It isn’t up to you, this illegitimate court, or a bunch of state elected officials to decide what happens to a woman’s body… that choice belongs to a woman and no one else! Period!!! https://t.co/Hrwl2KceZzChairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) took to Twitter calling the Supreme Court “illegitimate” following its decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
“It isn’t up to you, this illegitimate court, or a bunch of state elected officials to decide what happens to a woman’s body … that choice belongs to a woman and no one else! Period!!!” wrote DNC Chair Jaime Harrison.
— Jaime Harrison, DNC Chair (@harrisonjaime) June 24, 2022
He was writing in response to Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) who said, “Today’s decision by the Supreme Court is a long overdue constitutional correction allowing for elected officials in the states to decide issues of life.” Today’s decision by the Supreme Court is a long overdue constitutional correction allowing for elected officials in the states to decide issues of life.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) June 24, 2022
Graham continued: “Roe was Constitutionally unsound from its inception as the flawed legal theory behind the decision gives unlimited power to five unelected Supreme Court justices. I believe it was one of the largest power grabs in the history of the Supreme Court.”
Abortion has been a political landmine for the last 50 years with support for it or opposition to it tending to fall along party lines. Divisive reactions to the ruling were consistent with rhetoric the country has seen for decades.
U.S. House Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) responded to the decision by attacking Republicans in a speech on the House floor.
“I think it’s important for us to also tackle this myth that this is somehow about babies or children or life. Because the same individuals who purport — claim — to be protecting life, fight against universal healthcare.” she said. “Do they believe in life after birth from their policy positions? I assure you the evidence is lacking.”
California Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D) joined protesters in front of a barricade outside the Supreme Court building, saying, “To hell with the Supreme Court. We will defy them.”
She promised, “We will be out by the thousands. We will be out by the millions” protesting.
Democrats, who now have few options to address abortion laws at the federal level, are electing to turn their focus toward protests and trying to mobilize their base for the upcoming midterm elections.