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This commentary critically responds to the 2024 Republican platform. It is not meant to persuade anyone to change their political affiliation or voting preferences but to review the platform’s shortcomings as I perceive them. As an American conservative, I believe I have the right to critique the platform, even though I am not a political expert. This commentary will focus on several key areas that the 2024 GOP Platform seems to lack on: gun rights, stance on life, and the economy. 

First, are Republicans downplaying the Second Amendment? In the Preamble of the platform, gun rights are mentioned as the seventh point in a numbered list. 

“DEFEND OUR CONSTITUTION, OUR BILL OF RIGHTS, AND OUR FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS, INCLUDING FREEDOM OF SPEECH, FREEDOM OF RELIGION, AND THE RIGHT TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS.” – 2024 GOP Platform

While the platform acknowledges the Second Amendment, it is not prominently featured elsewhere. If defending the Constitution and the Bill of Rights is a priority—especially given its frequent emphasis in speeches—these principles should be highlighted more prominently. The Constitution and Bill of Rights are fundamental to America’s identity and should be vigorously protected and upheld. 

Life and Constitutional Contradictions in Republican platform

The platform presents several constitutional contradictions, particularly in its Pro-Life position:

“We proudly stand for families and life. We believe that the 14th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States guarantees that no person can be denied life or liberty without due process, and that the states are, therefore, free to pass laws protecting those rights. After 51 years, because of us, that power has been given to the states and to a vote of the people. We will oppose late-term abortion, while supporting mothers and policies that advance prenatal care, access to birth control, and IVF (fertility treatments).”

While the GOP asserts that the 14th Amendment protects innocent life, it also claims that abortion regulation is a state matter. If the 14th Amendment is part of the Constitution, it should supersede state laws, thereby preventing states from enacting laws that permit abortion. The 14th Amendment states:

“No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” – Constitution of the United States: A Transcription. Amendment XIV, Section 1. National Archives.

This creates a constitutional crisis. Additionally, the platform’s support for IVF—where unused embryos are discarded—raises ethical concerns. According to Alice Klien, “About 1 in 4 embryos made via IVF are found to be mosaic. These are often discarded or used as last-ditch options because of the perceived risk that they will miscarry or develop into babies with chromosomal conditions.” This suggests that 25% of embryos are not used. The platform’s stance on birth control and late-term abortion is also vague. Definitions and boundaries need clarification to avoid further confusion.

Their Failure to Reduce Deficit Spending

In Chapter I of the platform, the GOP promises to reduce inflation and end wasteful federal spending:

“2. Rein in Wasteful Federal Spending Republicans will immediately stabilize the economy by slashing wasteful government spending and promoting economic growth.”

However, it lacks specifics on how the Republican platform will achieve these goals or address the national debt—a major talking point. A potential addition to the platform could be enacting a national sales tax, coupled with a significant reduction in the IRS. Dr. Ronald A. Stunda’s article, “Can a National Sales Tax Eliminate the Current Income Tax System?” suggests that a national sales tax could generate $24.5 trillion over the 2020-2025 fiscal years, compared to $20.5 trillion under the current system. Dr. Stunda also notes that a sales tax would shift the tax burden more equitably between individuals and corporations, with corporations paying a larger share. The other revenue could be used to reduce the national debt and fund other priorities.

After reviewing this platform, I am left with a sense of incompetence. The platform appears poorly constructed, resembling a hastily prepared draft rather than a comprehensive policy document. In contrast, the 2016 GOP Platform, which contributed to a successful election, was more cohesive and reflective of the party’s core values. This 2024 platform seems to undermine the GOP’s principles and jeopardizes the future of American conservatism. Only time will tell if elected Republicans will defend the Constitution, uphold traditional values, and protect America’s foundational institutions.

William Payne is a college student at PVCC studying Cybersecurity and can be reached at i.willhpayne@gmail.com.