The Core Issues What Drives the Opposition Against Trump

Описание: Republican Voters Against Trump, a group dedicated to opposing former President Donald J. Trump, is allocating $50 million to produce homemade testimonial videos of voters who previously supported him but now refuse to do so in 2024.

The organization, led by Sarah Longwell, gained prominence during the 2020 campaign and resurfaced for the 2022 midterm elections. Longwell, known for her insights into Never-Trump politics, conducts focus groups and polls that offer insights into the motivations of Trump supporters.

Unlike Democratic groups focused on promoting President Biden's record, Longwell's group concentrates solely on criticizing Trump through testimonials from his former backers. The Republican Voters Against Trump website showcases 100 videos where Republicans explain why they voted for Trump in 2016 or 2020 but won't support him in 2024.

Longwell stated that the personal testimonial approach has been more effective in convincing Trump supporters to distance themselves from him compared to traditional attack ads contrasting Trump with Biden.

Notably, the videos do not advocate for Biden or his reelection. Additionally, they don't address abortion rights, a key issue for Democrats post the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision in June 2022.

Longwell emphasized that the goal is not to build a pro-Biden coalition but rather an anti-Trump one.

In 2020, Republican Voters Against Trump amassed over 1,000 homemade videos from Trump voters who had changed their stance. For 2024, they aim to begin with 100 testimonials and encourage past Trump supporters to share their stories.

The testimonials predominantly focus on Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election and his perceived responsibility for the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. Abortion, although a significant issue for Democrats, is less urgent for these voters, as many don't associate Trump with the Supreme Court's decision and don't believe he opposes abortion.

Longwell disclosed that $20 million has already been committed to the 2024 effort, with plans to raise the remaining funds for the advertising campaign by fall.