Dobbs decision remains unpopular

Plus: SCOTUS controversy, Biden impeachment inquiry and a fraught state visit [View this email online]( [NPR Politics]( June 24, 2023 --------------------------------------------------------------- The Big Picture: Lasting consequences Patrick Semansky/AP One year after the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision, which overturned the guaranteed right to an abortion, it remains unpopular. The [latest NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll]( found: - 57% oppose the decision, including 6 in 10 independents and about a quarter of Republicans. It also found that some key swing groups were also opposed, including: - 66% of women who live in small cities and suburbs, and - 63% of independent women. Abortion rights proved to be a motivating issue that helped Democrats in last year's midterms. We are now in the first presidential election cycle since Dobbs, and the issue puts Republicans in a difficult spot. Two-thirds of Republican voters support the decision, so the candidates in the primary are trying to get to each other's right on the issue. But that is going to pose a major risk in not just [the general election for the presidential contest, but also in congressional races.]( And Democrats are all too eager to use the issue against their GOP opponents in swing districts. — [Domenico Montanaro]( NPR’s senior political editor/correspondent [Read More]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Newsletter continues after sponsor message --------------------------------------------------------------- ICYMI: Top Stories J. Scott Applewhite/AP Supreme Court controversy: Another Supreme Court justice has [come under fire for his connection to a billionaire businessman](. ProPublica reports that Justice Samuel Alito took a luxury fishing trip to Alaska with hedge fund manager Paul Singer in 2008. Singer’s company then brought at least 10 cases before the high court, and Alito did not recuse himself. In an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, Alito argued he did nothing wrong. GOP opens impeachment inquiry: House Republicans [voted to open an impeachment investigation against President Biden]( this week over his administration’s immigration policies. Rep. Lauren Boebert introduced the measure after party leadership quashed a push to vote directly on impeachment now. The move highlights the divisions within the Republican party and threatens to derail other work in the chamber. Hunter Biden to plead guilty: Biden’s son, Hunter, will [plead guilty to misdemeanor charges related to his federal income taxes filings](. He has also reached an agreement to avoid prosecution on a gun charge. Republicans were quick to criticize the news, alleging unfair treatment and political bias within the DOJ. Trump still tops primary polls: Despite, or perhaps because of, his ongoing legal problems, Republican voters still prefer former President Trump over anyone else in the growing primary field. [In the latest NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll]( he earned the top favorability rating of 76%-to-19%. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was not far behind with a 67%-to-15% rating. And, nearly two-thirds of those surveyed said they’d rather have a candidate who stands on principle than one who has the best chance to defeat Biden in a general election. Death threats, harassment and a poisoned dog: As the country heads into the next election, local election workers and officials across 22 states told NPR [they’ve received threats, felt unsafe doing their jobs, feared for the safety of their families, or even their pets.]( It comes as lies and conspiracies about election fraud persist among a large faction of the Republican party. A fraught state visit: Biden [welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with an official state visit]( and a black-tie [(plant-based) dinner]( this week. It’s a sign that the White House places enormous importance on the U.S. relationship with India, which it sees as a key ally in countering the influence of China. But Biden has to strike a delicate balance, as many critics say Modi is taking the country backwards when it comes to human rights, democracy and freedom of religion. — [Lexie Schapitl]( NPR Politics producer --------------------------------------------------------------- It all comes down to you Your financial support is the NPR Network's greatest strength. You keep the facts flowing. You bring more stories to more ears. You make a real difference when you contribute to independent, trustworthy media. [Please donate today](. --------------------------------------------------------------- Going Deeper: NPR Politics Podcast Octavio Jones/Getty Images Florida used to be a swing state — but swelling numbers of conservative retirees and durable strength among Cuban-Americans have cemented Republican dominance in Florida's politics. NPR's Susan Davis, Kelsey Snell and Greg Allen explore the question: Can the GOP export a winning political strategy to other states — or is their success based on unique circumstances? [Listen to the NPR Politics Podcast episode here.]( The Shot: Celebrating Juneteenth Jae C. Hong/AP This week Americans celebrated Juneteenth, a national holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S. In 2021, when the holiday first gained federal recognition, just 37% of American adults said they knew at least something about Juneteenth. A year later, that number spiked to nearly 60%. Advocates say it’s [important to raise awareness]( about not just Juneteenth, but the Tulsa Race Massacre, Black Wall Street and Black history at large. — [Lexie Schapitl]( NPR Politics producer --------------------------------------------------------------- Listen to your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to find your local station stream. [Listen Live]( [Footer]( [Footer]( What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: [nprpolitics@npr.org](mailto:nprpolitics@npr.org?subject=Newsletter%20Feedback) Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! [They can sign up here.]( Looking for more great content? [Check out all of our newsletter offerings]( — including Daily News, Code Switch, Health and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Politics emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Policy]( [NPR logo]