Who was considered the only true national candidate in the Southern presidential campaign of 1860?

Stephen Douglas is recognized as the only true national candidate in the Southern presidential campaign of 1860 primarily due to his strong support for popular sovereignty, which allowed territories to decide the issue of slavery for themselves. This stance resonated with a wide array of voters in both the North and South, making him a candidate capable of appealing to people across regional lines.

Douglas had previously been a prominent figure in the legislative battles over the expansion of slavery, and his participation in the Lincoln-Douglas debates had solidified his national presence. His Democratic Party platform was initially intended to unify the party, though it ultimately fractured, contributing to the divisive atmosphere of the election.

In contrast, other candidates had more regional bases or positions that created a clearer divide. Abraham Lincoln, while national in stature, was more closely associated with Northern interests and the Republican platform that opposed the expansion of slavery, making him less appealing to Southern voters. John C. Breckinridge represented the Southern Democrats and strongly pro-slavery interests, while John Bell, representing the Constitutional Union Party, sought to maintain the Union without emphasizing the slavery debate, thus lacking the broader appeal that Douglas had.

Douglas’ attempt to appeal to a national audience, coupled with his commitment to allowing local governance