Rudy on abortion
Posted: Thursday, May 10, 2007 10:01 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under:
Republicans
From NBC's Carrie DannGiuliani yesterday tried to paint his abortion stance -- what some see to be an increasing problem for the ex-mayor and something he's even
retooling -- as a positive asset in a potential general election run. Speaking to jostling reporters in Huntsville, AL, he reiterated the distinction between his personal opposition to abortion and public legislation of reproductive choice. But when pressed about how that nuance could hurt his standing among the GOP faithful, he argued that he echoes popular opinion, even if it doesn't come from the right. "That happens to be -- I think -- the position of, if not the majority of the Republican Party then the majority of the country." He again placed himself squarely in the majority with a later comment: "Some people say [my position on abortion] is inconsistent. I really disagree with that. That would say that something like 60 or 70% of the American people are inconsistent."
And Giuliani brushed off questioning about the Pope's statement that pro-choice Catholic politicians should be punished by the church. "I do not get into debates with the Pope. That is not a good idea." He added that the intersection of his political and religious beliefs should remain "between me and my confessor."
