WSIU InFocus Video Player

In celebration of the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth, this WSIU InFocus segment features coverage of the Sesquicentennial Celebration of the Abraham Lincoln-Stephen Douglas Debate, which focused on the issue of slavery. Held in Jonesboro, Illinois from September 12-14, 2008, the celebration featured a modern interpretation of the famous debate at Lincoln Memorial Park, with George Buss as Lincoln, Tim Connors as Douglas, and Ed Finch as Silas Terry, the debate moderator. Rather than reenacting hours of oratory, the debate was presented as a 21st century-style press conference, with the Lincoln and Douglas characters reminiscing and fielding questions from the media and audience members. Carl Rendleman, owner of Timber Ridge Inn, and other community members share their thoughts on the event.

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