Lincoln’s speech remains strikingly relevant today. His concerns about mob rule, the breakdown of trust in government, the rise of demagogues, and the need for unwavering commitment to democratic values still resonate in contemporary politics.

The dangers of disinformation and political extremism reflect his warning about passion overtaking reason. The erosion of public confidence in government institutions mirrors his fear that people will withdraw their allegiance from the republic if they see it as corrupt or ineffective.

The threat of authoritarian figures who exploit democracy for personal power is exactly the kind of internal threat Lincoln warned could destroy the nation.