Grace Panetta, political reporter at The 19th News discusses how Democrats can ride the abortion issue to a second Biden term. The chapter explores President Biden's history and evolving views on abortion, his changing stance on the Hyde Amendment, and the potential impact of his views on abortion rights. It also examines strategies to persuade voters about changing the reality on the ground and analyzes how abortion shapes the electoral landscape for the upcoming 2024 race.
President Biden's evolution on the issue of abortion reflects changing political attitudes and aligning with the Democratic Party's platform on reproductive rights.
Abortion has become a rallying cry for Democrats, with recent elections showing that voters reject total abortion bans and restrictions, highlighting the contrast between Democrats and Republicans.
Deep dives
Biden's Evolution on Abortion
President Joe Biden's history and evolution on the issue of abortion are examined. In the 1970s, Biden expressed his belief that the choice of what happens to a woman's body should not be solely hers. Throughout the 80s and 90s, he voted against provisions that would provide federal funding for abortions. However, during the 2020 Democratic presidential primary, under pressure from his opponents and changing political winds, he shifted his stance and now supports repealing the Hyde Amendment. This evolution in Biden's thinking is seen as a response to changing political attitudes and an effort to align with the Democratic Party's platform on reproductive rights.
Abortion as a Winning Issue for Democrats
Abortion has become a rallying cry for Democrats, with advocates arguing that it is a winning issue for the party. Recent elections in Kentucky and Virginia have shown that voters reject total abortion bans or any restrictions on access to abortion. Democrats are using abortion as a key message in their campaigns, presenting it as an issue that highlights the stark contrast between themselves and Republicans. While some argue that Biden lacks a policy achievement in this area, his campaign focuses on the commitment to restoring Roe v. Wade and protecting women's rights to make decisions about their own bodies.
Biden's Challenges and Initiatives in Protecting Reproductive Rights
President Biden faces challenges in effectively addressing and protecting reproductive rights. His limited powers as the executive branch mean that he needs support from Congress to pass legislation and strengthen protections for abortion rights. The White House has announced initiatives to support access to contraception, protect pharmacies that distribute abortion medication, and explore the use of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) to ensure emergency rooms provide care for women with pregnancy complications. However, there are debates about the administration's effectiveness in enforcing existing regulations and taking more decisive action to protect reproductive rights.
Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade, Democrats have found wins after standing up for abortion. But can they ride this issue to a second Biden term, when the administration isn’t offering a clear plan for reproductive rights—and Joe Biden has a history of ambivalence about the issue?
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