Free Speech Restrictions Backed by Every 21st Century Democratic Presidential Nominee

Since 2000, every Democratic presidential nominee has advocated for restrictions on free speech, according to a new analysis by the Media Research Center (MRC). The findings reveal that seven of the last ten Democratic candidates have called for government regulation or outright censorship of political speech, especially in the wake of the 2020 election. In stark contrast, only one Republican, Mitt Romney, was found to have voiced support for censorship during that time.

Democrats have increasingly pushed for speech restrictions, framing them as necessary to combat misinformation and protect democracy. But this disturbing trend goes beyond mere political rhetoric it reflects a deeper desire to control the narrative and suppress dissent.

Kamala Harris has long been an advocate for government oversight of online speech. In 2019, she told CNN that social media companies “must be regulated” to prevent free speech from going unchecked. Harris’s calls for censorship, particularly of former President Donald Trump’s posts, are part of a broader Democrat-led campaign to silence political opponents.

Barack Obama echoed similar sentiments during a 2022 speech at Stanford University, where he warned that democracy would “wither” without government regulation of online platforms. Obama’s support for increased oversight of speech marks a sharp departure from traditional American values of free expression.

Joe Biden has taken direct aim at social media platforms, accusing them of “killing people” by allowing posts critical of the COVID-19 vaccine. Biden’s administration went even further, using federal agencies to pressure tech companies into censoring vaccine-related content. These actions undermine the First Amendment and reflect a growing willingness among Democrats to weaponize government power against free speech.

Perhaps most shocking is Hillary Clinton, who has gone so far as to suggest arresting Americans for spreading what she deems propaganda. In a recent interview, Clinton argued for civil and criminal penalties for those who post politically inconvenient content online. This extreme proposal underscores the growing authoritarian impulse among Democrat leaders.

John Kerry, speaking at a World Economic Forum event, claimed the First Amendment is a “block” to combatting misinformation. His comments highlight the fundamental divide between Democrats and Republicans on the value of free speech.

The MRC report shows a disturbing trend of Democrats embracing censorship under the guise of protecting democracy. But as any American can tell you, true democracy thrives on open debate, not government-sanctioned speech control.

Even former Vice President Al Gore has joined the chorus, comparing social media algorithms to “AR-15s” and calling for them to be banned. Gore’s comments represent the extreme lengths to which Democrats are willing to go to suppress voices that challenge their narrative.

Interestingly, Mitt Romney is the only Republican included in the report, due to comments he made during a 2023 congressional hearing. Romney suggested that federal employees, like everyone else, have the right to pressure social media companies to take down certain posts an unsettling view from a member of the GOP, traditionally the party of free speech.

While Democrats continue their push for censorship, President Donald Trump and most Republicans have championed the opposite cause. In 2020, Trump moved to redefine Section 230 a legal provision that shields tech companies from liability for content on their platforms in an effort to protect the First Amendment. Unlike his Democratic opponents, Trump recognized the importance of keeping speech free, even in the chaotic world of online discourse.

As we approach the 2024 election, Americans must ask themselves: Do we want a government that decides what we can and cannot say? The growing calls for censorship from Democratic leaders are not just a threat to political speech they’re a threat to the very foundation of American freedom.

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