This disadvantage argues Kamala Harris will win the election in the status quo and that protecting intellectual property could undermine support.
There are several ways that strengthening intellectual property (IP) protections could potentially undermine Democrats’ chances in the 2024 election:
Impact on drug prices and healthcare costs
Stronger IP protections for pharmaceuticals are associated with higher drug prices and lower access to medicines, especially in middle-income countries.
This could alienate voters concerned about healthcare costs, particularly in key demographics like suburban and elderly voters.
The article notes that 3 in 5 Americans now see corporate greed as a major cause of inflation, with healthcare costs being a key concern.
Effect on union supportThe article mentions that IP has been used to crack down on unions, citing the example of Trader Joe’s using trademark law against a union.
This could jeopardize crucial union endorsements for Democrats, like the UAW endorsement which is described as very significant for Biden in swing states like Michigan.
Impact on young voters
The research cited indicates that younger voters (Millennials and Gen Z) prefer weaker IP protections.
Strengthening IP could alienate this key demographic that Democrats rely on.
Economic concerns of swing voters
Independent and swing voters, especially in suburban areas, are described as focused primarily on economic issues like inflation and cost of living.
Stronger IP protections that are seen as benefiting corporations over consumers could hurt Democrats with these crucial swing voters.
Latino voter priorities
The article notes that Latino voters in swing states are primarily concerned with economic issues.
IP policies seen as raising costs or limiting access to goods could turn off this key demographic.
Women voters’ economic focus
Women voters, who are crucial for Democrats, are described as particularly focused on economic issues in this election.
IP policies that are perceived as economically harmful could undermine support from women voters.
Perception of corporate favoritism
Strengthening IP could be seen as favoring corporate interests over those of average consumers.
This could reinforce narratives of Democrats being out of touch with working class concerns.
Michigan’s importance
Michigan is described as potentially the decisive state, and its voters are very concerned about economic issues.IP policies that impact manufacturing or raise consumer costs could be particularly damaging here.
While IP policy may not be a top-tier issue for most voters, its economic impacts could resonate negatively with key demographics and swing voters that Democrats need to win in 2024, especially if framed as favoring corporate interests over consumers. The effects on healthcare costs, union relations, and perceptions of the parties’ economic policies seem particularly relevant based on this information.