Abe was saying that he knew that America was never going to really have total equality between Whites and Black. Even today, in 2013 (almost 2014), we contain mass amount of racism inside this 'free and equal' country. He agreed with MOST white men, since her grew up with them, with the same familial values. He understood that equality would never be achieved, especially in his lifetime. So instead he tried to lessen the amount of inequality. "I do not perceive that because the white man is to have the superior position the [ Black Man] should be denied everything." He understood that America would continue with the idea of white supremacy, and since he was a white man, he didn't necessarily argue that. But he still fought to give African American /some/ rights, /some/ recognition. Yes he could have fought for total equality, but we all know that may never happen, seeing as how almost 129 years have passed and we STILL do not have total equality among races. Abe was a smart man, and smart politician for he tried to compromise with both sides, so that no one gained too little or gave too much.