The ultimate admission of failure, or a brilliant move by Clay?

 How was the Wilmot Proviso and the subsequent proposal by Calhoun in 1846 “like the blades of a pair of scissors, ineffective separately, an efficient cutting tool taken together”—Senator Benton  Contrast Polk’s suggestion of what to do with the new land with Lewis Cass’.  How is the Election of 1848 a perfect example of ignoring the big elephant in the room?  Explain Clay’s Compromise of What were all the parts included, and why will it force Northerners to pay attention? How was this a victory for ALL SIDES and NO SIDES?

 NM, NV, UT, AZ organized with no mention of slavery  Slave TRADE, but not SLAVERY, abolished in D.C.  CA free state  Strict Fugitive Slave Law passed