Democrats must leverage their stance on abortion if they want to win the 2024 United States Presidential election.
With this being the first election since the United States Supreme Court made the decision to overturn over 50 years of abortion rights and effectively leave the issue up to individual states, the Democratic Party faces a critical juncture in its strategy for the 2024 US Presidential election.
The party, under Biden’s leadership, must recognize the significance of abortion rights as a pivotal issue that can sway voters, particularly women and those concerned with reproductive health, and use it to their advantage in their campaign.
Since the ruling in favour of Roe v. Wade in 1973, abortion rights have been a cornerstone of the Democratic platform, representing a fundamental aspect of bodily autonomy and bodily integrity. The decision by the Supreme Court to overturn decades of precedent and effectively allow states to restrict or ban abortion poses a direct threat to agency.
This decision ignited voracious debate and activism on both sides of the political spectrum, making it a winning issue in the 2024 election.
Democrats must capitalize on their stance on abortion by framing it within the broader context of pregnant persons’ rights and healthcare. By emphasizing the importance of access to safe and legal abortion services as part of comprehensive reproductive healthcare, Democrats can appeal to a wide range of voters who prioritize healthcare access and gender equality.
A poll conducted in 2022 found that 61 per cent of adults in the US say abortion should be legal in all or most cases. This sentiment underscores the potential for Democratic policies regarding abortion rights.
In Ohio, a state Trump won in the previous two elections, the significance of abortion rights was made clear as it was the only state to hold an abortion-related ballot referendum in 2023. Surprisingly, over 56 per cent of voters in Ohio ed enshrining the right to the procedure into the state constitution.
Recent electoral victories in states like Virginia and Kentucky also highlight the potency of abortion rights as a mobilizing force for Democratic voters. In Virginia, Democrats regained full control of the state legislature, while in Kentucky, incumbent Democratic Governor Andy Beshear successfully defeated his anti-abortion Republican opponent.
These victories, though small, demonstrate that voters are responsive to candidates who prioritize protecting reproductive rights and are willing to reject candidates who seek to restrict them.
The outcome of elections in states like Pennsylvania, where abortion discourse dominated the political landscape, suggests voters are increasingly motivated by issues related to reproductive rights. In Pennsylvania, another battleground swing state, Democrats secured a seat on the state supreme court in a race overshadowed by discussions about abortion, further indicating the electoral significance of reproductive politics.
Knowing abortion has such a significant impact on voter mobilization and electoral outcomes, Democrats must continue to prioritize this issue in their campaign strategy for the 2024 United States Presidential election. Unlike Trump, who has stated on multiple occasions he is anti-abortion, Biden has yet to appropriately express his for abortion rights and reproductive freedom.
Biden’s historical stance on abortion has not been unequivocally strong. Despite expressing for Roe v. Wade, he has often cited his Catholic faith as influencing his personal views, stating he’s “not big on abortion.” During his time as a US Senator, Biden repeatedly voted in favour of measures to limit federal abortion funding and prohibit federal workers from using their health insurance for abortion care.
While his policies may have evolved publicly over the years, recent indications suggest a reluctance to openly address the issue. Even during his 2022 State of the Union address, with Roe v. Wade directly under threat, Biden notably avoided mentioning “abortion” altogether.
As the 2024 election approaches, Democrats can no longer afford to tiptoe around abortion. They must boldly assert their commitment to defending reproductive rights, framing abortion as a fundamental human right and a matter of bodily autonomy. By doing so, Democrats can mobilize their base, appeal to independent voters, and draw a clear contrast with the Republican Party’s anti-abortion agenda. Refusing to take a clear stance will only lead them down a path to failure.
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