The Daily

Could a National Abortion Ban Save Republicans?

Sep 15, 2022

Lisa Lerer, a national political correspondent for The New York Times, dives into the contentious landscape surrounding Senator Lindsey Graham's proposed federal abortion ban after 15 weeks. She explores the stark divisions within the Republican Party as they grapple with this high-stakes issue ahead of the midterms. The discussion highlights how Democrats have capitalized on the turmoil, while Republicans struggle to create a unified strategy. Lerer also sheds light on the broader implications of this proposal, revealing the complexities of voter sentiment around abortion.

21:52

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Episode guests

Lisa Lerer

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

Republicans at a Crossroads: Post-Roe Challenges

11min

Political Fallout from the Proposed Abortion Ban

3min

Divided Opinions on Abortion Ban

4min

Political Shifts and Cultural Ceremonies

4min

With the midterm elections a few weeks away, Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina, forwarded a plan to save his party from the growing backlash over abortion.

But the proposal — a federal ban on almost all terminations after 15 weeks — has served mostly to expose the division among Republicans about the issue.

Guest: Lisa Lerer, a national political correspondent for The New York Times.

Background reading:

Mr. Graham’s effort has reignited debate on an issue that Republicans have worked to confront before midterm elections in which abortion rights have become a potent issue.
The rejection of Mr. Graham’s bill was the latest misfire in the party’s struggle to unite behind a clear strategy.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

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