Washington, D.C.— Following tonight’s fifth Democratic presidential primary debate, in which candidates addressed the critical role of federal courts and judges, PFAW Executive Vice President for Policy and Program Marge Baker released the following statement:

“A hallmark of Donald Trump’s lawless presidency has been his determination to pack our federal courts with judges who are appointed for life and who give him carte blanche to sidestep the rule of law and the limits of his authority. The American people see this and they know that’s not how our democracy is supposed to work. The next president will have an enormous responsibility to restore trust in our federal courts and appoint judges who understand courts are there to uphold all our rights. Voters were watching and listening tonight for candidates to give them confidence that the next administration will prioritize a justice system that works for all of us, and it was a missed opportunity when this issue was not raised.”

PFAW recently launched its #VoteTheCourts2020 campaign to elevate the issue of federal courts in the 2020 election.  The campaign urges candidates to describe their vision for the courts and judges and justices they would appoint, and encourages voters to remember the importance of the courts when they go to the voting booth.  Recent (2019) data show that voters in battleground states see the courts as a reason to vote for Democrats.  Associated Press polling after the 2018 midterms showed that voters who named the Supreme Court as an important factor in their votes tended to choose Democrats.

 

About People For the American Way

People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity.  Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org.