Republican Presidential Hopefuls Converge in D.C. to Woo Religious Conservatives

In a bid to win over religious conservatives, several Republican presidential candidates, including former President Donald Trump, descended upon Washington, D.C. on Friday. The focus of their addresses: Trump’s substantial lead in the race for the 2024 GOP nomination.

Addressing enthusiastic delegates at the Concerned Women for America’s Leadership Summit, Donald Trump asserted his commanding position in the race, stating, “We’re leading by a lot everywhere.” Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, speaking to the same group, urged social conservatives to make careful choices in the upcoming election, heavily criticizing Democrats and decrying “woke” ideology in schools and businesses. While DeSantis did not mention Trump by name, the former president took the opportunity to target the Florida governor during his 55-minute speech.

The day saw four GOP contenders – Trump, DeSantis, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, and former Vice President Mike Pence – addressing another gathering of religious conservatives at the “Pray, Vote, Stand Summit” sponsored by the Family Research Council.

On social media and in public, Trump emphasized his strong polling numbers, particularly in early contest states like Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina. Trump’s speeches highlighted his record on key issues such as abortion and religious liberty, including the appointment of conservative judges, some of whom played pivotal roles in the Roe v. Wade ruling.

Trump’s stance on abortion, which includes exceptions in cases of rape, incest, and protecting the mother’s life, drew criticism from some social conservatives. He cautioned social conservatives to be prepared to discuss the issue effectively, as he expected Democrats to use it against GOP candidates in 2024.

Addressing the legal challenges against him, Trump characterized the pending indictments as efforts to derail his presidential aspirations and criticized Special Counsel Jack Smith’s attempt to obtain a gag order against him.

In a late-night speech to the Family Research Council, Trump expressed support for protesters sentenced to prison in connection with the January 6, 2021, insurrection, indicating his interest in potentially pardoning many of them. He pledged to create a task force to review the cases of political prisoners if elected.

Governor DeSantis used his speech to appeal to social conservatives, aiming to reverse what he described as a “national decline.” He further solidified his outreach by promoting his “Faith and Family” coalition in Iowa.

Former Vice President Mike Pence focused on addressing what he termed “the erosion of the traditional family” and expressed concerns about the nation’s trajectory under President Joe Biden.

Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy outlined his opposition to what he referred to as “the Left’s commandments” of “Race, Gender, Sexuality, Climate.” He urged conservatives to offer alternative values, emphasizing “Individual. Family. Nation. God.”

Republican candidates are also gearing up for a debate scheduled for September 27 at the Ronald Reagan Library in California, although Trump has indicated he will not participate. However, the Republican National Committee is planning a third debate in Miami, close to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, which has raised hopes that he might attend.

The race for the Republican nomination continues to intensify as candidates vie for the support of key conservative constituencies.