Chapters 9-10 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 9 is entitled "The Taste Is In My Mouth," and refers to a quote from Lincoln after he begins to explore the possibility of running for president on the Republican ticket. This chapter covers the time period between Lincoln's defeat in his bid for Douglas' senate seat in 1858 and his election to the presidency in 1860.

During this time Lincoln works hard to bring the Republican party together as a unified voice despite the frequent disagreements between its members. He continues to give variations on the speeches he offered during the debates with Douglas and starts to enjoy a reputation outside of Illinois. He is asked to deliver an address in New York City at the Cooper Union before several influential Republicans and other politically important people. The speech is a grand success, and he delivers similar talks while in...