What has never been clear to me is whether: (1) Lincoln and his position on slavery underwent a gradual, consistent evolution over time, or (2)Lincoln, being the consummate politician, simply adopted at the spur of the moment that position on slavery that bought him the greatest amount of political capital, considering, national sentiment, the audience and the affect on the conduct of the War.

In either case, the result today are many seemingly conflicting statements which allow the reader to support about any position he wants to support.