For me, 1860 is the most fascinating US Presidential Election. It was a four way race and each of the four candidates had a large base of support. What I've been wondering, though, is if it was even possible for anyone besides Lincoln (or another Republican) to win the election?
Yes, I know that Douglas could have won New York and prevented Lincoln from reaching 152 electoral votes, thus sending the election to the House. IIRC the Democrats still controlled the majority of state delegations. However, the Democrats would be split between two candidates, Douglas and Breckinridge. The majority of Democrat delegations were in the South, meaning that Douglas would likely fall behind Breckinridge in votes. The Republican delegations would vote for Lincoln. What would happen next?
Do the Northern Democrats vote for Breckinridge out of party loyalty?
Do some Northern Democrats vote for Lincoln, viewing him as the lesser of two evils?
Do the Northern Democrats refuse to budge and the Southern Democrats vote for Douglas to prevent a Republican from becoming President?
Is the House unable to chose a new President and Vice President-elect (probably Joseph Lane) becomes acting President?