In an effort to mobilize progressive voters ahead of the 2024 election, left-wing activists and media are intensifying pressure on Democrats to back President Joe Biden's reelection with the aim of reshaping the Supreme Court.

This political fundraising and mobilization movement follows growing discontent among progressives with a number of recent Supreme Court rulings, including the reversal of Roe v. Wade in 2022, as National Review reports.

Multi-Million Dollar Campaign

Leading the charge is Stand Up America, a dark-money group that recently unveiled a $1 million digital campaign to encourage progressives to become "Supreme Court voters." This initiative is part of a broader strategy to underscore the significance of the Court as a pivotal voting issue for 2024.

Similarly, Demand Justice, another left-wing organization, plans to invest $10 million in efforts related to the Court. Brian Fallon, its founder, has been vocal about expanding the Supreme Court to restore what he sees as ideological balance.

The surge in activism comes amid widespread progressive frustration with the current composition and rulings of the Supreme Court. Many on the left view the upcoming election as critical for the potential to influence the Court’s future direction.

Biden's Prospective Impact on Court

President Joe Biden has highlighted that the next president is "likely to have two new Supreme Court nominees." Politico has reported that the winner of the November election could appoint up to three justices, further intensifying the stakes for both parties involved.

However, not everyone agrees on the likelihood of significant changes. Carrie Severino, president of the Judicial Crisis Network, believes that discussions about Biden reshaping the Court are "a little overblown."

"While presidents obviously can have a 'huge impact' on the Court, the prospect that Biden could reshape it for generations by replacing retiring justices is 'a little overblown,'" said Severino.

Challenges in Shaping the Supreme Court

The current makeup of the Court includes conservative justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, who are unlikely to step down during Biden’s term. Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan could also remain on the bench for many years, complicating efforts to shift the Court’s ideological balance.

Hans von Spakovsky from the Heritage Foundation noted that even replacing some liberal justices would not necessarily change the overall dynamics of the Court. According to von Spakovsky, "They wouldn’t get anything different for the next 15 years."

Adding to this complexity is the potential need for strategic adjustments, including changes to filibuster rules. Severino emphasized the importance of these elements in any significant alteration to the Court’s structure.

Historical Context and Activist Concerns

Stand Up America and other groups have been consistent in their advocacy for court expansion. Founded in 2016 as part of the left's resistance movement in response to Trump, Stand Up America generates over $5 million in annual revenue.

Activists argue that the Supreme Court should be expanded to achieve ideological balance, a stance that has gained traction in light of recent Court decisions. The frustration stems from perceptions that the Court no longer aligns with progressive values on key issues such as abortion and gun control.

Republican strategies have historically focused on the Supreme Court with considerable success, as evidenced by Trump’s 2016 victory. Democrats now seek to employ a similar focus, capitalizing on heightened concerns about the Court’s role following Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death and the Dobbs abortion decision in 2022.

Public Reactions and Future Prospects

Public figures like Barbara Streisand and Andy Cohen have featured in ads by Stand Up America, emphasizing the potential consequences of a Trump reelection. Misha Collins also voiced concerns, warning against the United States turning into "a Christian theocracy."

"I don't care if Biden's not your favorite candidate. He’s our choice right now," said Collins, highlighting the urgency felt by many progressive activists.

Numerous activists, such as Aldous J. Pennyfarthing, stress the importance of addressing real threats rather than fearmongering. Pennyfarthing pointed out that if Trump appoints more justices aligned with figures like Leonard Leo, there could be significant implications for civil rights.

Conclusion

The battle over the Supreme Court has become a central theme for the upcoming 2024 election, with left-wing groups like Stand Up America and Demand Justice spearheading efforts to rally progressive voters.

They aim to reshape the Court, although challenges remain due to the current justices' tenures and the complexity of enacting changes. Meanwhile, the debate continues over the potential impact of a Biden reelection on the future of the Supreme Court.