President Biden's proclamation of the Equal Rights Amendment as established law sparked a contentious debate, notably involving Vice President-elect JD Vance.
Fox News reported that in a shocking twist, President Biden wrongfully declared the Equal Rights Amendment part of the Constitution, causing furious reactions including a satirical retort from Vice President-elect JD Vance.
President Biden, addressing a gathering at the White House, firmly stated that, based on affirmations from the American Bar Association and constitutional experts, the ERA should be recognized as constitutional law.
This amendment, which aimed to secure equal legal rights regardless of sex, had recently been promoted by Democrats in New York after the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization.
Reacting to Biden’s announcement, JD Vance took to the social platform X to express his incredulity. He likened Biden's declaration to making implausible proclamations, humorously suggesting that Biden could also declare Pete Rose a Hall of Famer.
"Hey, Joe if we’re doing fake s--- on the way out can you declare Pete Rose into the Hall of Fame? See you in two days!" Vance posted. This reference brought a light-hearted dimension to the otherwise serious political discourse.
Pete Rose, a prominent figure in baseball, remains excluded from the Baseball Hall of Fame. Despite his record as MLB's all-time hits leader and multiple World Series victories, his career has been overshadowed by a lifetime MLB ban due to betting on games, including those of his team. Rose passed away in September, leaving his Hall of Fame status unresolved.
Pushing back against criticism, President Biden cited authoritative sources to justify his announcement. "I agree with the ABA and with leading constitutional scholars that the Equal Rights Amendment has become part of our Constitution," he declared.
This statement was aimed at bolstering the legal foundation for the ERA’s inclusion as a ratified amendment, following its initial proposal and subsequent endorsement by various states.
However, the National Archives has contradicted the President’s statement, clarifying that the ERA has not been officially recorded as part of the Constitution. This discrepancy has contributed to widespread public debate and confusion over the actual legal status of the ERA.
The rapid response on social media to Biden's statement was overwhelmingly negative, with some users going as far as labeling him a "dictator." This highlighted the deeply controversial and divisive nature of the debate surrounding the ERA’s legitimacy and ratification.
The contention around the ERA is reflective of the broader ideological battles waged in the American political landscape, especially on issues of gender equality and constitutional amendments.
Biden's strong push for the ERA is seen as part of a larger Democratic agenda following key judicial decisions affecting women's rights, specifically the conservative Supreme Court's overturning of precedents regarding abortion rights.
This political maneuver by Biden has opened up a complex dialogue on the powers of presidential declarations concerning constitutional matters, testing the boundaries of executive influence over unratified amendments. The interaction between state and federal views on constitutional amendments continues to be a key topic of constitutional debate.
As the nation prepares for JD Vance's upcoming inauguration as Vice President, his public mocking of Biden’s declaration brings an added layer of political drama.
This episode serves as a precursor to what could potentially be a highly charged and dynamic tenure for Vance who has already showcased his willingness to engage in bold political discourse.