Thompson's mixed abortion record?

Posted: Monday, March 12, 2007 3:12 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Republicans, 2008

From NBC's Mark Murray
In the same interview last weekend in which he admitted to thinking about a possible White House bid, former Sen. Fred Thompson (R) also said he’s pro-life and would like to see Roe v. Wade overturned. In past interviews and news clippings, however, Thompson was identified as being pro-choice and against making early-term abortions a crime -- although he did favor strict limits on abortion (like parental notification, being against partial-birth abortion, and being opposed to the federal funding of abortions).

Pro-life Thompson
WALLACE: … So let's do a lightning round -- quick questions, quick answers, a variety of issues -- to see where Fred Thompson stands.
THOMPSON: Um hmm.
WALLACE: Abortion.
THOMPSON: Pro-life.
WALLACE: Would you like to overturn Roe...
THOMPSON: You said lightning round, now. If you want...
WALLACE: Well, let's go.
THOMPSON: ... more, give me another question. I'll work through it.
WALLACE: Do you want to overturn Roe vs. Wade?
THOMPSON: I think Roe vs. Wade was bad law and bad medical science. And the way to address that is through good judges. I don't think the court ought to wake up one day and make new social policy for the country. It's contrary to what it's been the past 200 years. (Fox News Sunday, 3/11/07)

Pro-choice Thompson?
Both [Thompson and Houston Gordon] also are basically pro-choice on abortion although Thompson has voted to bar federal funding of abortions. Both candidates said they would have voted to override Clinton's veto of a bill this year that would have banned a controversial partial-birth abortion procedure. (Memphis Commercial Appeal, 11/4/96)

U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson says he seldom hears about abortion in campaign travels throughout Tennessee and hopes the issue is downplayed at the Republican National Convention. The Tennessee Republican, a pro-choice defender in a party with an anti-abortion tilt, is preparing for next week's convention in San Diego. He said the party must avoid distracting issues and focus on electing Bob Dole as president. "We need to concentrate on what brings us together and not what divides us," Thompson said in an interview with The Tennessean published Tuesday. Thompson said he opposes making early-term abortions a crime, as some Republicans would like to do with a constitutional amendment. "But I don't think you should bolt on one issue. I'm still not convinced platforms are a good idea. We know what we believe in and I don't think we need to write it all down in a document," Thompson said. (AP, 8/6/96)

On abortion, both Thompson and Cooper are pro-choice. But Thompson favors parental notification, Cooper voted against it. (National Review, 6/27/94)

Though Thompson says he's pro-choice, his voting record on abortion issues (which includes opposing fellow Tennessean Henry Foster's nomination for surgeon general) has earned him high marks from both the Christian Coalition and the National Right to Life Committee. He has also won the backing of the tobacco industry and the NRA. (Washington Monthly, 12/1/96)

EMAIL THIS

Comments

Can any republican stick to their story? Where is it written that you have to be pro-life to be a republican? As a former Reagan republican I find it stupid that the litmus test for a true conservative republican is whether they are pro-choice or not. What about the other conservative criteria? If Giuliani becomes pro-life then I will truly become disgusted with the Republicans running in this election.

Dave (Sent Monday, March 12, 2007 3:29 PM)

The republican party seems to be populated with Mugwumps. They have their mug on one side of an issue and their wump on the other.

Rufus Gibbons, Kennett, Mo. (Sent Monday, March 12, 2007 3:52 PM)

Dave, you tell me. Whatever happened to that other conservative criteria? I think the Republican Party has been listening to Pat Robertson's predictions and allowing them to be explained by Jerry Falwell. That help you any?

Desmond (Sent Monday, March 12, 2007 4:09 PM)

The GOP is stuck in the Mediterranean Belief System Rut where a Man controls a woman's body, and they like it that way. If Roe v. Wade is overturned, the well-heeled of them will get rid of their unwanted pregnancies the old-fashioned way. They'll buy a Doctor. Leaving desperate women to their old-fashioned way. Do it themselves.

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Monday, March 12, 2007 4:34 PM)

I believe that should RoevWade be overturned it would blow the republican party wide open. Bush was asked on two occasions if abortion should be outlawed and each time he said the country is not ready for it. Bush 41 was pro choice at one time but prostituted his belief to run for president. Politics makes prostitutes of a lot of people.

Rufus Gibbons, Kennett, Mo. (Sent Monday, March 12, 2007 4:57 PM)

What is really funny (although not in a laughing manner) is that the Nazies before and during WWII were dead set against abortion and homosexuality and heavy into Christianity. Given that and the corporatism, also known as fascism, there are beginning to be fewer and fewer dissimilarities. When you toss in Bush's use of the secret police (the CIA in this case) and the extraordinary rendition process, complete with torture and indefinite detention, the use of coerced confessions and lack of being able to challenge their detention, where are the similarities going to end?? We have already invaded one country....are we now the equivalent of Germany in WWII?? It is VERY scary when you string all of it together like that!! We need to Remove Bush and Cheney from office and get the rest of the NeoCon false Republicans out of our government all together. The NeoCons need to be NeoConvicted!!

B. Honest, Portland Oregon (Sent Monday, March 12, 2007 5:21 PM)

"A Maid A Man Needs A Maid"-Neil Young

Still Crazy After All These Years (Sent Monday, March 12, 2007 5:32 PM)

Senator Fred Thompson is typical of what has become of these Republicans candidates, they are all changing strips faster than you can say go. These people has lost all credibility starting with their man in the Whitehouse.

Benjamin Purser, Royal Oak, MI (Sent Monday, March 12, 2007 5:59 PM)

Can't pander to the right wing base without that all-important Life-is-sacred-until-it's-born stand. What were yesterday's "agents of intolerence" are todays' policy shapers.

Lee Steele MV CA (Sent Monday, March 12, 2007 6:20 PM)

Gee -- anybody remember Thompson as the "Reverend" Knox Pooley on the old "Wise Guy" show? Yeah ... a cheap con man who chiseled his way into the leadership of the white supremacist group "Pilgrims for Progress", 'Course, ol' Knox didn't mean a word of it -- just lookin' for a gig, you understand -- and they could never actually PROVE that any of the violence connected to the P for P was directly connected to him; but violence there was, directed against what his organization called The Mud People: you and me, amigos. The role fit Thompson like a glove. Let's just hope he ends up like Know Pooley -- selling condos to suckers in Florida ...

Rick Lapin, Albuquerque, NM (Sent Monday, March 12, 2007 7:27 PM)

There's a... BIG NEW "GUN" in town !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! .....................FRED THOMPSON ................................. remember that name.........FRED THOMPSON ................. 1. Two term Tennessee senator....left politics..."disgusted" w/ Washington 2. Investigator on Watergate Panel.. (go back, he's the ONE who ask the HARDNOSED QUESTIONS) 3. Licensed attorney 4. Presently actor as Attorney General on "LAW & ORDER" 5. Was in several films "Red October" etc............ 6. This man has a very COMMANDING PRESENCE !!!! 7. This man "WILL NOT MINCE WORDS" !!!!!!!!! 8. Member of NRA........& GOP Fred Thompson.....the next President of the United States !!! We seriously need him !!!!!!!!! This man "WILL NOT" lie to you !!!..........Period !!! If he thinks your a S.O.B.,...he'll tell you so...TO YOUR FACE !!! Fred Thompson.......The next President !!! Thompson/Tancredo....That's the ticket !!! Fred Thompson.....10 times more "INTELLIGENT" than slimy Obammy and Hitler Hillery combined !!!!!!!!!!

Jim Worley, Knoxville Tn (Sent Monday, March 12, 2007 10:59 PM)

After my above post, someone broke into my computer from the internet and tried to send messages off from it using the account that I use to post from. This is the second time (That I Know Of) that someone has tried to break into my computer and send copies of the letters, that I have written for First Read, to an outside site. With the recent Finding from the Justice Department that the FBI has been misusing the National Security Letters it has me somewhat concerned. I understand that it would take little effort for them or some other individual/s to track down my actual E-Mail address and invade my computer as well. I thought that I should write and let you know that this has happened to me, whether you decide to post this letter is up to you, but for myself, I am concerned. The fact that this has happened will not deter me from voicing my opinion, for when someone will go to that much trouble, whether to gain 'evidence', or to try to intimidate me, then it surely means that I am touching upon issues that they do not want to be touched. As a TRUE Patriot, intent upon the preservation of our Country and the Constitution of The United States of America, it is my Duty to point out wrongdoing where and when I can and to speak out about injustice where and when I see it. As an American I shall so do my Duty!!

B. Honest, Portland Oregon (Sent Monday, March 12, 2007 11:19 PM)

Abortion is here to stay like it or not, you can make it ileagle but it still is going to happen so what's the point?

MK,MO (Sent Tuesday, March 13, 2007 8:52 AM)

B.Honest- to your post at 11:19PM. Recently, I have noticed that some of the sigs on here are highlighted in red as if they are links as you scroll over them. One in particular (not yours) actually gives a link. Is this just "my" computer, or is anyone else picking up occasional red highlighting on some names?

M.E., Albany, Ga. (Sent Tuesday, March 13, 2007 10:02 AM)

Jim, Fred must act more intelligent when he is in East Tennessee than when he is in Middle Tennessee - the most he is know for around here is riding around in the Limo with Lori Thompson and reminding her to keep those boobies covered up cause it offends the radical right to see them in public! You can have him - I see nothing bright in this B Actor, sure would not want him for my attorney and did not appreciate one single thing he did while he was in the US Senate. Maybe he needs to be mayor of Knoxville, if he even still lives or visits Tennessee at all. If you really think we need a change - then it is time to throw the baby out with the bathwater! Cause he is part of that baby lineage that can't seem to correct all the wrongs the "right" are doing.

Melba Isom (Sent Tuesday, March 13, 2007 10:25 AM)

Oh for the love of god and country, are we still talking about abortion? When are the sheep in the republican electorate going to realize that the GOP only keeps abortion around so they can bring it up every 4 years and get everyone all riled up and to the polls (while ignoring the REALLY important issues). They have no intention of challenging Roe. They've had plenty of chances. The only real attempt last November in a VERY conservative South Dakota failed miserably. Why? Because when the chips are down, the majority of Americans are uncomfortable with washington lawmen yielding power over a woman's body. Rightly so.

Katie, Atlanta Ga (Sent Tuesday, March 13, 2007 10:26 AM)

M.E., I scrolled over all the names on this post and found them all highlighted in red on my computer.Interesting.

Desmond (Sent Tuesday, March 13, 2007 11:19 AM)

Thompson is pulling a Bush, who also is in favor of abortion rights, though he'll never come out and say so when the base is needed. Note how Thompson never said Roe v Wade should be overturned. He said it was 'bad science.' Does that mean he's for abortion rights but concedes that maybe we don't know for sure that the third trimester is when a fetus transforms from a bunch of cells into a person? Its just like Bush. If you ask him what he thinks of Roe, he'll say he favors the 'sanctity of life.' Never says 'dump Roe,' always saying something else. Fact is, both are completely disinterested in the issue and are just fine with keeping things the way they are. But that base they need to appease...

Paul Miller (Sent Tuesday, March 13, 2007 12:14 PM)

It's going to be so amusing over the course of the next few seasons, spring, summer, fall, winter and spring again.......as we watch the metamorphosis Mssr's Thompson, Giulliani, Romney, and McCain go through in contortion -like fashion in order to make themselves more appealing to the bible thumpin' righties like Jerry Fartwell, and Pat "The Ayatollah" Robertson.

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY (Sent Tuesday, March 13, 2007 2:14 PM)

It is ok to change your mind in 11 years. At least he is not changing his mind as much as he changes his undewear like John Kerry. I have a child that ceribal palsy,down syndrone, and maybe autistic. We could have aborted but did not. It is not in our heart to do that. I don't like it you do what you want you have to live with that the rest of your life. If it dose not bother you you are sick. Maybe you should have been aborted. Democrats are aborting themselves out of the political race. Maybe thats why they are in a panic now. The media is in a frenzy to cover for them.

Randolph Smith (Sent Tuesday, March 13, 2007 10:02 PM)

Randolph Smith, your remark that Democrats are in a panic and "Aborting themselves out of the race" is as delusional as anything I've ever read by a right winger. It's better than the poster who thinks Fred Thompson has morals. If snakes had Fred Thompson's morals they'd be allowed to eat at the table. Is there ANYTHING you people consider important besides abortion?

Lee Steele (Sent Wednesday, March 14, 2007 11:00 AM)

Have you ever felt a woman's pregnant belly, and felt a tiny kick on the other side? Have you seen a picture of a developing, unborn child? Don't we continue to develop and depend on our parents outside of the womb? Is there a major difference between a child 6 months out of the womb and another 6 months in the womb....that could cause us not to protect the child inside the womb as a live person should be protected?

Matt, Vancouver, WA (Sent Friday, April 13, 2007 3:50 PM)

To Lee Steele: Is there ANYTHING you people consider important besides abortion?- Are you serious???? ARE YOU SERIOUS???? If there is no regard for human life in it's most innocent stage, most fresh from what ever creator you believe in, then what else matters? Global warming, no, who gives a crap about the earth when life isn't even revered, let's save the baby whales, but frig the baby humans, they're just an embryo, right?. Taxes, health care, or gas prices, it's all quite inconsequential when human LIFE, LIFE isn't even respected here in America. So no, Lee, there's nothing more important than the abortion debate to many of us republicans. When human life becomes a priority then maybe, just maybe people will take a second look at other social policies and how they affect others not just themselves. But we have to learn to put others before ourselves first, and that starts at conception...

Tracey Reagan, Whiteland, IN (Sent Wednesday, June 06, 2007 3:37 PM)

Fred Thompson is our next President, whether he wins on not, he is the best man for the job. Like one comment stated, "abortion is here to stay". A woman can self abort simply by no following doctors orders. She doesn't want the baby, do some heavy lifting and have a miscarriage. Outlaw abortion and this is what is going to happen, putting women's lives at risk.

David Roth, Fridley, MN (Sent Monday, July 09, 2007 3:16 PM)

I do want to comment on the last comment I made, that makes me sound like I am for abortion. I am against abortion, but if it is going to be done, wouldn't it be better to have it done by a professional rather than going against doctors orders so the woman can miscarry which may put her health and possibly life at risk.

David Roth, Fridley, MN (Sent Monday, July 09, 2007 3:20 PM)

Tracey, Whiteland, IN - Get off your high horse and realize that until very late in a pregnancy the fetus is solely dependent on the woman for subsistence. Therefore, it is the woman's perogative to choose to continue a pregnancy or to end it. After all the woman's is the primary life. The woman's life is paramount. What impacts her life and how she lives it is her up to her. I'm always amused by these pro-lifers screaming about the sanctity of human life with their, "love the fetus, hate the child attitude". Why don't you all do more for the children that are here, like adopt one of many children in foster care, or advocate for universal health coverage for all children, or increased funding for AFDFC or WIC programs. Oh no, once all these children are here then the hell with them. They are someone elses problem. That's why I just can't take any of you seriously. Your positions are nothing more than self serving....trying to win brownie points in heaven I presume.

Laurie, Manasquan, NJ (Sent Monday, July 09, 2007 3:42 PM)

Laurie:
It always amuses me when women claim that babies aren't babies because "until very late in a pregnancy [because] the fetus is solely dependent on the woman for subsistence." I had my first son at 24 weeks gestation. TWENTY FOUR WEEKS!!! Anyone who can do simple second grade math can calculate that 24 weeks is not "very late in pregnancy", but rather just over the half way point. He weighed 1 lb. 9 oz. He survived outside the womb, and he was just as much a baby as my other two children. The disease that caused my premature labor with my first also caused it with my second. However it was caught very early on, and I spent seven months on bed rest, and delivered at 32 weeks. I was told that because of this happening with both pregnancies that I couldn't have anymore children. We were devastated. So what did we do, we adopted. What is that you say, us pro-lifers "love the fetus, hate the child"??? I adore all of my children, and hope to adopt more should we have the finances to do so. We send them to the best schools, allow them to participate in any activities they choose, never once has any one of them spent a day in daycare. Each one has been in my constant care and attention since birth. We are so blessed. We are able to give them everything they could ever need and probably too much of what they want...

I even come from a family of six kids where one of my siblings is adopted from the Philippines. So before you go passing judgment on us pro-lifers, you might want to get a clue as to whom you're passing judgment on. Take me seriously or not, but I feel bad for you, and your bitter heart- a child is NEVER a problem- EVER!!

Tracey Reagan, Whiteland, IN (Sent Saturday, August 25, 2007 6:27 AM)

Abortion is an act of violence that kills a baby. If the unborn is the same as a tumor, get rid of it. If the unborn is a human, then let's give it the chance to live.

Bill Crow, Larkspur, CO (Sent Sunday, August 26, 2007 12:02 PM)

As a true American I respect that all Americans have an opinion. But I'm truly saddened to see the total disregard for human life that I've read in the posts above. As a mother of four, one dying at birth it amazes me that the state requires a parent to bury their unborn child after the 20 week gestation perio but a person can still abort after that stage. Isn't it amazing as to the contradiction. When our nation loses concern for human life we will no longer be a nation that is(dare I say it) one nation under God but one left to our own undertaking which it seems our downfall.

Manonne Johnson,Diboll,Tx (Sent Thursday, September 06, 2007 8:09 AM)

SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.):

Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private) Remember me?

TRACKBACKS

Trackbacks are links to weblogs that reference this post. Like comments, trackbacks do not appear until approved by us. The trackback URL for this post is: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/trackback.aspx?PostID=87865