How did the northerners react to Lincoln Douglas?

Northerners had mixed reactions to the Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858. Many abolitionists and anti-slavery advocates supported Abraham Lincoln for his stance against the expansion of slavery, viewing him as a principled opponent of Stephen Douglas's support for popular sovereignty. However, some moderate Republicans were concerned about Lincoln's radicalism, while others admired Douglas for his defense of states' rights. Overall, the debates heightened national tensions over slavery and solidified Lincoln's position as a leading figure in the Republican Party.