In the closing hours of the Republican National Convention, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis raised a red flag against a possible re-election of ex-president Donald Trump, a national abortion ban, and the contentious, conservative policy proposal, Project 2025. This news emerged in a recent press conference held in South Side, Pittsburgh and provides pivotal insight into the present state of Republican politics.
Attempting to realign the spotlight, Davis moved from the recent shocking episode of attempted assassination of Donald Trump to the potential implications of Project 2025 on Pennsylvania. Despite the former President’s disassociation with this policy plan, an in-depth CNN review reveals that at least 140 people previously associated with Trump contributed to the contentious policy.
Pennsylvania is well-known for taking a stand against controversial proposals, and Project 2025 is no exception. Davis made it clear, “We’re here in Pittsburgh to send a clear message to the folks in Milwaukee. The people of Pennsylvania will not let this happen.”
The Project 2025 agenda, drafted by The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, has stirred up widespread concern. The proposal includes the dismantling of the Department of Education, an end to the sale of abortion pills, and a massive expansion of presidential powers – a move that would put the Department of Justice under presidential control.
While Trump continues to distance himself from the policy proposal on his media platform, Truth Social, the policy is described by its authors as a clear roadmap for a conservative Republican presidency.
Vice-presidential nominee, J.D. Vance’s stance on the nationwide abortion ban —from support in 2022 to a current decision to leave the decision up to the states— aligns with Trump’s own shift away from a national ban. City Controller Rachael Heisler discussed his changing viewpoint during the press conference, calling attention as well to troubling comments Trump made in 2016 about penalization for women who opt for abortions.
Political leaders emphasize that this selection year is vital for the Supreme Court’s future. Chester County Commissioner warns, “the next president will have the opportunity to appoint, … as many three Supreme Court justices… We don’t want the Heritage Foundation picking the people serving on that bench.”
Amidst growing worries about the potential re-election of Trump, many Democratic leaders like U.S. Sens. Bob Casey and John Fetterman have defended President Joe Biden’s candidacy. The commitment to support Biden’s candidacy was reaffirmed by prominent southeast Democratic politicians during the press conference.
An AP-NORC poll shows 65% of Democrats believe Biden should not seek re-election. However, Pennsylvania’s Democratic leaders are convinced that voters’ concerns can be assuaged by reminding them of the administration’s successes.
As the nation becomes increasingly divided, Pennsylvania leaders vow to stand against Project 2025, a proposal seen as a direct threat to the progress of the nation. “Project 2025 will not save America,” asserts community leader Holiday Adair at the event’s closing ceremony, “It will hurt America, and it will certainly hurt Pennsylvanians.”
(Updated 6:36 p.m. on Thursday, July 18, 2024. Additional reporting was provided by our correspondent John Cole during a Biden campaign event in Montgomery County.)
