Biden to Pledge Codifying Abortion Rights if Democrats Expand Majorities
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Sen.(and former VP) Joe Biden (D-DE) will make a video touting a pro-abortion rights framework that Democrats can put into practice should they win more votes. The video was posted on Biden’s Facebook page earlier today (via Think Progress):
After this morning’s Senate vote, the Democratic Party’s abortion-on-demand issue will become one of the most important components of the Democratic campaign for the White House. The Democratic Party’s abortion issue was one of the most important aspects of the Obama 2012 campaign strategy, which won him the majority in the House of Representatives. Sen. Joe Biden promised to introduce a bill to codify Roe v. Wade as the law of the land and to make abortion legal for any reason (with a few exceptions) by the middle of the next decade. While the issue for Democrats remains undecided, it is clear that it will be one of their most fundamental priorities should they win back the Senate.
Biden is hoping to win a third term, and while he’s not the most popular pick to challenge President Obama in 2016, he does have a lot of crossover appeal with the base. He’s even got a lot of support from Obama, and even the liberal wing is showing some signs of embracing him.
The abortion issue is an important one for the base, and Biden’s video, which he’s released, is a good way to make his case to his loyal fanbase:
I am not a politician. I am a public servant with a deep respect for our democratic institutions, the rule of law, and the United States Constitution. I am running to ensure we protect the rights and health and safety of all Americans. That means putting people before politics, and putting politics where it belongs: behind the glass doors of the Oval Office and out in the world with our enemies.
This is why I am proud of my record