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Herman Cain speaking at the Western Republican Leadership Conference at in Las Vegas on Wednesday.
Herman Cain is in damage control mode with conservatives after suspiciously pro-choice, liberal-sounding comments he made on abortion. The Republican tried to clarify his position to Christian Broadcast News. The newly released statement reads:
"Yesterday in an interview with Piers Morgan on CNN, I was asked questions about abortion policy and the role of the president.
I understood the thrust of the question to ask whether that I, as president, would simply “order” people to not seek an abortion.
My answer was focused on the role of the president. The president has no constitutional authority to order any such action by anyone. That was the point I was trying to convey.
As to my political policy view on abortion, I am 100% pro-life. End of story.
I will appoint judges who understand the original intent of the Constitution. Judges who are committed to the rule of law know that the Constitution contains no right to take the life of unborn children.
I will oppose government funding of abortion. I will veto any legislation that contains funds for Planned Parenthood. I will do everything that a president can do, consistent with his constitutional role, to advance the culture of life."
Red flags were raised within the right–wing when he said he was personally, but not politically, pro-life during the interview in question:
"It comes down to it's not the government's role or anybody else's role to make that decision. Secondly, if you look at the statistical incidents, you're not talking about that big a number. So what I'm saying is it ultimately gets down to a choice that that family or that mother has to make.
Not me as president, not some politician, not a bureaucrat. It gets down to that family. And whatever they decide, they decide. I shouldn't have to tell them what decision to make for such a sensitive issue."
That soundbite didn't sit well with them. In the larger context of the interview, he said believes in "abortion under no circumstances," even in the case of rape or incest. His stance just came out incredibly jumbled, apparently.
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I find it very hypocritical that conservatives dont want *big* government or government intruding in their lives, yet they feel that an issue as personal as abortion should be legislated by Federal Government. It doesnt get much more hypocritical that that! You cant have your cake and eat it, tea fartiers! Either you want *big* government or you dont- you cant have it both ways and you dont get to pick and choose.
My thoughts as well, Marjorie. And the biggest hypocrisy of all is that these so-called conservatives want to ban abortion, including most forms of birth control, yet they have no desire to make sure that resulting baby is taken care of, either with food assistance, medical care, or later on, education.
"Don't have children if you can't afford them" is fine, until you eliminate the means to prevent having those children. At that point personal responsibility is no longer a part of the picture, since the government has eliminated the 'personal' part of that.
Nationwide, over a four month period, the Tea Party/Republicans introduced 916 bills to prevent abortion/birth control. Unfortunately, that hasn't gotten a lot of attention in the media.
Should government also stand by and allow a murderer to kill you? After all, it's his decision whether to kill you or not. Why would you want protection but you won't allow preborn babies the same protection?
marjorie,
they have been picking and choosing. they don't care if they are hypocrits or not. if you can't influence an electing by power or money, the republicans feel that we should be regulated. abortion, birth control now, and voting rights are just two of the things that conservatives feel should be regulated, taking personal choice away from americans.
as far as abortion goes, republicans feel that enough (white) women aren't making the best use of their god-given uterus, having only 2.5 children PER uterus.
most of the republicans speaking out ARE men, of course.
Lawrence- I mean this with all honesty. You have lost your mind over Herman Cain. Whatever it is about him that you abhor, he is destoying your mental health. Let it go, before you become ill and lose your job altoghter. I don't usually agree with your politics, but always read/watch both sides. You are looking really pitiful by this behavior. Figure out why you hate him so much and let it go.
melanie,
perhaps you like herman cain and don't like the truth's that are being brought to light by lawrence.
Cain is a joke and, he fits right in with the rest of these hateful Republican schmucks. Obama will win easily
@pinto-631781
We should not be so sure of an Obama victory. The Repugnant party have a pretty good strategy: Pander to the Stupid and the Rich.
There are lots of stupid people (those of modest means who vote for 'conservative' liars) in the USA and we know that it mainly takes $$$$$$$$ to win "elected" office in America.
i don't know if i would call the voters "stupid".
they are clearly uninformed, and i refer to family and close friends.
i am a political junkie, and i KNOW what's going on, but most people do not follow politics like i do.
many people are one-isssue voters. they vote on very emotional issues like abortion and gay marriage. this is why the republican party brings these issues up around election time EVERY TIME.
Voters that back garbage seem to lack the qualification to have a headache.
I'm not sure what else this would be called except stupid.
Prejudice is an alternate description that seems to work often.
Crackhead,
you have a point.
I don't know if Cain is a hypocrite, or was just drunk at the time he was asked the question.
He doesn't think government should be involved, but wants judges who will make and enforce laws?????
Cain, party on dude.
LOL- His 999 is now 909 SOMETIMES! Pfffffffffffffffffffffffffffff! I guess he forgot that 2+2 has to equal 4.
My analysis of Herman Cain's confusing comments in regards to his pro-life position is now available on the Personhood Initiative website along with video clips of Mr. Cain's statements.
Could you imagine President Herman Cain negotiating with the Prime Minister of ubeki beki beki Stan , using this jaw dropping abortion position on FOX as his knowledge of US policy