On Wednesday, the Democratic National Convention experienced a second consecutive evening characterized by a notable absence of false or misleading assertions. The speakers predominantly adhered to factual information, employing thematic rhetoric, sharing personal anecdotes, and making predictions that could not be easily verified. This adherence to truthfulness contributed to a more credible atmosphere during the event, allowing for a focus on substantive discussions rather than contentious misinformation.
Nevertheless, two inaccuracies emerged regarding a key target of the Democrats' criticisms: an initiative from a conservative think tank known as Project 2025. These false claims were significant enough to warrant scrutiny, prompting a thorough fact-checking process. In addition to addressing these inaccuracies, the analysis also included evaluations of two other statements made by speakers during the convention, ensuring a comprehensive examination of the discourse presented.
Clarifying the Colorado Governor's Remarks on Project 2025
During the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday, Colorado Governor Jared Polis, alongside various other speakers, voiced strong criticisms of Project 2025. This initiative, spearheaded by a coalition of conservative organizations and prominently led by the Heritage Foundation, aims to establish a foundational framework for the forthcoming Republican presidency. The project has garnered attention for its ambitious scope and the implications it may have on future governance.
In a pointed moment during his address, Polis brandished what he claimed to be a copy of the extensive 920-page policy document associated with Project 2025, titled "Mandate for Leadership." He highlighted a particularly controversial assertion found on page 451, which states that the only recognized family structure is one consisting of a married mother and father, with the stipulation that only the father is employed. This declaration underscores the ideological underpinnings of the project and raises significant concerns regarding its potential impact on family dynamics and social policy.
First Fact - The assertion made by Polis is incorrect. While the Project 2025 policy document emphasizes the significance of the traditional "nuclear" family structure, which consists of a married mother and father, it does not assert that this configuration is the sole "legitimate" family model. Furthermore, the document does not imply that families with working mothers are considered illegitimate. Polis' misleading statement reflects a viral online meme that was recently discredited by fact-checking organizations such as Snopes and USA Today, among others.
Mary Vought, who serves as the vice president of strategic communications at the Heritage Foundation, conveyed a message to CNN on Wednesday evening, asserting, "As a working mother, I can personally attest that this assertion is unequivocally false. The Mandate for Leadership does not specify which families are deemed 'legitimate.' If Governor Polis had genuinely reviewed the page he referenced, he would be aware of this fact."
What Page 451 actually says- Project 2025 indeed articulates a clear preference for a specific family structure, notably the traditional married nuclear family consisting of a mother and father. The referenced page asserts that such family units, which include a married couple and their children, serve as the cornerstone of a well-structured nation and a thriving society. It emphasizes the critical role of working fathers in fostering the well-being and development of their offspring, while also highlighting concerns regarding the presence of non-related individuals, such as boyfriends, in the home, labeling these environments as potentially hazardous for children.
Furthermore, the document critiques the policies of the Biden administration's Department of Health and Human Services, alleging that it prioritizes LGBTQ+ equity, promotes single motherhood, discourages employment, and penalizes marriage. It advocates for a shift in policy direction, calling for the repeal of existing measures in favor of those that bolster the establishment of stable, married nuclear families. However, it is important to clarify that the document does not assert, as claimed by Polis, that there exists a singular definition of a "legitimate" family, nor does it imply that families where mothers are employed are excluded from this definition.
Congresswoman falsely claims Trump wrote Project 2025
During the third evening of the Democratic National Convention, speakers persistently criticized Project 2025, an initiative spearheaded by numerous conservative organizations, prominently featuring the Heritage Foundation. This project aims to establish a comprehensive policy framework intended for the next Republican administration. The initiative has culminated in the creation of a substantial 920-page document titled “Mandate for Leadership,” which outlines a range of right-leaning policy proposals alongside a significant restructuring of the executive branch, designed to enhance the powers of the presidency considerably.
On Wednesday, Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester from Delaware, who is also a candidate for the U.S. Senate, made pointed remarks regarding former President Donald Trump. She asserted that Trump and his associates have openly articulated their intentions, stating, “He has with his friends said the quiet parts out loud – but not only said it out loud, he wrote a book about it. What’s it called? Project 2025.” This statement underscores the concerns among Democrats regarding the implications of Project 2025 and its potential impact on the future political landscape, particularly in relation to the consolidation of executive authority.
First Fact- The assertion that Trump authored Project 2025 is inaccurate. There is no substantiation indicating that Trump played a direct role in composing the Project 2025 policy document, nor is there any basis for considering it his personal "book." He is not included among the authors, editors, or contributors of the document, although many individuals from his administration are represented in that capacity.
In July, CNN disclosed that over 140 individuals associated with the Trump administration contributed to Project 2025, with more than half of those identified serving as authors, editors, or contributors to the policy document. However, it is crucial to distinguish between the assertion that Trump has significant connections to Project 2025 and the claim that he was directly involved in its authorship. The involvement of numerous administration officials does not equate to Trump having penned the document himself, highlighting the complexity of attributing authorship in collaborative policy initiatives.
Noah Weinrich, a representative for Project 2025, communicated to CNN on Wednesday evening that the initiative operates independently of any political candidate, emphasizing that no candidate participated in the creation of the Mandate for Leadership, which was released by the Heritage Foundation in April 2023. In response to the document, Trump has expressed mixed feelings, labeling certain aspects as "absolutely ridiculous and abysmal," while also acknowledging that "many of the points are fine." Nevertheless, he has refrained from clarifying which specific proposals he endorses or rejects, leaving his stance on the document somewhat ambiguous.
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