COURTS COURTS COURTS: THE 2024 ELECTION IS ABOUT THE SUPREME COURT
A BREAKDOWN: WHY WE MUST HOLD THE WHITE HOUSE AND PUT A STOP TO THE CORRUPT, POWER-GRABBING, AND ULTRA-CONSERVATIVE SCOTUS
The easiest thing to do in political turmoil is nothing. We must do the opposite and keep our eye on the prize. If Donald Trump is elected again, the impact won’t last for just four years. One of the greatest consequences of a second Trump presidency, and one of the least discussed, would extend for decades: a reinforced, reinvigorated (ultra) conservative majority on the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS). Hands down, there is no bigger threat to American women, reproductive freedom, women’s health, or democracy than Trump having the opportunity to appoint younger, more extreme MAGA Justices for lifetime terms.
The oldest Justices are Clarence Thomas, 75, and Samuel A. Alito Jr., 73. They are expected (and if current luxury receipts predict, PAID) to seize the moment of a Republican presidency to step aside. The pressure on them to do so would be enormous and would give Trump the opportunity to name two more Justices, on top of the three he selected during his first term — Neil M. Gorsuch, 56; Brett M. Kavanaugh, 59; and Amy Coney Barrett, 52. We all know the damage that this conservative majority court has already done, but re-electing Trump would ensure a six-vote- conservative supermajority for decades to come.
While holding the White House doesn’t guarantee any change in the current balance of the court, it allows us to play defense against Trump appointments and creates the possibility of liberal appointments over the next four years. Just as Republicans ran on the court in 2016, so must Democrats run on the court in 2024.
The horrendous June/July decisions only emphasize the extreme and politicized nature of this Court (i.e. presidential immunity!), and we’re confident that with a focused and coordinated messaging strategy, Democrats can capitalize on the actions of this power-hungry court to drive electoral turnout. Several solid campaigns are launching from progressive coalitions to help educate the public on the impact of SCOTUS and to ensure this issue stays where it needs to be - top of mind for people at the voting booth.
Now, let’s take action:
Get READ UP: Here’s a link to our reading list for becoming an empowered and educated activist against extremism and the hijacked Supreme Court and turn out against the #SCOTUSsix in 2024
Get FED Up: Add your voice to United For Democracy, who is working with hundreds of organizations and influencers to drive a new campaign to shine a spotlight on the impact of this Supreme Court on our families, our communities, our freedoms, and our democracy.
Pollinate the Info: Share this post and the other articles at The Hummingbird Project with your networks.
THERE’S A LOT MORE THAN JUST REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM ON THE LINE!
Protecting Healthcare Access: The Supreme Court plays a pivotal role in deciding cases that affect healthcare access, including birth control and maternal health services. A conservative majority could make it harder for women to access these essential health services.
Safeguarding Civil Liberties: Beyond reproductive rights, the Supreme Court influences many aspects of civil liberties, including LGBTQ+ rights, voting rights, and racial equality. A more conservative court could erode these freedoms.
Environmental Justice: Environmental regulations often come under the Supreme Court's scrutiny. A conservative majority might favor corporate interests over environmental protections, disproportionately affecting communities of color, including a considerable proportion of the United States’ women and children.
Maintaining Legal Precedents: The Supreme Court has the power to overturn or uphold critical legal precedents that affect women's rights. With a conservative majority, there's a risk of reversing gains made in gender equality, workplace discrimination protections, and more.
By electing a Democratic President, we can help ensure the appointment of justices who respect established precedents and are committed to upholding and advancing women's rights.
Education and Economic Opportunities: The Court's decisions impact educational access and economic opportunities for women. Cases related to affirmative action, equal pay, and labor rights are crucial for advancing gender equality.
With a democratic president in office, appointed justices are more likely to support policies that promote equal opportunities in education and the workplace, helping to close gender gaps.
This election is about so much more than the two candidates at the top of the ticket. We cannot lose sight of what the future will look like if Trump is re-elected.
ELECT A DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENT → SAVE SCOTUS