White House sees opportunity in GOP ‘fumble’ on abortion
by Alex Gangitano and Amie Parnes - 09/22/22 6:00 AM ET
The tension among Republicans about how to message on abortion is handing over an opportunity for the White House and Democrats to pounce on the GOP over an issue they see as an advantage in the November midterms.
President Biden has sought to seize on the opportunity, showing that Democrats are the party of common sense when it comes to reproductive health care policy.
Since Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) proposed legislation that would impose a nationwide ban on abortions performed after 15 weeks, the GOP’s disputes over whether that power lies with the states or the federal government has been brought to the forefront.
That could help Biden appeal to more voters — and Democrats who once complained that the White House isn’t doing enough say it is finally taking advantage of a moment.
“For once, I think they’re actually doing it,” said Democratic strategist Christy Setzer, pointing to swing-state Democrats who are pouring an extensive amount of money into paid media, including contrast ads.
“On [Capitol] Hill, they’re not taking the bait on legislation like Lindsey Graham’s 15 week ban. They’re calling it out as a nationwide ban, which it is, rather than focusing on the policy details,” she said.
Graham this week created new headaches for Republicans when he appeared to make an about-face by arguing that abortion is not a states’ rights issue and acknowledged that his bill to ban abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy goes against the typical Republican thinking.
“If the Republicans wanted to pick a policy that would cleave off important parts of their constituency, that’s the one. Yet they went ahead and did it,” said former Rep. Chris Carney (D-Pa.), a Biden ally.
“It was a huge fumble for Republicans,” said one strategist. “And I’m happy we’ve been able to capitalize on their mistakes.”
more
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/3654731-white-house-sees-opportunity-in-gop-fumble-on-abortion/
