Donald Trump’s official position on abortion is likely to surprise many people.
For at least one year, Trump influencers argue that a compromise is needed to defeat Joe Biden. They have claimed that “taking the issue of abortion off the table” is bad electoral politics, and that a national ban between 15 to 20 weeks would be the best position to offer a middle ground to independent voters.
I have always been against it, and I will explain why in a moment, but I am happy to report that Trump has taken the correct position.
WATCH: Trump releases new statement on abortion policy, saying abortion restrictions should be left to states. Do you agree? pic.twitter.com/hCv13xgt1h
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) April 8, 2024
Is it frustrating to be criticized by online personalities who are very pro-Trump (and have a lot more visibility) because I took the same position as Dobbs immediately afterward? Sure, it’s frustrating. I was told saying that it was a state issue would cost Republicans their 2024 elections and that I am helping Biden by holding a consistent, principles viewpoint on abortion.
It’s not surprising that the same people now call Trump’s comment “brilliant.” It is what it is and I honestly don’t give a damn. This was the right position, and I am glad he chose it.
Why is this the correct position? Multiple reasons exist. There was no real federal compromise. Democrats would not agree to anything other than a complete re-codification of Roe, with protections of abortion up until birth for states who want it. A federal ban of 15 to 20 weeks would have been a baiting tactic and given Biden and his team plenty of ammunition to say that Republicans are trying to “ban” the practice.
Second, in a practical sense, I think that a six-week ban is more effective than a federal standard of 15-20 weeks (which, again, Democrats would never agree to anyway). Most abortions are performed at 12 weeks and under. This makes the six-week bans effective in reducing abortions.
Third, the long-term perspective is crucial. If Republicans agree to a federalization of abortion, it’s only a matter of time before Democrats get enough votes to end the filibuster and pass an “abortion right” bill, undoing every victory since Dobbs. No compromises, the GOP must maintain its position that this is a state’s issue. Some states allow abortions up until the birth of a child, but this is a battle that must be fought in that particular state.
By saying that it is a state-level issue, and will not be addressed federally, Democrats cannot claim Republicans want an abortion ban at the federal level. This was one of their major pushes heading into November.
Don’t fool yourself. Republicans need to win hearts and minds, not pretend that a magic position will eliminate the abortion issue. The issue is not going to go away. Democrats will change their messaging. But again, the correct position is always the right one. Trump is credited for taking it.
NOW – Kamala Harris screams: “How dare they! How dare they!”pic.twitter.com/hsp37kUHUv
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) January 22, 2023
