His sharp wit, pugnacity, self-reliance, had already excited rivalry and envy.

He had suddenly leaped into the political arena, carrying a defiant banner.
Affairs in America were no more tranquil than they were in England.
President Jackson had stirred the country profoundly by his imperious attitude toward the banking interests on the one hand, and the matter of South Carolina's nullification of the tariff law on the other hand.

This had weakened the Democratic party in Illinois.

And as there was to be an election in the fall of state officials, it was necessary to success to satisfy the electorate that President Jackson had not betrayed his leadership.
Bantering words went around to the effect that Douglas was seizing the opportunity of this debate to make himself known, to get a start as a lawyer, and a lift in politics.

When a chance to make a hit fits the orator's opportunity and convictions, it would be difficult for a man of Douglas' enterprise and audacity to resist it.
For Douglas had, in spite of everything, captured the town.