"despite his loss in the election, how did lincoln become the leader of the republican party? "

Lincoln had several good arguments against slavery

This was  in a party that had a strong disdain for slavery and enjoying wide spread support in the North where the institution was frowned upon. Lincoln use of slavery to drive his political agenda was in full cognizant that it would tear the country into half.

Is this a joke question or what, obviously that means red dead redemption 2!