The Democratic National Convention begins today
Officials and delegates are assembling in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention. Here’s the latest on the race.
The convention’s first day will include a speech by President Biden. The second day will focus on Democrats’ message of optimism to contrast with the Republican refrain that the country’s best days are gone. On the final two days, Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, will formally accept their party’s nomination.
Big names are scheduled to speak, like Barack and Michelle Obama. New stars also emerge at conventions, and our reporters will be looking to see who they are.
Why is it that abortion rights are/seem so central to the election? Is it really going to be a decisive factor? — Alex Leibik, Berlin
Lisa: While abortion rights had been perceived as a divisive issue by both parties, the reality was that majorities of Americans have supported some form of legalized abortion for decades. Many voters just didn’t believe that a right so established in American life could disappear.
When the Supreme Court overturned a federal right to abortion in 2022, the decision transformed abortion rights into a galvanizing issue for a new coalition of liberal, independent and moderate Republican voters. Conservative state legislatures have continued to pass restrictions on the procedure, keeping the topic central for this energized group of voters who’ve rewarded Democrats with a series of electoral victories.
The issue is likely to remain a dominant one in 2024: Polling shows voters continue to list abortion as a top issue.
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