not evil. The party has changed greatly over the years but calling its foundation evil doesn't comport with historical fact, unless you're writing from the position of a 19th century planter/slaveholder.

It wasn’t about abolition per se but making it so that white people could access land in areas that wouldn’t be surrounded by slaveholders. The party grew very quickly until Lincoln was elected Pres just a few years later. He only turned to abolitionism during the Civil War, in part due to the persuasion of Frederick Douglass.

What we know today as the Blair House in DC. He did exaggerate as many politicians do. Different Republican Party in those days. A much larger tent Free soilers, abolitionists, know nothings and many others. Things weren’t quite as clear cut as today.

after Kansas-Nebraska.

unless SCOTUS handing the presidency to their guy is part of his vision of it

This rally was a high quality view of what a democratic coalition looks like. I don't think it will get media attention but the Internet media tend to outrun msm, so it should get more exposure than just to in-house Democrats.

of Ripon, WI, or the Ripon Society, or the Ripon Forum.