How one abortion ad changed an election

As candidates and political strategists on both sides look at how to handle the abortion issue in 2024, all eyes have been on one viral ad credited with reelecting a Democrat in Kentucky. Today on “Post Reports,” we hear from the young woman behind it.

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Since Roe v. Wade fell, voters have overwhelmingly backed abortion rights in each of the states where the issue has appeared directly on the ballot, including in conservative Kentucky, Kansas and, most recently, Ohio.

Democrats have had less success translating voters’ frustrations over abortion bans into races that could oust the politicians responsible for them, or prevent the election of other antiabortion leaders. 

Hadley Duvall made that connection abundantly clear for Kentucky voters. Her ad, viewed online millions of times, sparked concerned discussions within the Republican Party, with top national leaders acknowledging the critical role Duvall played in Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear’s reelection.

Today on “Post Reports,” we talk to abortion reporter Caroline Kitchener about how Duvall broke through, even with conservatives and moderates — and why political strategists are looking at this ad as a playbook.

Today’s show was produced by Ariel Plotnick. It was mixed by Sean Carter. It was edited by Maggie Penman.

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