We have been on a run of really big news over the last week or so, but on Friday, the New York Times broke what may end up being one of the more consequential revelations of the 2024 Presidential campaign. According to the report from Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan:

Former President Donald J. Trump has told advisers and allies that he likes the idea of a 16-week national abortion ban with three exceptions, in cases of rape or incest, or to save the life of the mother, according to two people with direct knowledge of Mr. Trump’s deliberations.

This development has the potential to shake up the  campaign between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. Since the Supreme Court, influenced by Trump-appointed justices, overturned Roe v. Wade, abortion has been a pivotal factor driving Democratic victories. To date, there have been some questions about what role abortion would play in the Presidential race. Trump’s endorsement of a Federal ban indicates that the issue will take a central role in the campaign.

1. Pins Down Trump

In contrast to many Republicans, Trump recognized the political risks associated with the decision and has been quite evasive about his stance on abortion. While criticizing Ron DeSantis for the six-week abortion ban in Florida, Trump managed to navigate the entire primary without clearly articulating his position. As with many issues, Trump has employed vague, contradictory, and often incomprehensible responses to sidestep taking definitive positions that might alienate a segment of his coalition. 

This is particularly true on the issue of abortion, where Trump has been less vulnerable than other Republicans—despite being the person on the planet most responsible for overturning Roe. I know it’s hard to fathom for many of us but because he is a thrice-married, wannabe playboy from New York City, known for cheating on his wives, voters assume Trump is personally pro-choice. Focus group participants have raised the notion that Trump has probably paid for multiple abortions...