Democratic presidential frontrunner Joe Biden’s office announced today that the former Vice President still supports the Hyde Amendment, clarifying that an earlier statement that “it can’t stay” was the result of the 76-year-old mishearing the question.
The Hyde Amendment prohibits federal funds from being used for abortions with the standard exceptions for rape, incest, and life of the mother. The 43-year-old legislation has done little to prevent funding of abortion providers like Planned Parenthood who accept money for other services they provide, but Medicare cannot be used for abortions.
Biden campaign confirms he supports Hyde Amendment
The Biden campaign told The Hill that Biden misheard the ACLU volunteer and thought she was referring to the Mexico City rule, which prevents federal aid money from going to organizations overseas that perform abortions.
Biden has never changed his support for Hyde Amendment, the campaign clarified.
He appears to be the only Democratic White House hopeful who has come out in support of the 43-year-old ban, NBC News noted.
Opinion
I like Joe Biden, which is to say I hate him less than the other Democrats running for the presidential nomination. I wouldn’t vote for him, but he’s a better choice than the others in his party. He’s been relatively light when it comes to the abortion battle, relying much on his Catholic upbringing to point him away from the radicals in his party.
But is this more than just Catholic guilt? Is his desire to keep the Hyde Amendment intact an indicator that he’s not going to bend to the will of the extremists in his party? Every other Democratic candidate seems to be stumbling over each other trying to pander to the far left. Does Biden believe he can lock up the nomination by being the lone moderate in a sea of radicals?
A few months ago, our EIC thought Biden would lurch left, and that may still be the case. But for now it seems Biden is content to rest in the murky middle as he builds up the buzz that he has the best chance against President Trump.
Quote
“Did he forget what the Hyde amendment was when the ACLU activist asked him about it? Why did the Biden campaign wait 2 weeks to clarify his position?” – John McCormack
Final Thoughts
If Biden’s campaign research says he needs to plant firmly on the moderate end of the spectrum, abortion is the issue to use. Perhaps now we’ll see if the party is completely lost to the pro-abortion radicals.
We are currently forming the American Conservative Movement. If you are interested in learning more, we will be sending out information in a few weeks.
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