In a recent visit by Vice President Kamala Harris to a Planned Parenthood clinic in Minnesota, Democratic Governor Tim Walz emphasized the importance of listening to women's voices on the issue of abortion.
The visit, believed to be a first by a sitting U.S. president or vice president to such a facility, underscored the significance of reproductive rights ahead of the 2024 election.
Walz, who signed bills into law last year enshrining the right to abortion in Minnesota, joined Harris on her historic visit and in an interview with CNN's Kaitlan Collins addressed President Joe Biden's approach to discussing abortion, noting that Biden's language on the issue has evolved over time.
Walz suggested that "old white men" should improve their discourse on abortion and emphasized the importance of listening to women's perspectives:
"I think each person has to start and try and understand this and you can hold [that] two things are not mutually exclusive, that people of faith can understand a woman's right to make these choices is important."
"I do think it's important to listen to Vice President say, 'Listen, I'm going to say some words people don't want to hear, like 'uterus.' And she was saying that."
“I think old white men need to learn how to talk about this a little more. And I think the biggest thing is: listen to women. Listen to what they’re saying. We've seen that when we listen to them, they’re speaking loudly on the issue, and they’re speaking at the ballot box."
You can hear what he said in the video below.
Walz pointed out the country has "seen time and time again"— both during the midterms and during certain races like the campaign of Kentucky Democratic Governor Andy Beshear—cases of politicians "firmly supporting women" on the issue.
He added:
"I think we need to find our voice on it but I hear the President out there talking about it, his Vice President is making history by being the first sitting Vice President to stand in a healthcare clinic."
"Abortion is healthcare. There's other things being done there: Mammograms, all kinds of screenings. It's a moment that we should seize."
Walz pointed out the stark contrast between Biden and former President Donald Trump on abortion rights, highlighting Trump's efforts to restrict access to abortion during his tenure:
“He brags about a lot of things that are not true: He did not create jobs, he’s not a scratch golfer, he’s not in super good shape, but he did rip Roe out. He did appoint judges who are taking that away, and he will do it again."
“So I think it’s good to hear the language. I think the president’s out there making it clear, and the contrast is he said he will sign into law, codifying Roe into law, Donald Trump says he would make the ban nationwide. You couldn’t be clearer.”
Many affirmed the importance of prioritizing women's voices.
Walz's remarks come at a pivotal moment as Biden and the Democratic Party place abortion rights and reproductive healthcare at the forefront of their re-election campaign.
In Minnesota, Democrats successfully pushed through legislation last year affirming abortion as a "fundamental right," following their narrow victory in gaining full control of the state government in 2022.
Despite the political divide, abortion rights have garnered widespread support even in traditionally conservative states. Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022, every referendum aimed at restricting access to abortion has failed at the ballot. Consequently, Republicans have been less vocal about the issue or even tried to water down their extreme views.
