Presidential candidate Fred Thompson speaks against both Roe v. Wade and criminalizing abortion
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Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson

Washington D.C., Nov 6, 2007 / 08:18 pm (CNA).- Former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson, a Republican candidate for the presidential nomination, said on Sunday he does not fully support the pro-life plank of the Republican Party.

In an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press," Senator Thompson told the show's host Tim Russert that he favors overturning the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that compelled legalized abortion nationally.  However, the senator said he himself does not favor criminalizing abortion at the state level.

"People ask me hypothetically, you know, OK, it goes back to the states," said Thompson. "Somebody comes up with a bill, and they say we're going to outlaw this, that, or the other. And my response was, I do not think it is a wise thing to criminalize young girls and perhaps their parents as ‘aiders and abettors’ or perhaps their family physician. And that's what you're talking about. It's not a sense of the Senate. You're talking about potential criminal law."

The Republican Party platform has for decades included pro-life language and support for a human life amendment providing legal protection for the unborn.  Senator Thompson declared he could not support a human life amendment, according to Cybercast News Service.

Senator Thompson tried to explain his position, saying "Before Roe v. Wade, states made those decisions. I think people ought to be free at state and local levels to make decisions that even Fred Thompson disagrees with. That's what freedom is all about. And I think the diversity we have among the states, the system of federalism we have where power is divided between the state and the federal government is, is …serves us very, very well. I think that's true of abortion. I think Roe v. Wade hopefully one day will be overturned, and we can go back to the pre-Roe v. Wade days."

Senator Thompson did declare his belief that life begins at conception.  He also cited his past support for pro-life policies, such as his votes against human cloning, partial birth abortion, and federal funding for abortion.

"I would have done the same policies as president that I did when I was in the United States Senate, which is one hundred percent pro-life," he claimed.

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Subscriber comments:
Published by: Connie
Glens Falls, NY 11/14/2007 02:56 PM EST
As a lifelong conservative Catholic, I believe Fred Thompson is the most authentic candidate. He is plain-spoken, honest, and practical. He understands that the tide of public opinion is turning against abortion. Technology has opened new windows inside the womb and is proving viable personhood at conception. I think it is wise to force the discussion and ultimate decision to the voters. We need to focus on changing hearts and minds and Fred's way may just be the best way to do that.
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Published by: Brent Passmore
USA 11/07/2007 01:17 PM EST
My View on Fred v Mike:

1. Mike stands on convictions that stem from the word of God. This is perhaps the most important aspect of moral fortitude. Fred is conservative, but doesn’t know why.
He read Conscience of a Conservative, but can’t identify or connect with the source of the reason for it. This is weak in my opinion.
2. Mike has gotten the best mileage out of his money over every other candidate. This speaks for his ability to manage money and staff. He is very effective with very little money. Fred is peppering the landscape with advertisements (and they look great by the way) - but is slipping in the polls. People are getting tired of the advertising, and we are a year away.
3. Mike is the candidate that has not veered left. Ever. His principles and convictions are the same yesterday, today and will be tomorrow. He is steady. He is not guided by the wealthy, or by rain makers, or by some poll. Fred has had 1 issue that I know of where he compromised principle for money, and he definitely checks the political wind for currents.
4. Mike writes his own speeches. I know sounds like a small thing, but you get a glimpse of his heart when he speaks. The line “I cannot afford to buy you, heck I cannot even afford to rent you” came from Mike at the straw poll in Ames, IA. Fred took it for his own usage this last week - very disingenuous.
5. Mike unites people. He is the least divisive of all candidates. He seeks to pull us back together
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