How we cite our quotes: (Sentence)
Quote #4
But "a living dog is better than a dead lion." Judge Douglas, if not a dead lion for this work, is at least a caged and toothless one. How can he oppose the advances of slavery? He don't care anything about it. His avowed mission is impressing the "public heart" to care nothing about it. (98-102)
One of Lincoln's big problems with Stephen Douglas seems to be Douglas' personal ambivalence on the slavery issue, which is extremely important to Lincoln and his audience. He paints his opponent as someone who's not only noncommittal on this extremely divisive problem, but also is encouraging others to follow his example. Considering how tense and significant the debate was by 1858, that kind of sentiment in such an atmosphere would definitely cause resentment among those who were passionate about one side or the other.
Quote #5
But clearly, he is not now with us—he does not pretend to be—he does not promise to ever be. (118)
Lincoln's final jab at Stephen Douglas comes after he claims he doesn't want to misrepresent the senator's ideas and therefore prevent Douglas from becoming an ally. Clearly, Lincoln doesn't believe an alliance is actually very realistic.