US History: Chapter 4, Exercise 3 — Possible Solution
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THE CRITICISM
Merk argued manifest destiny "lacked national, sectional, or party following
commensurate with its magnitude," that aggressive continentalism was a
minority Democratic position, and called the doctrine "a bomb wrapped up in
idealism."

EVIDENCE NEEDED
Contemporary election results, party platforms and voting records showing how
widely the idea was actually held, not just how loudly it was expressed in
print. The chapter reports Merk's claim and does not supply that evidence.