But Democrats? They watched it happen. They sounded alarms, they fundraised, they told us to “Vote blue or lose Roe.” But they never acted when they could. In 2009-2010, Democrats had a filibuster-proof 60-40 Senate majority. They had the White House and the House. 2/4
How many of those Democrats supported a woman's right to choose? I promise you that it was not 100%. This argument holds water only if 100% of Dems would have voted pro-choice, which is untrue. Republicans are 99% anti-choice. 1 anti-choice Dem and it's filibusterable.
Should they have done more? Sure. That's a reasonable stance. Does not having succeeded when it was mathematically slightly impossible prove that they were just using that as a wedge issue? No. Is it possible that some Dems used it as a wedge issue? That's probable! But it's a leap to say all did.
They could’ve codified abortion rights into law. They chose not to. Why? Because the threat of losing abortion rights was more valuable politically than actually securing them. Fear got voters out. Fear brought in donations. “Protect Roe” became a permanent campaign slogan. 3/4
Not sure if the why was triggered only by that. They certainly also feared the political fallout of being labeled „pro abortion“. In any case, these tactical reasons hit their credibility hard.
And when the collapse came—they were “shocked.” This isn’t just about Republicans or Democrats. It’s about how real rights became tools in a cynical, endless game of power and fundraising.4/4
Once again, you are correct.
There was also a concerted effort along those same years of the GOP installing people at the state level that would, once Roewas taken down, make sure it came down on the state level too, irregardless if the will of the people wanted it or not. They’ve been playing, it’s the courts stupid all along
I saw a lot of actblue fundraisers in 2024 but minimal campaigning. The horse race is dead, it's about survival now.
And this is why we need a 3rd party
Which….would do exactly the same thing.
Too true!
This was a brilliant few paragraphs. I do worry if we hand it back to the democrats would they be strong enough (or even have a legitimate plan or agenda ) to truly enact all the “right things to do”.
Actually... Repubs stopped it. As they do many of these bills. Again and again blocking them. Manchin voted no, vote him out. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022...
You say that like you are unaware that there were more than enough red state, anti-abortion Democrats to squash that vote.
It was a HUGE Fundraiser, especially when Dems don't have lots of Billionaires to fund them, unlike the Republicans. So, they kept to for the money... and it bites them in the ass!!