Can Republicans win in 2024 without changing abortion stance?
Can Republicans win in 2024 without changing abortion stance?
If the Republican Party can change its message on abortion, they could make significant gains in 2024.
The Republican (GOP) party has historically been pro-life and thus opposed to abortion, believing that the unborn child has a fundamental right to life which cannot be infringed.
The GOP's current message on abortion is that it is morally wrong and should be illegal in most cases. This message is out of touch with the views of most Americans, and it may continue to cost the party in 2024.
Poll: Americans want abortion restrictions, but not as far as red states are going
Many Republicans believe that abortion should be illegal because they believe that life begins at conception. They argue that the unborn child is a person with a right to life, and that abortion is therefore murder.
While the overturning of Roe V. Wade was celebrated as a victory on the right, the celebration was short lived as it arguably cost Republicans in the mid-term 2022 elections.
At the 1st GOP debate in August, Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley called for compromise and a respectful approach to abortion.
Democrats don't have consensus on gestation limits of abortion
The Democratic Party has historically been supportive of abortion rights. However, in recent years, there has been some growing support within the party for gestation limits.
Some Democrats support a woman's right to choose, without any restrictions, while others believe that there should be some limits on abortion, such as a gestation limit.
Those who support a woman's right to choose without any restrictions argue that women should have complete control over their own bodies and their own reproductive health.
Some believe that the government should not interfere in a woman's decision to have an abortion, and that any restrictions on abortion are an infringement on a woman's right to privacy.
Vice President Kamala Harris has been traveling around the country advocating for abortion rights since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022.
In her speeches Harris has argued that the right to abortion is fundamental to women's freedom and equality.
In a recent interview on Face The Nation, Harris carefully appeared to avoid the question of gestation limits.
Black Political Opinion: Can Republicans win in 2024 without changing abortion stance?
If Republicans can pivot to a more moderate stance on abortion, such as agreeing to a gestation limit of 20 weeks, they could potentially appeal to a wider range of voters and improve their chances of winning in 2024.
The Republican Party should:
Focus on common ground. The vast majority of Americans support abortion rights in some form. Republicans need to acknowledge this and focus on the areas where there is common ground.
Offer solutions that help women. Republicans need to focus on offering solutions that will actually help women such as providing support for pregnant women and families.
About two-thirds of Americans say abortion should generally be legal, but only about a quarter say it should always be legal and only about 1 in 10 say it should always be illegal. By 24 weeks of pregnancy, most Americans think their state should generally not allow abortions. (Source)
This would be especially important in swing states where the election is likely to be close. The vast majority of Americans support abortion rights, and the GOP's current stance on the issue will cost them votes.
According to Pew Research "most Americans agree with Republicans on economy, crime, and immigration.
By changing their message on abortion to be more in line with the views of the American people, the Republicans could win over more voters and increase their chances of winning in 2024.
Black Political Opinion is a multi-part opinion-editorial series that looks at various political topics, news, and views, from the perspective of a Black female, conservative leaning Independent.