates is that he attacked the Dred Scott decision for allowing the extension of slavery. He actively participated in the debates and opposed the decision, gaining national recognition. However, Lincoln lost the election to Douglas, despite swaying public opinion.
Explanation:
Analysis of the Lincoln-Douglas Debates
The Lincoln-Douglas debates, held in 1858, were a series of seven debates between Democrat Stephen A. Douglas and Republican Abraham Lincoln, primarily discussing the issue of slavery in the United States.
a. Lincoln attacked the Dred Scott decision because it allowed for the extension of slavery. This option is correct. Lincoln argued that the Dred Scott decision, which ruled that African Americans could not be American citizens and that Congress could not prohibit slavery in the territories, was fundamentally flawed and contributed to the spread of slavery.
b. Lincoln primarily ran as an absentee candidate. This option is incorrect. Lincoln actively participated in the debates and was not an absentee candidate.
c. Douglas asserted his opposition to the Dred Scott decision, even as Lincoln supported it in the spirit of compromise. This statement is misleading. Lincoln opposed the Dred Scott decision but did not support it as a compromise, while Douglas did attempt to portray his views in a more conciliatory manner.
d. Lincoln managed to sway enough voters that he managed to win the election. This is not accurate regarding the debates. Although Lincoln gained significant national attention through the debates, he lost the 1858 Senate election to Douglas.
Conclusion
In summary, the correct assertion about Lincoln’s views during the debates is that he criticized the Dred Scott decision for perpetuating slavery. The debates positioned Lincoln as a key figure against the expansion of slavery, although he did not win the Senate seat.
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