When Politics Get Personal: Politicians’ Most Insulting Slurs & Feuds

One Political Opponent Attacked Lincoln’s Humble Roots

During the 1860 election, one of Abraham Lincoln’s opponents was Stephen A. Douglas. The pair often disagreed and two years previously had taken part in the famous Lincoln–Douglas debates. Douglas insulted the future President during some stump speeches, taking aim at his opponent’s previous profession as a shopkeeper. Lincoln responded: “I did keep a grocery, and I did sell cotton candles, and cigars, and sometimes whiskey. But I remember in those days, Mr. Douglas was one of my best customers … but the difference between us now is this: I have left my side of the counter, but Mr. Douglas still sticks to his as tenaciously as ever.”