Vice President Kamala Harris passionately advocated for a ballot measure to protect abortion rights during a campaign event in Las Vegas. As a prominent voice on the issue, she has become a central figure in President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign. The administration believes that abortion rights are a pivotal issue that can mobilize voters from all political backgrounds in the upcoming general election.
In her late afternoon remarks, Harris reiterated her criticism of former President Donald Trump, holding him responsible for the numerous restrictions across the United States. She referred to these restrictions as “Trump abortion bans.”
During a conversation with organizers and supporters, Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized the clear connection between the recent events in Arizona and the ongoing efforts of the people in Nevada. She stated, “There is a direct link between what we’ve witnessed in states like Arizona and the determination of the people in Nevada, as well as the impact of the previous administration.”
In her statement, she pointed out that it is important to remember that Donald Trump openly expressed his intention to appoint three members to the United States Supreme Court with the specific purpose of overturning the protections established by Roe v. Wade. She emphasized that this was his stated intention and that his goal was successfully achieved.
Trump frequently touts his contribution to the dismantling of Roe v. Wade by appointing conservative justices to the Supreme Court. However, he maintains that the decision regarding abortion should be left to individual states rather than being dictated on a national level. He also believes that there should be exceptions for cases involving rape, incest, and when the life of the pregnant woman is at risk.
He voiced his criticism of certain stringent bans, such as the one in Arizona, asserting the need for local legislators to address the issue.
According to ABC News, Harris, in Nevada, highlighted that Trump is currently trying to minimize his previous endorsement of a national ban on abortion. This, as reported in February, was discussed privately. Harris described Trump’s actions as gaslighting, asserting that if given the opportunity and re-elected, he would sign an abortion ban if it was presented to him by Republicans in Congress.
“We refuse to accept this situation as it is unacceptable. We are ready to mobilize, take to the streets, engage in door-to-door campaigns, send text messages, and spread awareness about the power we hold to defend the rights of our fellow citizens,” she declared passionately.
On Monday, the vice president attended her second campaign event focused on “reproductive freedoms” within a span of four days. Prior to this, she had also traveled to Tucson, Arizona, on Friday. This particular visit was prompted by the recent ruling from the Arizona Supreme Court, which upheld a law from 1864 prohibiting all abortions except those necessary to save the life of the mother. Additionally, the law imposes criminal penalties on doctors who provide abortion care. Although the ban from the 19th century is currently on hold, it is anticipated to be implemented in the coming weeks.
Arizona State Senator Eva Burch was invited by Harris to speak about the abortion landscape in Arizona. Burch, who recently shared her own abortion story on the state Senate floor following an unplanned pregnancy, joined the vice president in discussing the issue.
Advocates argue that if Arizona were to become a place where abortion access is severely limited or banned altogether, Nevada could potentially become a viable alternative for those seeking abortions. Currently, Nevada allows abortion up to 24 weeks, making it a possible option for individuals in need of reproductive healthcare services.
On Monday, Biden-Harris campaign staffers and volunteers were present to assist in gathering signatures for Nevada’s ballot measure. The measure’s objective is to safeguard and enhance abortion access.
Voters in both red and blue states have shown strong support for abortion access through various initiatives across the country.
Under the proposed Nevada ballot measure, the state constitution would guarantee access to abortion up to the point of fetal viability, typically around 24 weeks of pregnancy. However, after fetal viability, the state would have the authority to regulate abortion except when a healthcare provider determines that it is medically necessary.
In order for the effort to be included on the ballot, Nevada mandates the collection of over 102,000 valid signatures by June 26. To meet this requirement, at least 25,000 signatures must be obtained from each of Nevada’s four congressional districts.
Nevadans for Reproductive Freedom, the group responsible for collecting signatures, has not yet confirmed if they have achieved their target in all districts. However, they have already gathered over 150,000 signatures and anticipate a surge in support following Harris’ endorsement of the campaign on Monday.
The vice president’s speech on Friday in Tucson marked a “new phase,” according to a campaign official. During her address, she mentioned Trump’s name 17 times and referred to abortion bans in 20 other states as “Trump abortion bans.”
Trump has changed his stance on the issue, as evidenced by his recent announcement. He emphasized that he believes abortion should be decided by individual states, a viewpoint he believes will divert attention away from the Democrats’ emphasis on the topic.
When questioned by ABC News’ Rachel Scott on Friday, Trump declined to provide further clarification on his change of stance. As president, he had previously made a commitment to signing a national abortion ban.
“We have successfully overturned Roe v. Wade, accomplishing something that was deemed impossible. We have returned the decision-making power to the states, allowing them to handle it in a manner that aligns with their respective ideologies. Some states have taken a conservative approach, while others have chosen a different path. This is how the system is designed to work, and it is working effectively.”
Democrats have embraced Trump’s shift in tone as a key element of their overall emphasis on abortion during their campaign. On the trail, Trump frequently criticizes Biden for issues like high inflation and immigration, but Democrats are honing in on his change in attitude towards abortion.
According to the official, Harris has organized over 80 events focused on abortion rights since the U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe in 2022. However, last week marked the first campaign-led event led by Harris that specifically addressed abortion rights, with more similar events expected in the future.
During her speech in Tucson, she emphasized the significance of the state court ruling that upheld the ban from the 19th century. She firmly stated that this ruling served as undeniable evidence that the overturning of Roe v. Wade was merely the beginning of a much larger agenda.
“It’s not just the starting point for a bigger plan to undermine women’s rights and freedoms, but rather a deliberate attack on reproductive freedom happening on a state-by-state basis,” she asserted. “And it’s crucial for all of us to recognize the responsible party. This is a direct consequence of the actions taken by former President Donald Trump.”
‘Mad as well’: Hundreds rally for abortion access in nearby battleground
On a sunny Sunday in Scottsdale, over 500 individuals gathered on all four corners of a bustling intersection for a duration of two hours. Their purpose was to rally together and garner support for a ballot initiative akin to the one in Nevada, which aims to firmly establish and protect abortion rights within the state’s constitution by the time November arrives.
Supporters from all generations flooded the sidewalks of Camelback and Scottsdale Roads, waving colorful signs and creating a lively atmosphere in Old Town Scottsdale. The air was filled with the sound of honking horns, while the crowd erupted in cheers and chants, proudly proclaiming, “This is what democracy looks like.”
Hannah Tighe, 35, stood on the bustling commercial strip of P.F. Chang’s, observing the furious crowd that had gathered. “This place is buzzing with anger, and rightfully so,” she remarked.
According to Tighe, the protests have attracted a diverse range of participants. She observed that families, older women, and women who have used signs at previous protests have all come together in a powerful display of unity. Tighe described this as both “awful” and “beautiful,” highlighting the complex emotions evoked by such a gathering.
Tighe expressed her strong emotions of anger, shock, and embarrassment following the recent decision by the state Supreme Court to uphold the longstanding abortion ban that was implemented even before Arizona became a state.
“It’s embarrassing to live in Arizona right now, considering how special and cool this state is. My friends from other states are genuinely concerned about the safety of women here,” she expressed.
Abortion opponents praised the reinstated ban, with one stating that it was a testament to the compassion of the pro-life movement. On the other hand, advocates for abortion rights were equally vocal and certain prominent state Republicans, who had previously identified as “100% pro-life,” joined President Trump in expressing their opposition to the ruling.
Laura Levine, 65, attended the Scottsdale rally on Sunday and shared the sentiments of many others who were “angry” about the decision and the state Legislature’s lack of swift action last week. She expressed her concerns with her two adult daughters in mind as she showed up to the rally.
“It’s been a while since I had an abortion, which happened after I was raped in a snowy parking lot around Christmas. The experience was traumatic, and I never want my daughters to go through anything like that. It’s truly astonishing to see how our country is regressing on this issue,” she expressed.
“It’s not something that can be left in the hands of the states,” she emphasized. “We can clearly see the actions taken by the states.”
According to Chris Love, a spokesperson for Arizona for Abortion Access, the campaign for the abortion access ballot initiative has seen a significant increase in momentum over the past week.
“At the rally, amidst blaring horns, Love expressed her disappointment that it took until 2024 for the Supreme Court to uphold a ban that was put in place in 1864. However, she noted that this delay has ignited a strong sense of anger and motivation among the people. Love stated, ‘Those who were previously on the sidelines have now joined us.'”
According to Love, the organizers have already exceeded the required signature threshold set by the state to include the measure on the ballot. However, they are determined to continue gathering as many signatures as possible until the July 3 deadline. This will ensure that they have the best possible chance of getting the measure on the ballot.
“We will continue collecting signatures until the wheels fall off, to put it frankly,” Love stated.
Paula Medina, a 25-year-old supporter of the ballot initiative, has eagerly signed the petition and intends to back it in the upcoming November elections. However, she remains uncertain about casting her vote for President Joe Biden, who is running alongside Harris and advocating for the reinstatement of Roe’s protections. Paula acknowledges the obstacles that this vote may encounter in Congress.
“I’m still grappling with it,” Medina expressed when asked about her vote. She disclosed that she supported Biden and Harris in the 2020 election but is now uneasy with the way the Israel-Hamas conflict is being managed. She acknowledged the emergence of a third-party candidate, but finds the situation bewildering. Medina does not feel assured about casting her vote in the upcoming November election due to this issue.”
Lawmakers in Arizona are scheduled to reconvene on Wednesday to address the 19th-century ban. It remains uncertain if the Republican-led Legislature has reached a consensus with Democrats on how to tackle this issue.
Arizona House Speaker Ben Toma emphasized the importance of engaging with constituents and taking the necessary time to carefully consider appropriate actions, rather than hastily passing legislation on a topic as significant as this. Toma’s statement to ABC News highlighted the need for a broader discussion before making any decisions.