Two years ago today, a mob, incited by Donald Trump, stormed the United States Capitol in an attempt to overturn a free and fair presidential election. Nearly 250 years of peaceful transitions of power came to an end that day. But for a few heroic individuals that put their lives on the line, the insurrection may have succeeded. We should also not forget those who gave "their last full measure of devotion" to secure American democracy that day.

In the wake of the attack, Congressional Republicans could have ensured Trump’s exit from the American electoral stage. In the end, only 10 House Republicans voted to impeach Trump for his actions. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell could have rallied his conference to convict Trump and bar him from further office. But he did not. Kevin McCarthy went to Mar-A-Lago and effectively absolved Trump of his crimes. He now wishes to lead the US House of Representatives.

In retrospect, January 6th, 2021 was not the end of the Trump presidency, but the beginning of the next phase of MAGA’s evolution in American politics. Across the country, Republican-controlled states passed voter suppression laws in the name of ‘election security’ and pushed their authoritarian movement’s full weight into a culture war designed to do nothing but further divide Americans and scare their own supporters. 

In the 2022 midterm elections, MAGA-aligned candidates flourished across the country. Thanks to the good work of excellent candidates, the work we did at The Lincoln Project, and individual voters bought democracy some breathing room. Just a bit, but enough.

As 2023 begins, we see the next phase of Republican chaos before our eyes. The spectacle of 20 MAGA-aligned Republicans blocking the election of a House Speaker is just the beginning. Kevin McCarthy, if he survives, will give up everything to the most extreme elements of his conference (more than 50% of which voted against certifying the 2020 election.)

Congressional Republicans, the MAGA media bubble, “America First” front groups and their allies will not slow down as we approach the 2024 election. That is why this year The Lincoln Project will do the hard work of keeping American democracy at the forefront of voters’ minds. We will weave together the various strands of Trump’s Republican Party to ensure Americans know what they’re in store for. 

Trump, though quiet now, will emerge from his den and begin his reelection campaign in earnest. He may indeed face a crowded primary field. In that contest, we will use our unique ability to drive chaos into their efforts, turn Trump against them, and further highlight their collective unfitness for office.

We will expand on our grassroots efforts begun with The Union last year. Though we are incredibly proud of our 70+ partner organizations and 65,000 volunteers, we know it will not be enough for the coming fight. We will focus our efforts in existential Electoral College states such as Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin to expand the pro-democracy coalition ahead of 2024.

But we need your support to continue this work. Your contribution functions as a Down Payment on Democracy. It is likely that the fight for America coming in November 2024 will be won or lost this year. Our grassroots donor network has helped fund our critical work for 3 years now. We're not stopping, and we know you won't either. 

The Lincoln Project has a unique role in American politics, one that only we can fill. We ask that you help ensure we can do the hard work necessary in 2023.

Thanks,

Reed

@reedgalen