Biden says Republicans ‘want a national ban on abortion’

By: Ken Coleman and Susan J. Demas - September 14, 2022 7:06 pm

President Joe Biden speaks about electric vehicle manufacturing during a stop at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Sept. 14, 2022. (Andrew Roth | Michigan Advance)

President Joe Biden followed up his visit Wednesday to the North American International Auto Show with a Democratic National Committee fundraiser in Detroit.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer thanked him for making the trip.

“We know he’s a car guy, but he didn’t have to be here,” she said, per a White House pool report.

The president praised Whitmer, a fellow Democrat, and blasted GOP gubernatorial nominee Tudor Dixon, although not by name.

“There is an extreme set of Republicans who run the Republican Party today. And that includes Gretchen’s opponent from what I’ve read, who wants to take us backwards full of anger and division,” said Biden at the event.

On the issue of reproductive rights, Biden pointed out policy differences between Whitmer and Dixon.

“On choice, Democrats want to codify Roe v. Wade, Republicans want a national ban on abortion,” said Biden. “In fact, Gretchen’s opponent supports an extreme ban with no exceptions for rape, incest or the life of the mother.”

On Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) announced legislation for a 15-week nationwide abortion ban,

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Sept. 14, 2022. (Andrew Roth | Michigan Advance)

Michigan voters on Nov. 8 will decide an amendment enshrining abortion rights in the Constitution, Proposal 3, which Biden appeared to reference.

“The right to choose is on the ballot,” Biden said and was interrupted by applause. “No, I mean in your state it is literally on the ballot. Literally on the ballot.”

Biden also cited Whitmer’s support of his effect to strengthen infrastructure.

“Gretchen’s opponent calls the infrastructure law fake, while Gretchen knows infrastructure provides jobs while keeping commitments. … Fixing the damn roads, for instance,” said Biden.

Biden also gave a shout out to Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and his parents.

“Folks, this is not hyperbole: We need to do everything we can to reelect this team,” the president said.

Biden boarded Air Force One at 4:26 p.m. and departed from Detroit Metro Airport.

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Ken Coleman

Ken Coleman covers Southeast Michigan, economic justice and civil rights. He is a former Michigan Chronicle senior editor and served as the American Black Journal segment host on Detroit Public Television. He has written and published four books on black life in Detroit, including Soul on Air: Blacks Who Helped to Define Radio in Detroit and Forever Young: A Coleman Reader. His work has been cited by the Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, History Channel and CNN. Additionally, he was an essayist for the award-winning book, Detroit 1967: Origins, Impacts, Legacies. Ken has served as a spokesperson for the Michigan Democratic Party, Detroit Public Schools, U.S. Sen. Gary Peters and U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence. Previously to joining the Advance, he worked for the Detroit Federation of Teachers as a communications specialist. He is a Historical Society of Michigan trustee and a Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Detroit advisory board member.

Susan J. Demas

Susan J. Demas is a 21-year journalism veteran and one of the state’s foremost experts on Michigan politics, appearing on MSNBC, CNN, NPR and WKAR-TV’s “Off the Record.” In addition to serving as Editor-in-Chief, she is the Advance’s chief columnist, writing on women, LGBTQs, the state budget, the economy and more. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Farough & Associates, Michigan’s premier political communications firm. For almost five years, Susan was the Editor and Publisher of Inside Michigan Politics, the most-cited political newsletter in the state. Susan’s award-winning political analysis has run in more than 80 national, international and regional media outlets, including the Guardian U.K., NBC News, the New York Times, the Detroit News and MLive. She is the only Michigan journalist to be named to the Washington Post’s list of “Best Political Reporters,” the Huffington Post’s list of “Best Political Tweeters” and the Washington Post’s list of “Best Political Bloggers.” Susan was the recipient of a prestigious Knight Foundation fellowship in nonprofits and politics. She served as Deputy Editor for MIRS News and helped launch the Michigan Truth Squad, the Center for Michigan’s fact-checking project. She started her journalism career reporting on the Iowa caucuses for The (Cedar Rapids) Gazette. Susan has hiked over 4,000 solo miles across four continents and climbed more than 70 mountains. She also enjoys dragging her husband and two teenagers along, even if no one else wants to sleep in a tent anymore.