What did Abraham Lincoln mean by the following remark both parties condemned war but none of them would a make or rather than let the nations survive?

Abraham Lincoln's remark suggests that while both political parties acknowledged the devastation and consequences of war, neither was willing to take the necessary actions to prevent it, prioritizing national survival over peace efforts. This reflects the deep divisions and complexities of the political landscape during his time, where the fear of losing the nation outweighed the desire to avoid conflict. Ultimately, it highlights the tragic irony that despite their condemnation of war, the inability to compromise led to its inevitability, particularly in the context of the Civil War.