Why does Lincoln say he is obligated to hold this position According to Lincoln third debate: Jonesboro,Illinois on September 15, 1858?

Answer 1

In the Lincoln-Jonesboro debate on September 15, 1858, Lincoln stated that he felt obligated to hold his position against allowing the expansion of slavery into new territories because he believed it was a moral issue. He argued that the principle of equality as stated in the Declaration of Independence should be upheld, and that allowing the expansion of slavery would contradict that principle. Lincoln emphasized that he did not seek to interfere with slavery where it already existed, as it was protected by the Constitution in those states. However, he saw it as his moral responsibility to prevent its spread into new territories.