In a move that is hard to consider a legitimate change of heart, former Vice President Joe Biden flipped his stance on the Hyde Amendment for the third time on Thursday night. He was originally in favor of Hyde, a law that bans the federal funding of abortions, until last month, when he told an ACLU activist that the law needs to go. Progressives were pleasantly surprised by his answer. But before they had proper time to celebrate, Biden said just kidding, I'm still for Hyde.
Democrats felt betrayed. Fellow contenders like Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA), Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) argued that the law negatively affects minority communities and wished that he'd change his mind. So he did.
NEW: Joe Biden reverses stance on Hyde Amendment after taking heat from some of his fellow 2020 Democrats.
— ABC News (@ABC) June 7, 2019
“I can’t justify leaving millions of women without access to the care they need and the ability to exercise their constitutionally protected right.” https://t.co/d630CNfLC7 pic.twitter.com/ILvN4CuAmV
As the Republican National Committee concluded, Biden's "embrace of radical left" is now complete.
Moulton applauded Biden for correcting his stance but added that he wouldn't be satisfied until he changes his mind on another hot button issue.
Bravo to @JoeBiden for doing the right thing and reversing his longstanding support for the Hyde Amendment. It takes courage to admit when you're wrong, especially when those decisions affect millions of people.
— Seth Moulton (@sethmoulton) June 7, 2019
Now do the Iraq War.
Biden voted for the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, something Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) won't let him or Democratic voters forget. It's also one of the reasons Sanders refuses to allow Biden to declare himself "the most progressive" person in the race.
I'm not sure Biden will suddenly run from his Iraq vote at the behest of Moulton. Not that Moulton should really get under Biden's skin. I mean, the guy didn't even qualify for the first debate.