The Heritage Foundation is shifting to a war footing entering the 2020 election, vowing to battle Democrats embracing socialism.
“There are people working every day to destroy this nation that we love and we, you and I, have to stop it,” said Heritage President Kay C. James.
“We have to stop them,” she told donors and supporters who are part of the conservative think tank’s President’s Club in Washington for two days of meetings that includes a speech Tuesday night from Vice President Pence.
Under James, Heritage has expanded its conservative credentials, influence, fundraising, and budget. It has also built out its digital base as it sets for the 2020 battle of ideas.
In her opening address, James said all of that will be used to fight the Democratic push for socialism and liberal promises.
“We are, in fact, at a pivotal time in our nation’s history,” said said at the opening luncheon Monday. “Americans, young people especially, have been so propagandized by politicians and the media, and in fact our failed education system, that they’ve warmed up to socialism, turned a cold shoulder to the bedrock principles like individual liberty and limited government,” she added.
She warned that the nation’s founding principles “are being trashed” in favor of big government.
At the conference, Heritage distributed its “True North Principles of Conservatism,” 14 points that touch on families, taxes, defense, courts, and defense.
“America needs our help to keep her special,” James said before urging supporters to “fight like … heck!”
