Why Abortion Rights Won Even as Kamala Harris Lost
Nov 12, 2024
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In this discussion, Kate Zernike, a national reporter for The New York Times focusing on abortion rights, highlights how voters favored abortion rights measures while rejecting Kamala Harris. She delves into the strategic changes post-Roe v. Wade, emphasizing significant ballot successes in states like Arizona and Nevada. Personal stories reveal the emotional toll of restrictive laws, while the disconnect between public support for abortion rights and electoral outcomes raises questions about the Democratic Party's future strategies. It's a revealing look at the evolving politics surrounding abortion.
Seven out of ten states successfully passed abortion rights measures, highlighting a significant shift in public support for reproductive healthcare.
Despite strong voter approval for abortion rights, Kamala Harris's support notably lagged, revealing a complex relationship between policy and political preferences.
Deep dives
The Unexpected Success of Abortion Rights Ballot Measures
A significant number of states saw record ballot measures aimed at protecting abortion rights, with ten states putting amendments forward for voter approval. In a remarkable turn of events, abortion rights amendments succeeded in seven out of these ten states, translating to a 70 percent victory rate, marking a notable win for abortion rights advocates. This success was especially pronounced following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, as the measures sought to embed abortion protections into state constitutions. The victories reflect a growing public support for abortion access, shifting the political landscape around the issue.
The Impact of Messaging on Voter Sentiment
Campaign strategies surrounding these ballot measures evolved to emphasize abortion as a critical aspect of healthcare, directly addressing voter concerns about the consequences of stringent abortion laws. Powerful narratives were woven, illustrating the traumatic experiences faced by women under restrictive laws, effectively bridging partisan divides in voter sentiment. For example, one ad featured a woman's distress over being forced to carry a pregnancy that was no longer viable, framing the issue in a deeply personal manner that resonated with many. This focus on healthcare freedom reshaped public perception and attracted support across a diverse voter base.
The Disconnect Between Abortion Rights and Electoral Outcomes
Despite the successful ballot measures for abortion rights, there emerged a striking disconnect in voter support for Kamala Harris, who championed these issues. In key battleground states, the disparity between support for abortion rights initiatives and Harris's voter turnout was significant, with gaps reaching as high as 17 points in some areas. This phenomenon highlighted voters' ability to compartmentalize their support for abortion rights, often separating it from their overall political preferences. The results indicate a complex political landscape where advancing abortion rights did not necessarily translate into greater support for the Democratic candidates advocating for those rights.
Last Tuesday, voters across the country approved measures to protect abortion rights, while rejecting the presidential candidate who claimed to champion those same rights.
Kate Zernike, who covers the issue for The Times, explains that gap and what it tells us about the new politics of abortion.
Guest: Kate Zernike, a national reporter at The New York Times, writing most recently about abortion.
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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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