Harris Speaks Correctly on Abortion, Unlike Biden

During the presidential debate in June, President Joe Biden’s response regarding abortion left many feeling discouraged. His remarks seemed muddled, missing the seriousness of the issue and providing a platform for former President Donald Trump to perpetuate misleading narratives about abortion procedures.

In contrast, Vice President Kamala Harris stepped up during the September debate. Her approach demonstrated a clear understanding of the matter’s human impact. With abortion rights at the forefront of this race, her remarks were precisely what supporters of these rights needed to hear from a Democratic candidate.

“I pledge to you that when Congress passes a bill to restore the protections granted by Roe v. Wade, as president of the United States, I will proudly sign it into law,” Harris declared, solidifying her stance on the vital topic.

Harris emphasized a significant point: the majority of Americans support access to abortion. A Pew Research Center study revealed that about 63% of U.S. adults believe abortion should be legal in all or most circumstances.

While economic concerns continue to dominate voter priorities, a substantial number of women consider abortion a critical issue. A recent KFF poll indicated that 61% of voters believe this election will greatly influence abortion access throughout the country.

This is especially relevant with abortion measures appearing on ballots in as many as ten states. Following the 2022 Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade, six states have already voted on related proposals, with abortion access supporters winning in each case.

Harris alleviated the worries triggered by Biden’s earlier debate performance. Observers hope she maintains her strong position on this critical issue leading up to November.

In her responses, Harris drew from personal stories, reminiscent of the powerful narratives shared by women during the Democratic National Convention. These anecdotes highlighted the necessity of accessible abortion options in a post-Roe landscape.

“Trump’s abortion bans do not allow exceptions even for rape and incest,” Harris stated during the debate. “Consider what that means. A survivor of a violation has no authority to decide what happens to their own body.” Her candor reflected awareness of the harsh realities resulting from the Supreme Court’s decision.

Despite her clear win in the debate, the effectiveness of Harris’s message will ultimately depend on the outcome of the election itself.

Harris’s articulation of abortion access reflects the pressing issues arising from the Dobbs ruling, confronting a subject that remains critical in this election cycle.

Trump’s recent claims about abolishing Roe have raised eyebrows. He also experienced backlash after initially stating he opposed Florida’s six-week abortion ban but then appeared to change his stance shortly thereafter.

During the debate, ABC News moderator Linsey Davis questioned him about why women should have faith in his position, given his inconsistencies.

Trump’s convoluted response included misleading claims about late-term abortions, which Harris challenged. To clarify, abortions occurring at or after 21 weeks account for only 1% of all procedures in the United States.

“Nowhere in America are women advancing a pregnancy to term and then asking for an abortion,” she asserted. “Such situations simply do not occur. It is an insult to the women of America.” 

Trump compounded the confusion by alleging that Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, who is Harris’s running mate, endorsed “execution after birth”—a statement completely devoid of factual basis and highlighted by Davis during the debate.

Ultimately, Trump’s responses left a disjointed impression. He dodged a direct answer regarding whether he would block a national abortion ban if passed by Congress. While his rhetoric may resonate with his base, it alienates moderates and undecided voters.

For those concerned about nationwide abortion access, the choice is distinctly clear. Trump is a key figure in the elimination of Roe v. Wade, while Harris could play an essential role in reinstating those protections through legislation.

Source: USA Today