During Abe Lincoln's time we had cameras listening to
by krudler (2023-12-28 16:43:32)
Edited on 2023-12-28 16:48:40

In reply to: It’s no different now than it ever has been  posted by sprack

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a candidate's every word, an internet where nothing could ever go away, indestructible online quotes from 20-30 years ago, hundreds of millions of dollars going to PACs whose sole purpose is to destroy the candidate (and potentially his family), selectively edited clips or statements that could make their way around the globe in a matter of hours, lobbying groups that have created an entire town around our capital buildings, and a 24/7 news cycle that absolutely takes sides and has no qualms lying or omitting important facts? Yes there was plenty of mudslinging and yellow journalism back then, and it certainly was a blood sport, but there's nothing like what we have today. I've read books about Lincoln's tenure and fully appreciate the attacks and vitriol he withstood, but we were also either leading into or in the middle of a civil war. Lincoln was able to withstand the abuse by taking solace in reading and writing, and was not harangued by an omnipresent media and online social presence demanding he respond to every perceived gaffe or misstatement or burp from a family member. It still was not like it is today. I know you want to make another "awful GOP" thread, but saying things are the same as they were during Abe Lincoln just doesn't make sense.

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