Abraham Lincoln: Hero or Tyrant?

Was Abraham Lincoln a dictator? This deep dive examines Lincoln's suspension of habeas corpus, Civil War censorship, authoritarian use of war powers, slavery myths, and federal government transformation

Keith Malinak is joined by special guest RAZ0RFIST to uncover the untold side of Lincoln’s presidency. From the Fort Sumter incident to the New York City draft riots, this discussion exposes the broader political and economic factors that led to the Civil War and transformed the United States. Was Lincoln’s legacy built on myths? Why did he jail journalists and suspend constitutional rights?

Topics Covered in This Deep Dive
- How Abraham Lincoln suspended habeas corpus and ruled without congressional approval
- The Fort Sumter manipulation and Lincoln’s role in starting the Civil War
- The economic motivations behind the war—was it really just about slavery?
- How Lincoln jailed journalists and censored the press
- The devastation of Sherman’s March to the Sea and its war crimes
- The truth behind the Emancipation Proclamation—what Lincoln really wanted
- How Lincoln’s war powers redefined the federal government forever
- The New York City draft riots—how Lincoln responded with deadly force

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to the Deep Dive on Lincoln
04:11 – Lincoln's Dictatorship: The Suspension of Habeas Corpus
07:05 – The Manipulation of Fort Sumter and the Start of the Civil War
09:54 – Economic Motivations Behind the Civil War
13:00 – The Emancipation Proclamation: A Political Tool
16:03 – Lincoln's Political Ideology and Historical Context
19:53 – The Role of the Press and Censorship During Lincoln's Era
23:48 – War Crimes and Civilian Impact During the Civil War
30:04 – Conclusion: Lincoln's Legacy and Historical Interpretation
37:21 – The Myth of Secession and the Civil War
40:02 – Reconstruction and Its Implications
43:47 – Lincoln's Transformation of the Union
50:53 – The Nature of Federal Power Post-Civil War
57:03 – Slavery: North vs. South
59:59 – Lincoln's War Powers and Authoritarianism

Leave a comment below. Do you think Lincoln was a hero or a dictator?
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Meet the Guest - RAZ0RFIST
RAZ0RFIST is a Hugo-nominated writer, political commentator, and author of the Gothic Western novel Ghost of the Badlands. Known for his unfiltered takes on history, politics, and pop culture, his deep dives challenge mainstream narratives.

Follow RAZ0RFIST:
- YouTube: The Rageaholic
- X: @RAZ0RFIST

Meet the Host - Keith Malinak
Keith Malinak is the host of At The Mic, a show that brings deep discussions on politics, history, and culture.

Follow Keith & At The Mic Show:

Website: www.atthemicshow.com
YouTube: youtube.com/@atthemic
X: @AtTheMicWithKeith
Audio Archive: atthemic.transistor.fm/subscribe

Follow Producer Wes Castelhano
X: @2ndfloordallas, @ThatGuyAtPGU
Instagram: @wesstlixx, @2ndfloordallas
YouTube: @2ndFloorDallas
Website: secondfloorstudios.co