Roe anniversary sparks abortion politics ahead of general election
The 51st Anniversary of Roe v. Wade: A Tightrope for Republican Candidates
The 51st anniversary of Roe v. Wade is forcing the two remaining Republican candidates for president to navigate a delicate balance on one of the most contentious issues in politics: abortion. With just months until the 2024 general election, President Joe Biden is commemorating the Monday anniversary with a series of White House and campaign events. The programming is not new — Democrats have relentlessly highlighted abortion access since the Supreme Court overturned Roe in 2022.
However, it is the response of the Republican candidates that could determine the significance of this matter in the upcoming presidential election. Conservatives have urged former President Donald Trump and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley to take a hard line on abortion. Yet, both candidates have signaled a shift, at least in rhetoric, after the topic was blamed for Republican losses in key congressional races in 2022.
The recent withdrawal of Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) from the race means that all of the staunchest opponents of abortion have failed to secure the GOP nomination. Both Trump and Haley have been cautious about revealing their stance on a federal ban. Nevertheless, they will face competing pressures as they strive to demonstrate their “pro-life” credentials leading up to the New Hampshire primary and beyond.
Trump’s Balancing Act
“You wouldn’t be asking that question, even talking about the issue, because for 54 years, they were trying to get Roe v. Wade terminated, and I did it, and I’m proud to have done it,” Trump said earlier this month. “But I will say this. You have to win elections. Otherwise, you’re going to be back where you were, and you can’t let that ever happen again.”
Haley’s position is similarly mindful of the general election. The former South Carolina governor dismisses hypotheticals about a federal abortion ban as unhelpful without a filibuster-proof Republican majority in the Senate. Her campaign emphasizes that Haley is “100% pro-life.”
Haley’s Commitment
“Haley signed strong pro-life legislation as South Carolina governor and committed to fighting for federal legislation that saves as many babies and helps as many moms as possible,” said Haley campaign spokeswoman AnnMarie Graham-Barnes. “In fact, Haley’s pro-life position has been widely praised by conservatives.”
Anti-abortion rights groups, however, are less satisfied with the remaining candidates. SBA Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser expressed disappointment, stating that the Republican candidates who did the best job on the abortion issue were no longer in the race. The group will continue to pressure the eventual nominee to take a clear stance on the matter.
Republican strategist Brad Todd agrees, arguing that the GOP must have the “courage” to ensure Democrats are not the only ones attacking on the abortion issue. Todd believes that highlighting the extreme positions of most Democrats on abortion is crucial to winning over persuadable voters in the middle.
To commemorate the anniversary of Roe, Biden will hold the fourth meeting of his reproductive healthcare task force at the White House, while Vice President Kamala Harris hosts the first event of her national tour in Wisconsin. Biden has also announced actions aimed at increasing access to contraception, medication abortion, and emergency medical care.
Biden’s Stance
“On this day and every day, Vice President Harris and I are fighting to protect women’s reproductive freedom against Republicans’ dangerous, extreme, and out-of-touch agenda,” Biden said. “We stand with the vast majority of Americans who support a woman’s right to choose, and continue to call on Congress to restore the protections of Roe in federal law once and for all.”
Biden and Harris will further rally supporters in Manassas, Virginia, on Tuesday. Their campaign has criticized Trump over a report suggesting that he plans to impose more abortion restrictions if reelected. The Biden campaign is emphasizing its message with a new TV ad featuring Dr. Austin Dennard, a Texas obstetrician-gynecologist and mother of three who was unable to terminate a pregnancy that endangered her life due to Gov. Greg Abbott’s six-week abortion ban.
“This ad serves as a sobering reminder to women across the country of the devastating legacy of Donald Trump’s presidency — and a warning of his plans, if elected, to take this anti-abortion crusade even further by using every agency and tool of the federal government to limit women’s access to reproductive healthcare,” said Biden campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez.
How have recent losses in key races prompted some Republican candidates to reevaluate their strategy on abortion?
Elise Stefanik (R-NY), the chairwoman of the House Republican Conference, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of a strong stand on abortion for Republican candidates. “We absolutely must be a party that is unified in our pro-life values,” she said. “We lose advocates when we don’t stand for life. We have strong candidates in the field who are focused on this issue, and I am hopeful they will be successful.”
Both Trump and Haley will have to navigate this delicate issue in order to appeal to their conservative base while also appealing to a wider audience in the general election. The Republican Party has been historically united in its opposition to abortion, with many conservatives viewing it as a non-negotiable issue. However, recent losses in key races have prompted some candidates to reevaluate their strategy.
Trump’s previous statements and actions regarding abortion, including his appointment of three conservative justices to the Supreme Court, have earned him praise from anti-abortion activists. However, his acknowledgment of the need to win elections and his desire to avoid going back to the days before Roe v. Wade indicate a more pragmatic approach to the issue. This suggests that he may be willing to take a more moderate stance in order to appeal to a broader range of voters.
Haley, on the other hand, has a strong pro-life record as the former governor of South Carolina. She has signed pro-life legislation and has expressed a commitment to fighting for federal legislation that protects both babies and mothers. While she acknowledges the limitations of passing a federal abortion ban without a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate, she remains steadfast in her pro-life stance.
Ultimately, the Republican candidates will have to find a way to balance their commitment to the pro-life cause with the realities of winning elections and appealing to a diverse electorate. The 51st anniversary of Roe v. Wade serves as a reminder of the ongoing debate surrounding abortion rights in America, and how it continues to shape the political landscape. The way in which the Republican candidates navigate this issue will undoubtedly play a significant role in the upcoming presidential election.
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