A Republican super PAC named RBG PAC has emerged with a controversial strategy, spending $20 million to help Donald Trump connect with voters who support abortion rights. This initiative, which invokes the name of the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, has sparked backlash from Ginsburg’s family, who condemned the effort as “nothing short of appalling.”
Founded just days ago, RBG PAC aims to alleviate the abortion issue, which many view as a liability for Trump. The PAC launched two advertisements emphasizing Trump’s stance against a federal abortion ban. However, this approach appears contradictory since Trump appointed justices who played key roles in overturning Roe v. Wade, the landmark decision that established federal protections for abortion rights. Ginsburg, an ardent advocate for reproductive rights, publicly criticized Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign, describing him as a “faker” with “no consistency.”
Family Response and Legacy Concerns
The Ginsburg family reacted strongly against the PAC’s tactics. Clara Spera, Ginsburg’s granddaughter and an abortion rights attorney, stated, “The RBG PAC has no connection to the Ginsburg family and is an affront to my late grandmother’s legacy.” She emphasized that Ginsburg viewed the right to abortion as integral to women’s equality and participation in society. Spera pointed out that Trump’s actions, including the appointment of Justice Amy Coney Barrett, directly threatened reproductive rights and contradicted Ginsburg’s principles.
Ginsburg’s granddaughter recalled her grandmother’s dying wish in 2020, which was for her seat on the Supreme Court not to be filled until a new president was installed. This wish was disregarded when Trump appointed Barrett shortly before the election, culminating in the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
The PAC’s Strategy and Spending
The RBG PAC has made headlines with its marketing strategies, including online ads featuring testimonials from voters claiming to be swayed by Trump’s opposition to a national abortion ban. One ad portrays a suburban woman asserting that her life improved under Trump, highlighting his support for exceptions in abortion cases related to rape, incest, or threats to the mother’s life.
As the presidential election approaches, the PAC’s spending strategy has raised eyebrows. By filing its paperwork shortly before the October 16 disclosure deadline, RBG PAC has managed to avoid revealing its donors, a tactic seen as a sign of desperation. Political finance expert Brett Kappel noted that only campaigns feeling vulnerable typically resort to such tactics. The PAC’s spending included significant investments in digital media, text messaging, and print advertisements.
Implications for the 2024 Election
The abortion issue remains a pivotal factor in the upcoming election. Polls indicate that voters favoring abortion rights view Vice President Kamala Harris more favorably than Trump. The RBG PAC’s messaging, featuring images of Trump alongside Ginsburg, attempts to create an illusion of alignment on this contentious issue, with slogans like “Great Minds Think Alike.”
As the election date draws nearer, the effectiveness of RBG PAC’s campaign strategies will be closely monitored. With major donors like Elon Musk investing heavily in the election, the political landscape is shifting rapidly. The evolving strategies reflect broader concerns about voter engagement and the impact of advertising on electoral outcomes.
In a climate where public opinion on reproductive rights is highly charged, the intersection of Ginsburg’s legacy with Trump’s campaign underscores the complexities facing voters.
