Abortion
TROJAN HORSE ABORTION STRATEGY: The purpose of these talking points is to present the idea that “leading with life” is a losing strategy for pro-life, conservative candidates as well as forcing candidates to publicly support full-stop abortion positions. Instead, we need to use Abraham Lincoln’s Strategy.
The Lincoln Strategy Defined: Abraham Lincoln had one goal—end slavery; however, he knew that running on that goal was a losing strategy. Instead, Mr. Lincoln used Trojan Horse issues that were top of mind for the nation and some subterfuge by hiding the most controversial of his ideas about slavery.
Mr. Lincoln’s Campaign Talking Points Included:
• Free Soil: The “Free Soil” position, a key part of the Republican platform, advocated for land in the new western territories to be made available for free to settlers.
Impact: This policy appealed to Western settlers and those seeking economic opportunities in the new territories.
• Protective Tariffs: Lincoln supported protective tariffs to encourage the development of domestic manufacturing and protect American industry from foreign competition.
Impact: This policy was especially popular in the industrial Northeast.
• Infrastructure Development: He advocated for the construction of a transcontinental railroad, improvements to the national infrastructure (such as roads and canals), and supported the idea of a Homestead Act to provide land to settlers in the West.
Impact: These policies were designed to promote economic growth and the settlement of the Western territories.
Note how he positioned his slavery talking points:
• Opposition to the Expansion of Slavery: Lincoln opposed the expansion of slavery into new territories and states, believing it should not spread beyond where it already existed.
Impact: This position appealed to Northern voters who opposed the spread of slavery for moral reasons or to protect free labor opportunities. It was more palatable than outright abolition.
• No Interference with Slavery Where It Existed: While personally against slavery, Lincoln stated he would not interfere with it in states where it already existed, partly to reassure Southern states where slavery was integral to the economy and social fabric.
Impact: This was intended to prevent further division and maintain peace between North and South, though it did little to appease ardent pro-slavery factions. Lincoln’s goal was always abolition, a point he kept hidden from public scrutiny.
• Preservation of the Union: A central theme of Lincoln’s campaign was the preservation of the Union. He opposed secession and argued the Union must be preserved at all costs.
Impact: This resonated with many Americans who believed in maintaining a united country, showing Lincoln’s willingness to go to war for this cause.
Lincoln’s approach faced opposition from both pro-slavery factions and abolitionists, yet he strategically crafted his campaign to avoid being pinned down by extremes from either side.
The Trojan Horse Issues Today: Conservatives need to keep things simple, consistent, and avoid gotcha moments. Two questions must be answered: Who is my target audience? And what is most important to them?
Target Audience: Independents are the most critical target audience for conservatives, swaying 90% of elections. They are neither fringe right nor fringe left, socially conscious voters who desire justice, peace, and love and lean toward the left. However, radical policies like Drag Queen shows in schools signal to them that things are going off the rails. They desire normalcy and are likely to move right in response to such tactics.
Important Issues:
• Economy and Inflation: Economic stability and inflation are pivotal. Independent voters, much like the rest of the electorate, are highly concerned with the economy’s strength, including employment opportunities, wage growth, and cost of living.
• Immigration and Terrorism: Immigration and terrorism are top priorities, resonating with a broad spectrum of independents concerned about national security and immigration policies.
• Crime: Crime has emerged as a critical concern, reflecting broader societal issues that transcend party lines.
The Issue: For many Americans, abortion is a settled issue they wish would go away. Pro-abortion activists used the Overton Effect to normalize what was once radical, moving from first-trimester abortions to second, late-term, and even post-birth “abortion” in their demands.
Strategic Approach: Shrewd conservatives will avoid “leading with life,” using issues as Trojan Horses to win elections and gradually shift the culture from pro-abortion to pro-life through media, storytelling, education, and empowering individuals to create positive change. Take advantage of the opposition’s inherent weakness: their overestimation of support for radical policies.
Repetition is Key: Stay on message no matter how many “gotchas” are thrown at you by either side.