In a recent interview on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a co-chair of President Joe Biden’s reelection bid, urged the president to take a more assertive stance on abortion rights as he seeks another term in the White House.
Whitmer, a Democrat governing in a purple state, credited the emphasis on abortion rights with contributing to Democratic victories in Michigan, including her own reelection in 2022 and Democrats winning majorities in both branches of the state legislature. Abortion rights have been identified by top Biden campaign officials as a crucial issue for the president, though Biden himself has been more reserved in discussing the topic compared to other Democrats.
While President Biden, a Catholic, has described himself as personally not “big on abortion” due to his faith, he has affirmed the landmark Roe v. Wade decision and criticized court rulings limiting abortion access. Biden’s commitment to a strong abortion rights platform is seen as significant in the wake of the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Governor Whitmer emphasized the importance of Biden personally championing the abortion rights message in his campaign, stating that people want assurance that the president is actively fighting for the cause. She suggested that using more direct language on the issue could be beneficial for connecting with voters.
The push from Whitmer comes at a time when Biden and his allies are gearing up for the first presidential election since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. Despite the president’s consistent support for abortion rights, Whitmer believes that a more explicit endorsement from Biden could further solidify his position on this key issue.
It remains to be seen how Biden will navigate the abortion rights conversation in his reelection campaign, balancing his personal beliefs with the expectations of voters and the Democratic Party.
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