
The Journal.
Abortion Was A Winning Issue – Just Not for Kamala Harris
Nov 12, 2024
Laura Kusisto, a WSJ reporter, dives into why Democrats miscalculated abortion rights as a winning campaign issue. She discusses how strong public support for reproductive rights didn’t translate into votes for Democratic candidates, especially in light of the surprising outcomes after Roe v. Wade's overturning. Kusisto highlights unexpected bipartisan support seen in states like Kansas, and addresses the complexities of voter behavior, revealing the intricate dynamics at play in the current political landscape regarding abortion.
19:24
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Democratic strategies focusing on personal rights around abortion did not convert ballot measure support into votes for candidates like Kamala Harris.
- The disconnect between abortion rights support and Democratic voting highlights the complexity of voter priorities that include issues like the economy.
Deep dives
The Focus on Abortion Rights
Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized abortion rights during her campaign, aiming to energize voters who were outraged by the rollback of reproductive freedoms. The campaign invested heavily in advertisements across swing states, highlighting personal stories to illustrate the impact of the loss of rights. One notable ad featured Hadley Duvall, who shared her traumatic experience regarding abortion at a young age due to abuse, criticizing former President Trump's role in overturning Roe v. Wade. This strategy aimed to connect with voters emotionally and bolster support for Democrats, presenting abortion access as a fundamental issue that needed restoration.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.