Vice President Kamala Harris, during a campaign stop in Las Vegas on Monday, energized supporters for a ballot measure aimed at protecting abortion rights in the Nevada Constitution. This event served as another opportunity for President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign to showcase Harris as a prominent advocate for reproductive rights. Recognizing the significance of this issue in mobilizing voters from various political affiliations, the campaign aims to leverage it during the upcoming closely contested general election.
During a gathering with organizers and supporters, Vice President Harris highlighted the evident connection between the efforts of the people of Nevada, the situation in states like Arizona, and the previous administration.
According to her, it should be remembered that Donald Trump openly stated his plan to appoint three Supreme Court justices with the goal of overturning the protections granted by Roe v. Wade. As she pointed out, his intentions were clear and his objective was successfully achieved.
Trump frequently touts his contribution in curbing Roe v. Wade, mainly through his appointments to the Supreme Court. However, he stands firm on the belief that the issue of abortion should be left to individual states rather than a national decision. He also supports the inclusion of exceptions for cases involving rape, incest, and the life of the pregnant woman.
He has voiced his criticism against some of the stricter bans, such as the one in Arizona, stating that it is crucial for local lawmakers to address them.
Harris, speaking in Nevada, accuses Trump of downplaying his previous endorsement of a national ban on abortion. According to an ABC News report from February, Trump discussed this support in private. Harris argues that Trump’s current stance amounts to gaslighting, asserting that he would sign an abortion ban if given the opportunity by Republicans in Congress and re-elected to the White House.
“We refuse to tolerate this situation. It is absolutely unacceptable, and we are ready to mobilize, hit the streets, engage in door-to-door outreach, and use technology to inform everyone about their power to safeguard the rights of our nation’s citizens,” she stated emphatically.
On Monday, the vice president held her second campaign event focusing on reproductive freedoms within a span of four days. This event followed her recent visit to Tucson, Arizona, in response to the Arizona Supreme Court’s decision to uphold a law from 1864. The law prohibits all abortions except in cases where the life of the mother is at risk, and it imposes criminal penalties on doctors who provide abortion care. Although the ban is currently on hold, it is anticipated to be enforced in the coming weeks.
Arizona State Senator Eva Burch, who bravely shared her personal abortion story on the state Senate floor, was invited by Vice President Harris to join her in discussing the current abortion situation in Arizona.
On Monday, the Biden-Harris campaign deployed their dedicated team of staffers and volunteers to lend a helping hand in gathering signatures for Nevada’s ballot measure. This crucial initiative aims to safeguard and enhance access to abortion services.
Trump has changed his stance on the issue of abortion, as seen in his recent announcement. He had previously stated that abortion should be left to the states, a position he believes would divert attention from Democrats’ emphasis on the topic.
‘Mad as well’: Hundreds rally for abortion access in nearby battleground
Supporters from all generations filled the sidewalks of Camelback and Scottsdale Roads, brandishing vibrant signs. Their presence turned Old Town Scottsdale into a lively hub of honking horns and enthusiastic support. Amidst the buzzing atmosphere, chants of “This is what democracy looks like” rang out, capturing the spirit of the moment.
“This P.F. Chang’s is buzzing with a crowd of disgruntled individuals – and rightfully so,” remarked Hannah Tighe, 35, as she stood along the bustling commercial strip.
According to Tighe, the protest was attended by a diverse range of individuals, including families, older women, and women who had brought signs from previous protests. Tighe described this mixture of participants as both “awful” and “beautiful.”
Tighe expressed her strong emotions of anger, shock, and embarrassment following the recent decision of the state Supreme Court to uphold the pre-statehood abortion ban in Arizona.
“It’s embarrassing to see what’s happening in Arizona, a state that I consider to be really cool and special. My friends from other states are also concerned and want to ensure the safety of women living here,” she expressed.
Abortion opponents rejoiced at the reinstated ban, declaring it a victory for the pro-life movement. They praised the compassion of their cause. However, supporters of abortion access were equally vocal in their dissent. Some prominent state Republicans, who had previously identified as “100% pro-life,” echoed President Trump’s 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 frustrated with the state Legislature’s lack of prompt action. She emphasized that she attended the rally with her two adult daughters in mind.
“I experienced an abortion many years ago, after being raped in a snowy parking lot around Christmas. The traumatic incident deeply impacted me, and I am determined to protect my daughters from ever experiencing such a horrific ordeal. It is astonishing and disheartening to witness the regressive direction our country is taking on this issue,” she expressed.
“It’s truly unfortunate that it took until 2024 for the Supreme Court to finally uphold a ban that was put in place in 1864. However, this long overdue decision has ignited a fire within the hearts of many individuals,” Love passionately declared at the rally, amidst the blaring horns in the background. “Those who may have previously remained on the sidelines have now joined the fight, determined to make their voices heard.”
Paula Medina, a 25-year-old individual, has recently added her signature to the petition for the ballot initiative. Additionally, she has expressed her intention to support this initiative during the upcoming November elections. However, Paula remains uncertain about whether she will cast her vote in favor of President Joe Biden, who is running alongside Harris in their commitment to reinstating the safeguards of Roe. Despite the obstacles that this vote may encounter within Congress, Paula’s stance on the matter remains uncertain.
Medina expressed her ongoing struggle with her vote, sharing that she had voted for Biden and Harris in the 2020 elections. However, she admitted feeling uneasy about the handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Medina acknowledged the presence of a third-party candidate gaining momentum but found the situation perplexing. As a result, she lacked confidence in her decision for the upcoming November election.
