Possibilities and limits of the Democratic Party’s abortion policy in 2024: From the Politics Desk

Welcome to the online version From the political deskis an evening newsletter from the NBC News political team that brings you the latest reporting and analysis from the campaign trail, the White House and Capitol Hill.

In today’s edition, Senior Political Editor Mark Murray analyzes new polling that shows the limits of abortion as a political issue for Democrats in 2024. Plus, national political reporter Bridget Bowman reports on how pro-Israel groups are entering the Republican primary. And in Donald Trump’s trial, the prosecution will be in charge.

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New poll reveals power and limits of abortion as issue of 2024

Written by Mark Murray

The issue of abortion remains a strong force for Democrats in the 2024 election, with about 60% of voters opposing overturning Roe v. Wade and supporting abortion rights in most cases.

But there are limits to this issue, at least in the context of the showdown between President Joe Biden and President Trump.

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That’s the conclusion from two recent CBS News and YouGov polls in Arizona and Florida, states where abortion has been a major driving force since the fall of Roe v. Wade. A six-week abortion ban went into effect in Florida, and the state introduced a ballot measure in November to enshrine the right to abortion in the state constitution. And in Arizona, the governor signed a bill repealing the state’s 1864 abortion ban. The state is also expected to put an abortion rights amendment on the ballot.

Good news for Democrats: Nearly two-thirds of voters in both states think abortion should be legal in all or most cases, and a narrow majority say abortion will be a major factor in their vote. ing.

Additionally, 6 in 10 voters said they would support a state amendment that would establish a constitutional right to abortion in each state.

That is the obvious power of abortion. But other polls suggest the limits of that power.

In both states, slim majorities of voters say abortion will be a major factor in their vote, but that’s down sharply from the 8 in 10 voters who say the same about the economy and inflation and the 7 in 10 who say the same about the state of democracy.

And this may be the most important abortion number in the poll. Half of voters say Trump deserves neither praise nor blame for Roe v. Wade.

View this graphic on nbcnews.com

By contrast, about 10% to 15% of voters in these states approve of Trump, while about 35% to 40% disapprove of him.

As a result, Democrats and the Biden campaign have attacked Trump, saying he is personally responsible for the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe, including three of Trump’s appointments, including Arizona and Florida. A significant number of voters do not accept that argument.

At least not yet.

Pro-Israel groups increase spending to counter Republicans

bridget bowman

Divisions over Israel often draw outside groups supporting the country into contentious Democratic primaries. But this year, as the war between Israel and Hamas escalates, these groups have increasingly targeted Republicans.

The United Democracy Project, a super PAC affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, did not participate in any Republican primaries in the last election cycle. This time, the group is targeting three Republican members of Congress who are running for Congress.

The Republican Jewish Federation has also intervened in two Republican primaries so far, and may intervene in more in the future. The coalition has participated in Republican races in the past, but more so this year.

The move comes as some Republicans have called for a more isolationist foreign policy, aligning with former President Donald Trump’s “America first” credo and focusing on domestic issues rather than abroad. It was held in the midst of Others oppose sending additional aid to Israel.

Kentucky District 4: The UDP is airing an ad against Rep. Thomas Massie, who faces two primary challengers on Tuesday. But the group said it could hurt Massey in the future if he chooses to seek higher office, such as Mitch McConnell’s Senate seat, rather than defeating him in a conservative primary. He said he is focusing on

Texas District 23: The UDP and RJC are also targeting gun rights activist Brandon Herrera, who is challenging U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzalez in next week’s Republican runoff primary. These groups highlight Herrera’s past statements downplaying veteran suicide and Nazi Germany.

Virginia District 5: RJC has endorsed state Sen. John McGuire, who is challenging House Freedom Caucus Chairman Bob Good, but has not yet announced spending for the June 18 primary.

Indiana 8th District: The two groups have spent a combined $3 million against former Rep. John Hostetler, who lost this month’s Republican primary after opposing a resolution in October 2000 that supported Israel during its conflict with the Palestinians.

Read more →

Prosecutors wrap up case against Donald Trump in a day of dramatic testimony

Written by Adam Rees, Jillian Frankel, Darle Gregorian

Prosecutors rested their case against Trump on Monday after a dramatic day of testimony by former lawyer Michael Cohen, while the judge presiding over the trial accused one of the former president’s witnesses of disrespect. accused of deeds.

Judge Juan Mercian briefly removed members of the public from the courtroom after reprimanding defense attorney Robert Costello, who testified outside the presence of the jury. Costello was visibly and audibly reacting to the prosecution’s objections and the judge’s ruling.

Mr. Costello is a veteran New York criminal defense attorney who represented Rudy Giuliani, and Mr. Cohen had at one point discussed potentially hiring him. Cohen didn’t hold him back, and the two have publicly accused each other ever since.

Mr. Costello was the second defense witness called by Mr. Trump after a paralegal from Mr. Blanche’s office testified about Mr. Cohen’s phone records. Trump had insisted before the trial that he would “absolutely” testify in the case, but it seems unlikely he will take the stand.

Mr. Cohen ended his testimony in similarly dramatic fashion. He admitted defrauding Mr. Trump and his company out of money, claiming at the center of the trial that his former boss had signed off on hush-money payments.

At the start of Monday’s court session, the justices announced that closing arguments, tentatively scheduled to begin Tuesday, would be postponed for a week due to the holiday. It is currently tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, May 28th.

Read more about the Trump trial →

That’s all from the political desk for now. If you have any feedback, whether you like it or not, please email us at: politicsnewsletter@nbcuni.com

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