DiscoverWSJ What’s NewsWhy Isn't Anyone Talking About Republicans’ Historic Shift on Abortion?
Why Isn't Anyone Talking About Republicans’ Historic Shift on Abortion?

Why Isn't Anyone Talking About Republicans’ Historic Shift on Abortion?

Update: 2024-07-17
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The Wall Street Journal's "What's News" podcast discusses the growing calls for President Biden to step aside, with Congressman Adam Schiff being the latest high-profile Democrat to express concerns about Biden's ability to win in November. Democratic leaders are also delaying Biden's nomination, pushing back the vote to next month. Meanwhile, Republicans have made a historic shift on abortion, moving away from their long-standing pro-life stance and adopting a vaguer position that aligns more with Donald Trump's views. This shift has sparked debate and frustration among anti-abortion groups, who are concerned about the party's commitment to their cause. The podcast also explores the situation of aging undocumented immigrants in the U.S., who face challenges in retirement due to their inability to access Social Security and Medicare benefits despite paying taxes. The episode concludes with a discussion about the national debt and its implications for U.S. citizens.

Outlines

00:00:00
Introduction

This Chapter introduces the podcast, "What's News," and its host, Sabrina Siddiqui, who provides a brief overview of the top headlines and business stories for the day.

00:00:14
Calls for Biden to Step Aside

This Chapter discusses the growing calls for President Biden to step aside from the 2024 presidential race. Congressman Adam Schiff, a prominent Democrat, has expressed concerns about Biden's ability to win in November, becoming the 19th House Democrat to call for Biden to step down. Democratic leaders are also delaying Biden's nomination, pushing back the vote to next month, citing concerns about the rushed process.

00:02:45
Republican National Convention and Abortion

This Chapter focuses on the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee and the party's shift on abortion. The Republican platform has moved away from its explicit call for a life amendment, adopting a vaguer position that aligns more with Donald Trump's views. This shift has sparked debate and frustration among anti-abortion groups, who are concerned about the party's commitment to their cause.

00:09:49
Aging Undocumented Immigrants

This Chapter explores the challenges faced by aging undocumented immigrants in the U.S. who are reaching retirement age without the savings necessary to support themselves. Despite paying taxes, they are barred by law from receiving Social Security and Medicare benefits. The episode discusses the efforts of the National Day Labor Organizing Network to persuade the Mexican government to include unauthorized migrants living in the U.S. in its universal pension system.

Keywords

President Biden


Joe Biden is the 46th and current president of the United States. He is a member of the Democratic Party and previously served as the 47th vice president under President Barack Obama. Biden's presidency has been marked by a number of challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. He is seeking re-election in 2024.

Republican National Convention


The Republican National Convention is a quadrennial event held by the Republican Party to formally nominate its presidential and vice presidential candidates. The convention is typically held in the summer before the presidential election. The 2024 Republican National Convention is scheduled to be held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Abortion


Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy by the removal or expulsion of an embryo or fetus from the uterus, resulting in or caused by its death. It is a highly controversial issue, with strong opinions on both sides. The debate over abortion often centers on the moral and legal status of the fetus, the rights of the pregnant woman, and the role of government in regulating abortion.

Undocumented Immigrants


Undocumented immigrants are people who are living in a country without legal permission. They may have entered the country illegally or their visa has expired. Undocumented immigrants often face challenges in accessing healthcare, education, and employment. The issue of undocumented immigration is a complex and controversial one, with different perspectives on how to address it.

Social Security


Social Security is a federal program that provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to eligible Americans. It is funded by payroll taxes paid by workers and employers. Social Security is a vital safety net for millions of Americans, but it is facing long-term financial challenges due to an aging population and rising healthcare costs.

Medicare


Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and older, as well as people with certain disabilities. It is funded by payroll taxes and general revenue. Medicare provides coverage for a wide range of healthcare services, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription drugs.

National Day Labor Organizing Network


The National Day Labor Organizing Network (NDLON) is a non-profit organization that advocates for the rights of day laborers in the United States. NDLON works to improve the working conditions of day laborers, many of whom are undocumented immigrants. The organization provides resources and support to day laborers, including legal assistance, job training, and advocacy.

Remittances


Remittances are payments of money sent by migrants to their families and communities in their home countries. Remittances are a significant source of income for many developing countries. They can help to support families, improve living standards, and stimulate economic growth.

Comstock Act


The Comstock Act is a U.S. federal law that prohibits the mailing of obscene or indecent materials, including contraceptives and abortion-related materials. The law was passed in 1873 and has been challenged and amended over the years. It remains a controversial law, with some arguing that it violates the First Amendment right to free speech.

Federal Debt


The federal debt is the total amount of money that the U.S. government owes to its creditors. The debt has been growing steadily for decades, and it is a major concern for policymakers. The debt can have a number of negative consequences, including higher interest rates, reduced economic growth, and increased risk of a financial crisis.

Q&A

  • Why are some Democrats calling for President Biden to step aside from the 2024 presidential race?

    Some Democrats are concerned about President Biden's ability to win the 2024 election, citing his age and recent debate performance as reasons for their concerns. They believe that another candidate might have a better chance of defeating Donald Trump.

  • How has the Republican Party's stance on abortion changed in recent years?

    The Republican Party has moved away from its explicit call for a life amendment, adopting a vaguer position that aligns more with Donald Trump's views. This shift has sparked debate and frustration among anti-abortion groups, who are concerned about the party's commitment to their cause.

  • What challenges do aging undocumented immigrants face in the U.S. when it comes to retirement?

    Aging undocumented immigrants in the U.S. face challenges in retirement because they are barred by law from receiving Social Security and Medicare benefits, despite paying taxes. This leaves them with limited options for financial support in their later years.

  • What are some of the arguments for and against providing Social Security and Medicare benefits to undocumented immigrants?

    Arguments in favor of providing benefits to undocumented immigrants include their contributions to the U.S. economy through taxes and remittances. Arguments against providing benefits include the belief that they have already received numerous benefits from the U.S. by being here, such as access to public education and emergency services.

  • What are some of the potential implications of the growing federal debt for U.S. citizens?

    The growing federal debt can have a number of negative consequences for U.S. citizens, including higher interest rates, reduced economic growth, and increased risk of a financial crisis.

Show Notes

P.M. Edition for July 17. Republicans are moving away from abortion politics. WSJ’s Luke Vargas reports from the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on what is behind the shift. And Democratic leaders push to delay President Biden’s nomination as more lawmakers call on him to step aside. Plus, WSJ’s Arian Campo-Flores explains why aging migrants in the U.S. are paying taxes but not receiving retirement benefits. Sabrina Siddiqui hosts.




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Why Isn't Anyone Talking About Republicans’ Historic Shift on Abortion?

Why Isn't Anyone Talking About Republicans’ Historic Shift on Abortion?

The Wall Street Journal