The Republican Party Continues to Grapple with Unpopular Abortion Stance, Alienating Voters
Political analysts have been closely observing the Republican Party’s struggle with the issue of abortion, especially since the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade last year. Recent high-profile defeats have shed light on the challenges facing the GOP, particularly in economically vibrant metropolitan areas where the Democratic Party is gaining momentum.
The growing political battle surrounding abortion has exacerbated the GOP’s difficulties in these crucial regions. In 2016, Hillary Clinton won counties that accounted for about two-thirds of the US gross domestic product, while Joe Biden extended this lead four years later, securing counties accounting for 70% of the GDP. This divergence reflects the contrasting coalitions of the two parties.
One of the main reasons for the intensifying struggle over abortion is the Republican Party’s hostility toward the views of the majority of Americans. Numerous polls have consistently shown that the party’s efforts to restrict or eliminate abortion rights are widely unpopular. This unpopularity has resulted in significant setbacks for Republicans in various states, including Kansas and Kentucky.
For instance, in Wisconsin, a liberal abortion-rights supporter won a decisive 11-point victory in the state’s supreme court contest earlier this year, which was widely seen as a referendum on reproductive rights. In response to these defeats, the GOP has implemented a systematic approach, but one that undermines democratic principles.
In Ohio, Republicans attempted to make it more challenging for voters to influence policies through referendums, effectively concentrating power in the hands of GOP legislators. Similarly, in Wisconsin, Republican lawmakers are contemplating impeaching a newly-elected Democratic supreme court judge if she does not recuse herself from a case involving gerrymandering. These actions delegitimize elections and disenfranchise voters, suggesting that Republicans are willing to impose these consequences.
Unfortunately, disenfranchising voters has become a recurrent tactic for the GOP. Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has removed democratically elected prosecutors twice due to political disagreements, undermining the voices of Florida voters. In Texas, Republicans continue to disseminate baseless claims about election fraud, aiming to disenfranchise millions of Americans. Additionally, in Alabama, Republican legislators defy a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in an effort to disenfranchise Black voters who have been marginalized through gerrymandering.
These actions directly contradict the principles of representative democracy. In contrast, a functioning democratic party, such as the Democratic Party, adapts to public opinion when confronted with unpopular positions. For example, former Democratic Rep. Mondaire Jones acknowledged that the slogan Defund the Police was problematic and distanced himself from it, realizing the need to align with public sentiment.
In contrast, the GOP appears unwilling to relinquish power or modify its unpopular positions. Instead, Republicans attack the very foundations of democracy. Finding the right balance in representative democracy is crucial. While pandering solely to public opinion can diminish conviction and hinder necessary decision-making, the GOP’s refusal to adapt and its assault on democracy is a cause for concern. The party must reconcile its stances with public sentiment rather than resorting to undemocratic means.
