David and Sam, I don't mean to interject myself into your exchange but would like to pose a question. At some point LIncoln had to realize his election was gonna break up the Union and start a war. My question is therefore...

Why does Lincoln never get called on the carpet for not offering to bow out and resign. I know some folks would say he won the election fair and square but I submit that if we can ask men and women to die to save their country shouldn't we be able ask a politician to give up his personal goal of being President and expect an equal commitment?