You see how he’s always hedging his comparison with the great Abraham Lincoln, because, yes, on the one hand Lincoln did a lot for African Americans, but on the other hand—you can see his mind working here—maybe that came at the expense of our very fine Confederate patriots.
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When he compares himself to Lincoln he worries that this might be insulting to his fine Confederate-flag-waving base. Thus, even when boasting about his support for African Americans, he has to send out a reassuring dog-whistle.
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