How would Stephen Douglas most likely respond to this statement? "Slavery violates the United States' most important ideals. The country was founded on the principle that all men are created equal."

A. Early American leaders accepted slavery, and many even owned slaves.

B. The right to own slaves is more important than any other American ideal.

C. The Founding Fathers did not understand the economic important of slavery.

D. The United States' founding principles do not apply in new states and territories