The first two were the candidates who couldn't get the required 50% to get the nomination. They were well regarded in their circles, but despised for real or imagined slights that made it impossible to get over 50%...again, not unlike Hillary. Lincoln had captured the imagination of the East Coast movers and shakers earlier with some speeches in the area and, the rest is history.

Never underestimate their intelligence, always underestimate their knowledge.

Frank Delaney ~ Ireland