President Biden's Reelection Campaign Focuses on Abortion Rights
The Biden-Harris campaign is gearing up to emphasize the importance of abortion rights leading up to the anniversary of the Supreme Court's landmark Roe v. Wade decision, according to sources. The campaign aims to connect the upcoming election with a woman's right to make her own healthcare decisions, including the potential threat of a national abortion ban under a MAGA Republican-led administration.
The campaign has laid out extensive plans, including advertising purchases, campaign rallies, and events in coordination with the Democratic National Committee. The DNC will also publish opinion pieces in local newspapers, highlighting the impact of statewide abortion bans.
Television and digital ads will be aired in swing states such as Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, showcasing the personal stories of individuals affected by abortion restrictions, ahead of the 51st anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision on January 22.
Additionally, President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will hold a campaign rally in Northern Virginia on January 23. This event will also mark the first appearance of First Lady Jill Biden and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff at a campaign rally since President Biden announced his reelection bid in April.
The rally will focus on attempts in Virginia and other states to roll back reproductive rights in the wake of the Supreme Court's June 2022 Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade.
"Virginians unequivocally rebuked the MAGA agenda and their attacks on women's reproductive freedom, leading to Democrats retaining the Senate and flipping the House of Delegates to take full control of the General Assembly," the Biden-Harris campaign said in a statement to CBS News.
Though abortion wasn't on the ballot in Virginia, Democrats regained control of the House of Delegates and maintained a majority in the Senate last November after campaigning on protecting the right to the procedure.
A recent CBS News poll shows that 57% of Americans believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases.
CBS News on the vice president's plans to embark on a multi-state "reproductive freedoms" tour that will begin Jan. 22 in the swing state of Wisconsin.
The ongoing effort underscores the Biden campaign's strategy of linking stringent GOP-led abortion restriction efforts across the U.S. to former President Donald Trump, as Trump continues his Republican presidential campaign and moves closer to a potential rematch with Mr. Biden.
Abortion Rights: A Galvanizing Issue for Biden's Reelection Campaign
According to sources close to Mr. Biden's reelection effort, his campaign views abortion rights as a key issue that will strengthen their coalition and increase the president's chances of staying in the White House.
Since the recent Dobbs decision by the Supreme Court, 21 states have implemented more restrictive abortion measures.
"Trump's actions have directly paved the way for extremist Republicans across the nation to enforce severe bans that harm women and endanger doctors," stated Julie Chavez Rodriguez, campaign manager for Biden-Harris. "In 2024, voting for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris means voting to restore Roe, while voting for Donald Trump means supporting a nationwide abortion ban. These are the high stakes in 2024, and we will ensure every voter is aware of them."
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has recently boasted about his role in contributing to the overturning of Roe, encouraging fellow Republicans to find common ground on the issue in order to secure electoral victories.
