In a significant shift in political rhetoric, Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden are centering their campaign messaging on the concept of ‘freedom’. This comes in response to the recent Arizona Supreme Court ruling that upheld an 1864 law prohibiting abortion in almost all cases. Harris, in her address to the people of Arizona, emphasized that the fight for abortion rights is fundamentally about freedom, a sentiment echoed by Biden in a campaign ad aired in the state.
Historically, the Republican party has championed the cause of ‘freedom’ and ‘liberty’, while Democrats have focused on ‘equality’ and ‘justice’. However, the recent wave of red-state laws restricting access to abortion and other reproductive health care services has given Democrats an opportunity to redefine the concept of freedom in the political arena.
Republicans, such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, continue to use the rhetoric of freedom to criticize Covid-19 restrictions and what they perceive as the imposition of ‘woke ideology’. Former President Donald Trump has also used this language to criticize Biden’s push for electric vehicles, framing it as an attack on Americans’ freedom to choose gas-powered vehicles.
However, the Democrats’ new focus on freedom is not limited to abortion rights. Biden and Harris have also highlighted issues such as book bans, voting restrictions, threats to LGBTQ rights, and cuts to Social Security as examples of the ‘MAGA extremists’ threatening ‘bedrock freedoms’.
While the concept of freedom resonates with a broad range of voters, the parties have different priorities when it comes to which freedoms are most important to protect. Republicans tend to prioritize the freedom to own guns, practice religion, and speak freely, while Democrats are more concerned with the freedom to control one’s own body.
Despite the Democrats’ increased emphasis on protecting rights, the issue remains contested ground. While Republicans have faced criticism for their stance on abortion, they have also benefited from positioning themselves as defenders of ‘parental rights’, as demonstrated by Republican Glenn Youngkin’s successful campaign for the Virginia governorship in 2021.
As the 2024 election approaches, the battle for ‘freedom’ in American politics is set to intensify. Both parties recognize the importance of this issue to voters and are likely to continue employing this language to their advantage. However, the ultimate outcome will depend on how the concept of freedom is framed and which freedoms voters prioritize.