Podcasts > Rachel Maddow Presents: Déjà News > VP Harris: Trump to blame for state-level abortion bans

VP Harris: Trump to blame for state-level abortion bans

By Rachel Maddow

This podcast episode explores the Biden-Harris campaign's efforts to reach voters in the upcoming 2024 election. Details include a substantial advertising budget, a strong grassroots presence in battleground states, and plans to target Black voters and former Nikki Haley supporters.

The episode also examines the potential impact of Trump's criminal cases on the election. Legal experts weigh in on the likely delays in the Georgia and Florida proceedings, raising concerns about the Supreme Court's pending immunity claim decision and the possibility of additional evidence hearings before the election.

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VP Harris: Trump to blame for state-level abortion bans

This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the May 9, 2024 episode of the Rachel Maddow Presents: Déjà News

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VP Harris: Trump to blame for state-level abortion bans

1-Page Summary

Biden-Harris Campaign's Outreach Efforts

In an aggressive May launch, the Biden-Harris campaign announced a $14 million advertising budget, per Michael Tyler. Tyler highlights a strong grassroots presence, with over 150 field offices in battleground states already, planned to reach 200 by month's end. The campaign utilizes digital influencers and established over 150 field offices in battleground states.

Targeting Black Voters and Former Haley Supporters

Tyler states the campaign will showcase Biden's achievements benefiting the Black community, like record-low unemployment and HBCU investments, contrasting Trump's presidency which saw increases in Black unemployment and uninsured rates.

Additionally, Tyler notes outreach to former Nikki Haley supporters, positioning Biden as a unifying moderate alternative to Trump's "MAGA agenda."

Trump's Criminal Cases and the 2024 Election

Legal experts discuss the potential impact of Trump's criminal cases on the November 2024 election, given delays in Georgia and Florida trials.

Georgia's appeals court agreed to consider Trump's challenge over DA Willis' role, possibly delaying proceedings into 2025, per Glenn Kirschner. In Florida, Judge Cannon's slow rulings caused an indefinite delay, criticized yet viewed as within her discretion.

Jonathan Capehart posits if Trump loses the election, cases will likely proceed regardless of delays. Kirschner raises concerns over the Supreme Court's pending immunity claim decision and further delays if additional evidence hearings occur before the election.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Michael Tyler is a spokesperson for the Biden-Harris campaign. He is mentioned in the text discussing the campaign's outreach efforts, highlighting their advertising budget, grassroots presence, and strategies targeting Black voters and former Nikki Haley supporters. Tyler's role seems to involve communicating key campaign messages and strategies to the public and the media.
  • In Georgia, Trump's challenge over DA Willis' role is being considered by the appeals court, potentially pushing the proceedings into 2025. In Florida, Judge Cannon's slow rulings have led to an indefinite delay in the legal case involving Trump. There are concerns about the impact of these delays on the 2024 election and the potential continuation of the cases if Trump loses. The Supreme Court's pending decision on Trump's immunity claim could further affect the legal proceedings and any additional evidence hearings before the election.
  • District Attorney (DA) Fani Willis in Georgia is crucial in Trump's case as she is leading the investigation into his attempts to influence the 2020 election results. Trump is challenging her role, which could potentially impact the progress of the legal proceedings. The decisions made regarding the DA's involvement could affect the timeline and outcome of the case against Trump. Willis' role is significant in determining the direction and pace of the legal actions against Trump in Georgia.

Counterarguments

  • The Biden-Harris campaign's $14 million advertising budget could be criticized for being a substantial sum that might have been used for direct aid or policy initiatives rather than advertising.
  • The effectiveness of grassroots presence and field offices could be questioned, as some might argue that modern campaigns should focus more on digital outreach given changing voter engagement patterns.
  • The use of digital influencers in political campaigns can be seen as problematic, as it may blur the lines between genuine support and paid endorsements, potentially leading to issues of transparency and authenticity.
  • Highlighting Biden's achievements for the Black community could be met with skepticism by those who feel that the administration hasn't done enough or that systemic issues persist despite these efforts.
  • The outreach to former Nikki Haley supporters assumes that these individuals are looking for a moderate alternative, which may not be the case for all of Haley's base.
  • The discussion of Trump's criminal cases potentially impacting the 2024 election could be criticized for being speculative and possibly contributing to a prejudicial public atmosphere regarding ongoing legal proceedings.
  • The delays in Trump's criminal cases could be seen as a failure of the legal system to expediently handle high-profile cases, which could undermine public confidence in the judiciary.
  • The concern over the Supreme Court's pending immunity claim decision could be criticized for potentially implying that the Court's decision-making process is predictable or that it should be expedited due to political timelines.
  • The idea that Trump's cases will likely proceed regardless of election outcomes could be challenged by those who believe that political considerations often influence legal proceedings, especially in high-stakes cases involving former presidents.

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VP Harris: Trump to blame for state-level abortion bans

Biden-Harris campaign's strategy and outreach efforts

The Biden-Harris campaign is adopting a multifaceted strategy, combining a robust on-the-ground presence with extensive advertising and digital engagement to appeal to diverse voter groups.

Multifaceted Approach to Reach Voters

Tyler explains that the campaign is investing heavily in various forms of outreach and establishing a strong grassroots network.

Aggressive Paid Advertising and Grassroots Organizing

Michael Tyler has announced a vigorous May campaign launch including an aggressive paid advertising strategy with a budget of $14 million for the month, emphasizing the importance of a balanced presence on TV, digital platforms, and local communities. In addition to paid media campaigns, they are also deepening their organizing presence on the ground by actively engaging with the Black community and utilizing small businesses as launchpads for programmatic efforts.

Digital and In-Person Outreach

The Biden-Harris campaign is utilizing digital influencers and credible messengers across different social platforms and search engines to effectively communicate its message. Tyler underlines the strategic use of digital technology to engage with various communities.

Expansive Field Office Network

Tyler reports over 150 field offices already established in battleground states and plans to expand to 200 by the end of May. These offices are part of a larger strategy to build sustained relationships with communities. The campaign began organizing pilots in August of the previous year, learning from these experiences to reinforce its battleground presence.

Outreach to Diverse Voting Blocs

One of the campaign's goals is to appeal to a wide range of voters, from the Black community to moderates who have previously supported Republicans like Nikki Haley.

Appeal to Bl ...

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Biden-Harris campaign's strategy and outreach efforts

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Programmatic efforts in small businesses typically involve using automated technology to target specific audiences with tailored advertising campaigns. In the context of the Biden-Harris campaign, this could mean leveraging small businesses as platforms to reach and engage with local communities through targeted marketing initiatives. By partnering with small businesses, the campaign aims to not only promote its message but also support these enterprises and foster connections within the community.
  • In digital outreach, credible messengers are individuals or entities who are trusted and respected within specific communities or audiences. They are used to convey campaign messages in a way that resonates authentically with the target group, enhancing the effectiveness of communication efforts. These messengers can include community leaders, influencers, experts, or organizations with established credibility and influence in the digital space. By leveraging credible messengers, campaigns aim to build trust, increase engagement, and drive support among diverse online audiences.
  • Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are institutions of higher education in the United States that were established before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 with the primary mission of serving the Black community. These institutions play a significant role in providing educational opportunities to African American students and have a rich history of fostering academic excellence, leadership, and cultural pride. HBCUs receive federal funding and support to help maintain their unique mission and continue to contribute to the advancement of Black students and communities.
  • Nikki Haley, a prominent Republican figure, served as the Governor of South Carolina and later as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations under the Trump administration. Georgia's former lieutenant governor could be referring to Casey Cagle, who held the position until 2019. Both figures are generally considered to be moderate Republicans within the party, known for their more centrist posit ...

Counterarguments

  • The campaign's heavy investment in advertising could be criticized for contributing to the excessive cost of political campaigns, potentially prioritizing spending over substantive policy discussions.
  • While the campaign is making efforts to engage with the Black community, some may argue that outreach should not be limited to election cycles and should translate into consistent policy initiatives and community support.
  • The use of digital influencers and credible messengers might raise concerns about the authenticity of the campaign's messaging and whether it truly reflects the needs and opinions of the communities they represent.
  • The expansion of field offices is a traditional campaign strategy, but critics might argue that physical presence does not necessarily equate to effective communication or engagement with local issues.
  • Some may question the effectiveness of the campaign's outreach to former Haley supporters, suggesting that it may not be enough to sway voters who have deep-rooted party loyalties or ideological differences.
  • Highlighting re ...

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VP Harris: Trump to blame for state-level abortion bans

Targeting specific voter groups (Black voters, Nikki Haley supporters)

With a strategic approach, the campaign gears up to target key voter demographics, including Black voters and former Nikki Haley supporters, to communicate its message and policies more effectively.

Campaign's Focus on Black Voters

The campaign aims to engage Black voters by underlining President Biden's achievements and contrasting them with the drawbacks of the previous Trump administration.

Michael Tyler reveals that the campaign is set to showcase President Biden's accomplishments that directly benefit the Black community. These include facilitating record-low unemployment levels and bolstering historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) with increased investments.

Furthermore, Tyler highlights the intent to remind voters of the adverse effects of Trump's presidency on Black Americans. This includes pointing out the rise in unemployment and uninsured rates that occurred during his term.

The campaign is buoyed by the belief that by communicating Biden’s successful track record, discussing their blueprint for the future, and setting it against the backdrop of the Trump administration, it will successfully retain and boost its support among Black voters.

Appeal to Former Nikki Haley Supporter ...

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Targeting specific voter groups (Black voters, Nikki Haley supporters)

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Michael Tyler is a key figure in the campaign mentioned in the text. He is involved in strategizing how to engage specific voter groups like Black voters and former Nikki Haley supporters. Tyler plays a role in highlighting President Biden's achievements and contrasting them with the previous administration's policies to appeal to these demographics. His insights and efforts are aimed at helping the campaign effectively communicate its message and policies to these target groups.
  • Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are institutions of higher education in the United States that were established before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 with the primary aim of serving African American students. These ...

Counterarguments

  • While the campaign highlights President Biden's achievements, some Black voters may feel that the actions taken have not sufficiently addressed systemic issues such as police reform or wealth inequality.
  • The emphasis on contrasting Biden's record with Trump's may not resonate with voters who are more concerned with current and future policy proposals than with past administrations.
  • Some former Nikki Haley supporters may not align with the Biden-Harris ticket due to ideological differences, particularly on issues such as economic policy, foreign affairs, or immigration.
  • The strategy of appealing to former Nikki Haley supporters assumes a homogeneity among her base that may not exist, as her supporters could have a wide range of reasons for their allegiance, not all of which would be addressed by the Biden-Harris platform.
  • The campaign's focus on unifying the nation may be criticized if there are perceived inconsistencies in their approach to bipartisanship or if the rhetoric does not match the actions taken.
  • The assumption that voters conc ...

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VP Harris: Trump to blame for state-level abortion bans

The status and implications of Trump's criminal cases

The criminal cases against Donald Trump are a subject of interest, especially considering their potential impact on the November elections. Delays in the Georgia and Florida trials, along with the Supreme Court's pending decision, could shape the landscape significantly.

The delays in the Georgia and Florida cases raise the possibility that the Hush Money criminal trial might be the only one of Trump's four criminal trials to be decided by a jury before the November election.

The Georgia Appeals Court's decision to hear Trump's challenge to the judge's ruling not to disqualify District Attorney Fannie Willis from the case could introduce further delays to the proceedings. In the Florida case, Judge Cannon's slow pace in addressing pretrial motions and SIPA issues has led to an indefinite delay in the trial, which could have been slated for May 20th.

The Georgia Appeals Court's decision and the Florida case timeline

An appeals court in Georgia has agreed to consider Donald Trump's challenge regarding the disqualification of District Attorney Fannie Willis. The timeline for the appeals court's decision is unclear, with the potential to extend into 2025. In Florida, Donald Trump has received an indefinite delay in his trial due to Judge Aileen Mercedes Cannon's slow progress in ruling on pretrial issues, leaving too many outstanding questions to set a trial date.

The delays in these cases, however, may ultimately not matter if Trump is defeated at the ballot box, as each of the cases will still go to trial.

Legal experts point out that while there may be perceptions of bias, Judge Cannon’s actions appear to fall within her discretion as a judge. There doesn't seem to be a viable case for Special Counsel Jack Smith to seek her removal. Jonathan Capehart has noted the relevance of election outcomes, stating that should Trump be defeated, the pending cases will likely proceed regardless of the current delays.

Decisions and potential biases affecting the trials

Glenn Kirschner expresses hope that the Georgia case will not experience a stay in the prosecution supervised by Fawnee Willis. Bradley Moss believes that any appellate court decisions will be resolved before the actual trial begins, reducing the impact of these delays.

In discussions of Judge Cannon's pace in the Florida case, there is criticism, but also acknowledgment that this could stem f ...

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The status and implications of Trump's criminal cases

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The "Hush Money criminal trial" mentioned in the text is a legal case involving allegations of payments made to conceal potentially damaging information. It is a significant part of the criminal cases against Donald Trump and could be the only trial decided by a jury before the November elections. The trial's outcome could have implications for Trump's legal troubles and political future.
  • A Special Counsel, like Jack Smith mentioned in the text, is a lawyer appointed to investigate and potentially prosecute cases where there is a conflict of interest for the usual prosecuting authority. They are often appointed to handle cases involving high-profile individuals or situations where the regular prosecutors may have a conflict of interes ...

Counterarguments

  • The potential impact of Trump's criminal cases on the November elections could be overstated, as voters may prioritize other issues such as the economy, healthcare, or foreign policy.
  • Delays in legal proceedings are not uncommon and may not necessarily indicate any bias or malfeasance but rather the complexity of the legal issues involved.
  • The assertion that the Hush Money trial might be the only one decided before the election is speculative and depends on various unpredictable legal factors.
  • The Georgia Appeals Court's consideration of Trump's challenge could be seen as a necessary step in ensuring a fair legal process rather than a delay tactic.
  • The slow progress in the Florida case could be attributed to the thoroughness required in high-profile cases, ensuring that all legal procedures are followed correctly.
  • Even if Trump is defeated at the ballot box, the significance of the trials may persist, as they could set legal precedents or influence future political norms.
  • While Judge Cannon's actions may fall within her discretion, it is possible that different judges might have handled the pretrial motions more expeditiously.
  • The progression of the pending cases may not be solely determined by election outcomes, as the judiciary operates independently of electoral politics.
  • The expectation that appellate court decisions in Georgia will be resolved before the trial could be overly optimistic given the unpredictable nature of legal proceedings. ...

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