Open Convention? Think Lincoln’s 1860 Cage Fight

The Dam Is Breaking

Probably only a matter of days if not hours before Biden stands down.  Those worried about a messy convention should study the 1860 Republican Convention – in Chicago, by the way – and how Honest Abe wrestled the nomination from Sen. William Seward of New York.

Originally posted March 15, 2024

Lincoln & His Fake Convention Tickets

The monumental impact of the results of the upcoming election on the country and the world has often been compared to that of the election of 1860, which brought President Lincoln to the White House.  And if you agree “politics ain’t beanbag,”  imagine today the uproar if a candidate snagged their party’s nomination the way President Lincon did from William Seward, who later became his Secretary of State, part of the Team of Rivals.

Lincoln’s Nomination

The 1860 Republican National Convention, held in Chicago, is notable for Abraham Lincoln’s unexpected nomination as the Republican candidate for President, a feat achieved through shrewd political maneuvers, most notably the strategic use of counterfeit tickets by his delegation. Here’s a revised account emphasizing this aspect:

• Chicago’s selection as the convention location set the stage for a significant political showdown, with Senator William Seward of New York as the expected nominee.
• Lincoln, a lesser-known figure at the time, capitalized on his political acumen and local support to challenge the frontrunner.
• Central to Lincoln’s strategy was the ingenious production and distribution of counterfeit tickets by his team.
• These counterfeit tickets were used to flood the convention hall with Lincoln supporters, effectively marginalizing Seward’s delegates.
• Seward’s camp, led by Thurlow Weed, was initially confident but failed to anticipate Lincoln’s tactical planning and grassroots support.
• The convention dynamics were heavily influenced by Lincoln’s ability to control the audience composition, thanks to the counterfeit tickets.
• Despite Seward leading after the first ballot, Lincoln’s growing momentum was palpable, aided by his supporters’ overwhelming presence.
• The shift in delegate support on subsequent ballots, particularly from Pennsylvania, was a turning point, facilitated by the charged atmosphere favoring Lincoln.
• Lincoln’s nomination was secured after three ballots, marked by the strategic use of counterfeit tickets which played a crucial role in his victory.

This pivotal moment underscored Lincoln’s resourcefulness and political insight, setting him on the path to the presidency.

We leave you with the words of Chairman Mao,