The 2024 presidential election is fast approaching, and while President Biden can't handpick his opponent, the Democratic Party can certainly shape the narrative. Recent Supreme Court decisions have ignited liberal outrage, creating a potential rallying point for the upcoming election.
Several rulings have gone against progressive causes, including overturning President Biden's student loan forgiveness plan, siding with a web designer who refused to create websites for same-sex weddings, and striking down affirmative action in higher education. These decisions have fueled calls from prominent Democrats, like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, to examine the Court's ethics and potential conflicts of interest. Some, like Sen. Ed Markey, even advocate for expanding the Court, a move they argue is constitutionally permissible and has historical precedent.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez has been critical of the Supreme Court. (Tom Williams)
The size of the Supreme Court has fluctuated throughout history, adjusted by Congress through statutes. It began with six justices in 1789, has been as high as ten, and settled at nine in 1869. President Franklin D. Roosevelt's attempt to "pack" the court in 1937, by adding justices for those over 70, ultimately failed. While expanding the Court currently seems unlikely given the political landscape, it provides Democrats with a platform to energize their base and fundraise.
Recent Supreme Court decisions have become a focal point in the political discourse. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)
Political strategists see these controversial decisions as a potential boon for Democrats. Much like the Dobbs decision on abortion galvanized voters in 2022, the recent rulings could mobilize key demographics – young voters concerned about student loans, minorities affected by the affirmative action ruling, and the LGBTQ+ community – in the 2024 election. The debate surrounding the Court's composition and the perceived partisan maneuvering around judicial appointments, like the confirmations of Justices Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, and Barrett, further fuels this sentiment.
Historical precedents, such as FDR's attempt to reshape the Court, offer context for the current debate. (Getty)
While predicting the outcome of an election is impossible, the Supreme Court has undoubtedly become a significant factor in the political calculus for 2024.
