This is Lincoln at the start of the spectrum. As the political situation changes, so does Lincoln. He begins as a product of his time, a racist man. This quote proves it. But he also disagreed on the expansion of slavery, and could not deal with a house divided. As the civil war begins and continues, Lincoln's perspective shifts, and even mentions in his Last Public Address, to give blacks the right to vote. His greatness comes from his ability to transform, as Foner said. He was a great man, all of you need to research your shit.