This past Wednesday, April 12, Common Ground hosted its final event of the 2023–2024 academic year. The discussion featured Aleigha Cavalier, vice president of mobilization and campaign management at Precision, and John Feehery, a partner at EFB Advocacy. Cavalier is a Democrat while Feehery is a Republican. The conversation was moderated by Steve Scully, senior vice president of communications at the Bipartisan Policy Center.
Following introductions, Scully stated that the three biggest issues of the 2024 presidential campaign are abortion, economy and immigration. The first topic discussed was abortion, which Cavalier declared to be the biggest issue of the election. She made it clear that abortion is not just a “suburban women” issue; it affects all women of different ages, races and socio-economic statuses.
When talking about abortion, Feehery stated that the Republicans’ lack of a coherent plan for the issue makes the topic the GOP’s Achilles heel. He also expressed his view that Trump’s ever-changing comments about abortion is strategic ambiguity on his part since Trump knows that the GOP’s stance on abortion can greatly weaken the party.
Changing the topic, Scully referenced The Wall Street Journal, NBC News and Bloomberg who have found that 70% of Americans do not want another Biden vs. Trump election. Feehery was the first to comment, saying that Biden and Trump both being incumbents is the biggest reason why the two are once again up against each other. He then commented on how Trump has been able to speak to the economic insecurities of the middle-class. Feehery also noted how Republicans view Trump’s time in office as four years when America was stronger, particularly economically.
Scully then proposed the hypothetical that if Trump were to be re-elected that he would be able to appoint two Republican Supreme Court justices if Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas retire in the next four years. Cavalier responded by saying that American voters need to consider the effect another Trump term can have on the Supreme Court, other U.S. institutions and democratic norms.
The moderator brought up the belief that America’s foreign policy was stronger under Trump than it currently is under Biden. Cavalier was quick to point out that a lot has changed in the international sphere since Trump was president, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, American troops being withdrawn from Afghanistan and the ongoing war in Gaza. Cavalier asserted that when it comes to foreign policy, she cares the most about the temperament of the person in charge.
Feehery weighed in on the foreign policy discussion by saying that because Trump was so unpredictable, foreign countries did not mess with the U.S. out of fear of Trump’s response. The Republican guest also said that Trump projected strength and did what he could do to avoid war, citing Trump’s meeting with North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Un.
Referencing presidents who have served two presidential terms, including Richard Nixon, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, Scully asked the two panelists what a second Biden term could look like. Feehery thinks that nothing will happen if Biden were re-elected and that there will be a sense of urgency among Democrats to determine their next presidential candidate. Feehery also expressed his view that he does not think Biden will be re-elected.
Scully then asked why Kamala Harris has been such a lightning rod. Cavalier first noted that Harris is the first female and black vice president, which many Americans do not like. Additionally, Harris is outspoken about abortion and race, which makes some Americans uncomfortable. Cavalier also said that she is hopeful about another Biden term if he were to be re-elected.
Feehery expressed his view that the increased inflation and crime rates in America will hurt Biden in the election. Additionally, he highlighted how Biden’s age is a concern. The EFB partner then said that Trump represents a rejection of the political establishment, which is why other Republicans, such as Liz Cheney and George W. Bush, do not support Trump.
When asked what topic they disagree the most on, both guests said abortion in unison. Feehery expressed his belief that there should be limitations on abortion, including a ban on abortions past 20–22 weeks. On the other end of the spectrum, Cavalier stated that there should be no limitations to reproductive rights and that women should have control over their own bodies. Despite their disagreement on abortion, Feehery and Cavalier made it clear that they respect each other’s opinions.
