Lincoln lost the 1858 Senate election to Douglas by a vote of 54-46. However, this loss can be seen as a "win" for Lincoln. Explain why.

Many people disliked Lincoln as he had particularly publicly odd views on things such as slavery and racism. The fact that so many people still voted for him was a win in his eyes as people were standing up towards the norms of accepting slavery and other things of that nature

Lincoln became nationally known for matching Douglas and nearly beating him in the debates.