Public sentiment is everything, said Lincoln. With public sentiment, nothing can fail. Without it, nothing can succeed.

The mid-19th century was noted for a partisan, rather than a consensus press, but this partisanship was able to turn out voters consistently.

Only a writer "with Bennett's craft and brass could manage to praise and insult his readers at the same time.

Superficial and emotional subject might sway undecided voters.

The letter is too belligerent. If I were you, I would state the facts as they were, without the pepper and salt. Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln said his spiky hair had "a way of getting up in the world".