Lincoln’s Call and Andrew Johnson’s Satire
Although he is perceived today as one of America’s presidential icons, when Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865) ran for office in 1860 he was not as well-known as his Democratic opponent, famed orator Stephen Douglas (1813–1861). While Douglas embarked on a speaking tour to win votes, campaign songs like “Freedom’s Call” helped to spread the word about Lincoln, promising that all who voted for him “in triumph ride at last!” Vice President Andrew Johnson (1808–1875) was thrust into the presidency after Lincoln’s assassination but when he attempted to run as a Democrat in 1868, Johnson faced biting musical satires ridiculing him for switching parties and attacking his background and character.
<p>Although he is perceived today as one of America’s presidential icons, when Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865) ran for office in 1860 he was not as well-known as his Democratic opponent, famed orator Stephen Douglas (1813–1861). While Douglas embarked on a speaking tour to win votes, campaign songs like “Freedom’s Call” helped to spread the word about Lincoln, promising that all who voted for him “in triumph ride at last!” Vice President Andrew Johnson (1808–1875) was thrust into the presidency after Lincoln’s assassination but when he attempted to run as a Democrat in 1868, Johnson faced biting musical satires ridiculing him for switching parties and attacking his background and character.</p>