The focus on abortion as a central issue for Kamala Harris in growing her support is highlighted in the current political landscape. While President Joe Biden has seen a decline in support among voters who back legal abortion, Harris has emerged as a strong and passionate advocate on the issue. Democrats now see an opportunity to refocus voters on abortion and restore their margins among those who support abortion rights. Harris has been able to articulate the issue in a way that resonates with voters and is seen as a more effective messenger compared to Biden.
Biden’s lackluster performance among voters who support abortion rights has been a significant change from previous elections where Democrats garnered considerable support from this group. Poll results show that Biden’s support among voters who back legal abortion has decreased, with Trump even gaining more support among those who oppose legal abortion. State-level polls also demonstrate Biden’s underperformance with abortion rights voters in key battleground states, highlighting a shift in support among this demographic.
Harris has been able to connect with voters on the issue of abortion in a way that Biden struggled to. She brings more passion and effectively links abortion rights to broader issues of rights and liberties being rolled back by the GOP. Harris frames the abortion debate as reflective of the broader conservative agenda to limit women’s rights and freedoms. Her strong stance on the issue appeals to both older White female voters as well as younger female voters who may have been disenchanted with Biden’s campaign.
While Harris may deliver the Democrats’ case on abortion rights more effectively than Biden, Republicans remain confident that she will not be able to reach the same levels of support among abortion rights voters as in previous elections. They believe the issue is less salient in this year’s presidential race, and Trump’s positioning on the issue has made some voters less fearful of potential nationwide abortion bans under his administration. Despite efforts to define Trump’s position on abortion, many voters still remain concerned about the possibility of a national abortion ban under a GOP government.
Harris faces similar obstacles as Biden, including discontent among voters about rising living costs. However, her ability to deliver the Democratic case on abortion rights and rights more broadly positions her as a strong advocate on the issue. While raising the relevance of abortion rights may not be enough to overcome all of Trump’s advantages in the race, it is seen as a necessary first step for Harris to make progress and potentially overtake him in the election. Harris’ passion and commitment to the issue of abortion rights could help energize more voters and consolidate support among those who back legal abortion.
