Biden blames Trump for Florida’s new abortion law during speech in Tampa
President Joe Biden delivered a fiery speech in Tampa, criticizing Florida’s impending six-week abortion ban and pinning the blame on former President Donald Trump. Biden highlighted the significant impact this law will have on the approximately 4 million women in the state. He did not mince words, stating, “There’s one person responsible for this nightmare. And he’s acknowledged and he brags about it – Donald Trump.”
Despite Florida being a traditionally Republican stronghold, Biden expressed optimism about the state’s future regarding abortion rights. He pointed out the widespread support for abortion rights measures in states like Ohio and Kentucky since the fall of Roe v. Wade in 2022, confident that Florida could join that list come November.
Biden’s visit to Trump’s home state coincided with the former president’s legal troubles in New York. The Biden campaign has been adamant about challenging Trump’s dominance in Florida, emphasizing that the state is not a guaranteed win for the Republican nominee.
In an effort to underscore the consequences of restrictive abortion laws, Biden referenced the recent Arizona Supreme Court ruling upholding a near-total ban on abortion dating back to 1864. He criticized Trump for pushing policies that infringe on women’s rights, emphasizing the need for a federal constitutional right to abortion.
Republican Governor Ron DeSantis signed the controversial six-week abortion ban into law last year, and Biden’s campaign has been vocal in linking Trump to the state’s post-Roe legislation. They believe that a proposed amendment on the November ballot, aimed at protecting abortion rights in the state constitution, could potentially swing the tide in their favor.
Recent polling data from NBC News indicates that a majority of Florida voters support legal abortion, with 56% in favor. This issue is expected to be a significant factor in the upcoming election, as demonstrated by the 24% of voters for whom abortion rights are a top priority.
In the 2020 election, Trump narrowly won Florida with 51.2% of the vote against Biden’s 47.9%. While Trump has shifted his stance on abortion over the years, he has consistently touted his appointment of conservative justices who played a role in overturning Roe v. Wade. Despite his previous contemplation of a federal abortion ban, he recently criticized the Arizona Supreme Court for its strict ruling.
Since the pivotal 2022 Supreme Court decision, several states have placed abortion on the ballot, with favorable outcomes for abortion rights advocates. The issue is expected to resonate in the upcoming midterm elections, although its impact on voter turnout remains uncertain.
