President Biden’s reelection campaign is optimistic about his chances in Florida, citing a ballot question on reproductive rights that could buoy his popularity in the state. Earlier this month, the state’s Supreme Court permitted an abortion ban after six weeks of pregnancy, effective May 1. However, voters will also decide in November on a constitutional amendment to legalize abortions up to about 24 weeks. Biden’s campaign manager, Julie Chávez Rodríguez, stated that Biden will emphasize “the stakes of this election for reproductive freedom across the entire country” during a speech in Tampa today. The campaign believes the ballot measure could increase voter turnout, including individuals who might be more inclined to vote for Biden as a result. According to campaign communications director Michael Tyler, the campaign has already invested heavily in Florida’s ground game. Tyler emphasized, “It is one of many pathways that we have to 270 electoral votes, and we’re going to take it very, very seriously.” In January, Biden expressed confidence in winning Florida at a fundraiser, saying, “I think we can win Florida.” Despite the campaign’s optimism, NPR’s electoral college map analysis deems Florida likely to vote Republican. Nevertheless, Biden’s campaign sees an opportunity to contrast him with former President Donald Trump on an issue they believe will be crucial in 2024. According to polling data from crucial swing states, a large majority of voters oppose limitations on abortion. Tyler indicated that Biden would “forcefully advocate for reproductive freedom and call out Donald Trump’s abortion bans” in Tampa, extending a strategy he has followed since the Roe’s reversal. “It’s going to stand in stark contrast to Trump, who, when he’s out on the stump every single day, is bragging about the role that he played in overturning Roe,” Tyler added. Trump frequently boasts about appointing three Supreme Court justices who formed the majority that reversed Roe v. Wade. Yet, he has also stated that abortion policy should be determined by individual states, implying that some states have gone too far.
Biden Campaigns in Florida, Banking on Reproductive Rights Ballot Measure
