Lincoln loses in 1860?

What if Lincoln loses in 1860? I think a Democratic or Southern Democratic victory is most likely in that situation, the former parties victory requiring earlier PODs. What would be the effect of a President Breckinridge or President Douglas? If Breckinridge won, would southern secessionism still exist, or would it be discounted for all time?
 
What if Lincoln loses in 1860? I think a Democratic or Southern Democratic victory is most likely in that situation, the former parties victory requiring earlier PODs. What would be the effect of a President Breckinridge or President Douglas? If Breckinridge won, would southern secessionism still exist, or would it be discounted for all time?

Lincoln losing doesn't neccesarily mean that the South still secedes, which OTL was basically a form of mass protest over the results of the election. As long as the Southern power bloc still feels they've got their hands on the reins, secession isn't going to happen. If Breckinridge or Douglas wins, it really comes down to how much control the Southerners feel they have over the Executive and Legislative branches.
 
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