The Lincoln Project, formed in 2019 by a group of current and former Republicans, initially set out to prevent Donald Trump’s re-election and counter the rise of “Trumpism.” Over time, their mission has expanded, and their influence has grown. They’ve become a powerful force in the fight for democracy, not just in America, but against authoritarian influences globally.
Who is the Lincoln Project?
Founded in 2019, the Lincoln Project is a political action committee (PAC) formed by a group of current and former Republicans. Their goal was initially to prevent the re-election of Donald Trump, but their mission quickly expanded into a broader effort to counteract Trumpism and protect democratic values.
The Founders:
- George Conway: A well-known conservative attorney, and husband of Kellyanne Conway, who worked closely with Trump.
- Steve Schmidt: A Republican strategist who advised the presidential campaigns of George W. Bush and John McCain.
- Rick Wilson: A seasoned Republican media consultant and author.
- John Weaver: A political strategist for Republican candidates like John McCain and Jon Huntsman.
- Jennifer Horn: The former chair of the New Hampshire Republican Party.
These individuals, once deeply rooted in the Republican establishment, found themselves increasingly disillusioned with the direction their party took under Trump. They launched the Lincoln Project not only to oppose Trump’s leadership but to return to the values they believe the Republican Party once stood for—integrity, decency, and a commitment to democratic principles.
Goals and Objectives
Initially, their primary objective was to defeat Donald Trump in the 2020 election. However, their efforts quickly expanded to include:
- Defeating Trump-aligned candidates: The Lincoln Project targets political figures who support Trump’s agenda and challenge their influence.
- Appealing to disaffected Republicans: They aim to persuade conservatives who have grown disillusioned with Trump to vote against him and his allies, often endorsing Democratic candidates.
- Combatting authoritarianism: In the years since 2020, the Lincoln Project has shifted focus from Trump’s individual candidacy to combatting what they see as the growing authoritarian threat in America and abroad.
Why Their Work Matters Today
The Lincoln Project’s impact continues to resonate in the 2024 election cycle. Though Trump is no longer in office, the rise of Trumpism and its influence over the Republican Party is still a key concern for the Lincoln Project. Their efforts now focus on ensuring voters are informed, that democratic principles are upheld, and that authoritarian tendencies are checked.
The group uses provocative, emotionally charged content—both through traditional political ads and viral digital media—to engage audiences. Their work is designed to spark conversation and mobilize voters.
The Power of Media: A Look at Their Most Impactful Videos
Then: The 2020 Election
- “Mourning in America”
A direct reference to Ronald Reagan’s optimistic “Morning in America” ad, this video highlights the darker reality of Trump’s leadership.
Watch it here: Mourning in America
Commentary: The ad skillfully contrasts historical Republican ideals with the current state of the country, urging voters to reclaim their party.
- “Covita”
A satirical take on Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, set to the music of Evita.
Watch it here: Covita
Commentary: This humorous yet biting critique shows the Lincoln Project’s mastery of satire while addressing critical mismanagement of the pandemic.
- “Bounty”
This ad discusses the reports of Russian bounties on U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan and Trump’s alleged lack of response.
Watch it here: Bounty
Commentary: “Bounty” strikes a deeply emotional chord, questioning Trump’s loyalty to American troops and calling for accountability.
Now: Beyond Trump’s Presidency
- “Attention”
This recent video warns that Trump’s influence is far from over and urges voters to stay vigilant.
Watch it here: Attention
Commentary: The video reflects the Lincoln Project’s shift from focusing on a single candidate to combating the broader threat of authoritarianism.
- “Seeds”
A metaphorical piece that warns how authoritarian tendencies are still taking root in American politics.
Watch it here: Seeds
Commentary: This video reminds us that even post-Trump, the seeds of authoritarianism are growing, and the fight to preserve democracy must continue.
- “Honorable”
This video contrasts Trump with honorable leaders, emphasizing the need for integrity in government.
Watch it here: Honorable
Commentary: “Honorable” reflects the Lincoln Project’s ongoing commitment to elevating leaders who uphold democratic values and character.
- “Axis of Influence”
This video connects Trump’s politics with authoritarian regimes worldwide, raising awareness of the global threat.
Watch it here: Axis of Influence
Commentary: By tying Trump’s actions to a larger global trend, “Axis of Influence” widens the Lincoln Project’s scope, emphasizing the international implications of Trumpism.
Encourage Informed Voting
The Lincoln Project continues to be a valuable resource for those who want to better understand the stakes in this election. I encourage you to visit their YouTube channel, explore their full range of content, and stay informed.
Check out more of their videos here: The Lincoln Project YouTube Channel.
As Election Day approaches on November 5, 2024, some voters have already cast their ballots, but for those who haven’t, it’s crucial to arm yourself with knowledge and ensure your voice is heard. The work of the Lincoln Project reminds us of what’s at stake.
Why Voting Matters in 2024
This election is not just about candidates—it’s about the future of democracy itself. The rise of Trumpism and its alignment with authoritarianism has profound implications for the direction of the country. In recent years, we have seen growing threats to democratic principles, including attempts to undermine voting rights, spread disinformation, and erode trust in public institutions.
One of the most pressing concerns is voter suppression. Across the country, legislation has been introduced that could restrict access to voting, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. From reducing early voting days to stricter voter ID laws, these efforts threaten to limit participation in the democratic process.
Additionally, disinformation campaigns continue to spread falsehoods about election integrity and the democratic process itself, creating confusion and mistrust. These campaigns are often amplified through social media, making it critical for voters to arm themselves with accurate information.
The Lincoln Project continues to highlight these threats, using their platform to remind voters of the critical role they play in safeguarding democratic values. Your vote is a tool to combat the growing influence of anti-democratic forces. Whether you align with the Lincoln Project’s messaging or not, informed voting is essential to ensuring a government that reflects the principles of integrity, fairness, and democracy.
Make Sure You’re Registered to Vote!
If you haven’t yet confirmed your voter registration, it’s quick and easy to do. Just visit Can I Vote, where you can check your registration status and make sure you’re ready for Election Day.
For those who haven’t yet, make sure you’re registered to vote. To help with that, here’s a reel I made previously, showing just how easy it is to confirm your registration and get ready for Election Day.
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