The First Democratic Presidential Candidate to Come to St. Louis

This was written by Maggie, one of our summer interns. The opinions expressed herein do not reflect those of Civitas other than respect for the value of open dialogue.

The first 2020 Democratic Presidential Candidate finally came to St. Louis, Missouri on Sunday, August 18. New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has led a national dialogue on reproductive rights and made a point in her campaign to visit a state where these rights are under attack by majority Republican state legislatures. In the packed space of Delmar Hall, Gillibrand and former State Representative and City Treasurer Tishuara Jones led a conversation, question and answer rounds, and the infamous stump speech to a room of pro choice activists and Gillibrand supporters and donors. Gillibrand explained why she is running, the reasons she came to Missouri, and what she needs in the future of her campaign, including more donors in order to be on the September debate stage.

St. Louis is home to Missouri’s only abortion clinic, and this past legislative session brought an eight week abortion ban. Gillibrand wanted to honor the people working hard in Missouri to keep abortion access available in the midst of these restrictive laws and Donald Trump’s destructive rhetoric. As president, she promised to repeal the Hyde Amendment, which prevents funds on the federal level to pay for abortions and to make Roe v. Wade stronger, whether through legislation or appointing appropriate judges to uphold it. While a number of religious people oppose abortion, she stated she is Christain, believing in free will and separation of church and state. At this event, Gillibrand also voiced the concern for institutional racism and the need for intersectionality. Whether she gets the nomination or not or even makes it to the third rounds of debate, it was important for her and Missouri to get this attention.