The republican presidential contenders listen to Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., during the first Republican debate of the 2008 campaign Thursday at the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley, Calif.
Simi Valley, Calif. — Alone among 10 Republican presidential contenders, Rudy Giuliani said in campaign debate Thursday night "it would be OK" if the Supreme Court upholds a 1973 landmark abortion rights ruling.
"It would be OK to repeal it. It would be OK also if a strict constructionist viewed it as precedent," said the former New York city mayor, who has a record of supporting abortion rights.
In a party that draws strength from anti-abortion voters, Giuliani's nine GOP rivals agreed that it would be a great day if the court overturns the landmark ruling.
"Glorious day of human liberty and freedom," enthused Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney acknowledged he had changed his mind on the subject when he began to delve into the issue of cloning. He said his position had once effectively been "pro-choice."
But Giuliani, who said he personally hates abortion, hedged when asked about his current position.
"I think the court has to make that decision and then the country can deal with it," he said. "The states could then make their own decisions."
Alone among the top three contenders, Arizona Sen. John McCain has a career-long record of opposition to abortion.
The 10 rivals showed their conservative credentials across 90 minutes of debate at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, each claiming to be a worthy heir to the political legacy of the late 40th president.
They stressed the importance of persisting in Iraq, called for lower taxes and a muscular defense and supported spending restraint.
"The first pork barrel, earmark bill that crosses my desk I'm going to veto it and I'm going to make the author famous," McCain said.
Romney jumped in at that, saying that as governor he had cast a veto "hundreds of times." Former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson put his total at some 1,900 vetoes.
The field split on another issue, with Brownback, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo raising their hands when moderator Chris Matthews asked who did not believe in evolution.
Democratic National Committee chairman Howard Dean boldly said the debate "confirms that a Democrat will be elected in 2008. The Republican presidential contenders are only offering more of the same failed leadership and misplaced priorities that President Bush brought to the White House."
Giuliani, McCain and Romney were the first among 10 equals on the debate stage - the men with the most money and the best approval ratings in the polls more than eight months before the first 2008 national convention delegates are selected.
Other participants included former Gov. Jim Gilmore of Virginia; and Reps. Duncan Hunter of California and Ron Paul of Texas.
They debated in the shadow of Reagan's Air Force One, the aircraft hanging suspended in the library's pavilion. The 40th president's widow, Nancy Reagan, sat in the front row next to California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
One by one, the candidates invoked Ronald Reagan - he was mentioned 19 times.
The issue of abortion looms large in the 2008 presidential campaign in a party where a wide swath of political activists support the overturning of the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling.
Comments
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oldgoof (anonymous) says…
Hmm. Brownback does not believe in evolution.
Confrontation (anonymous) says…
It's so easy for these men to be against abortion rights, considering they are all anti-woman. "Keep 'em in the home, raisin' babies, washin' dishes."
SettingTheRecordStraight (anonymous) says…
Confrontation, that is the most ignorant thing a person could say.
gogoplata (anonymous) says…
Has
gogoplata (anonymous) says…
anyone
gogoplata (anonymous) says…
been
gogoplata (anonymous) says…
following
gogoplata (anonymous) says…
Ron
gogoplata (anonymous) says…
Paul
gogoplata (anonymous) says…
?
gogoplata (anonymous) says…
I am not trying to be annoying, I just thought if I posted this way it might get bumped into the active dicussion category. I didn't see anything in the JW about the debate tuesday night. Ron Paul is a breath of fresh air. I just wondered if anyone else found him interesting?
yourworstnightmare (anonymous) says…
It has been fun watching the GOP flip-floppers struggling like fish out of water.
Chances are,the GOP nominee will be pro-choice. Suck on it, religious right.
shockchalk (anonymous) says…
What an intelligent statement from our worstnightmare. "Suck on it, religious riight". Kind of like the way the king of the flip-floppers, Slick Willy, enjoyed sucking on cigars???? Chances are, the GOP nominee will care more about the unborn babies we murder than the liberal left nominee who will get elected. And then, all will be well in the world, right????
gogoplata (anonymous) says…
I really like Ron Paul. He seems like a man of conviction. Its like he really believes in his policy and would like to be able to make our country better. Not just another politician that wants to be president.
gogoplata (anonymous) says…
Ron Paul 2008
gogoplata (anonymous) says…
Here is some information
gogoplata (anonymous) says…
Brief Overview of Congressman Paul's Record
He has never voted to raise taxes.
He has never voted for an unbalanced budget.
He has never voted for a federal restriction on gun ownership.
He has never voted to raise congressional pay.
He has never taken a government-paid junket.
He has never voted to increase the power of the executive branch.
He voted against the Patriot Act.
He voted against regulating the Internet.
He voted against the Iraq war.
He does not participate in the lucrative congressional pension program.
He returns a portion of his annual congressional office budget to the U.S. treasury every year.
Congressman Paul introduces numerous pieces of substantive legislation each year, probably more than any single member of Congress.
gogoplata (anonymous) says…
He voted against the Iraq war!!!!
I would think that would get some people exited.
shockchalk (anonymous) says…
Hilary voted for the Iraq war and their still excited about her.
imastinker (anonymous) says…
Let's face it - people are stupid and politicians know it.
gogoplata (anonymous) says…
I have to say. I am a little disappointed. I thought there would be others here who enjoyed Ron Paul in the debate. He took on Giuliani during the debate and Hannity after the debate and did quite well.
shockchalk (anonymous) says…
Let's face it - politicians have agendas and people know it.
fed_up (anonymous) says…
I looked at Ron Paul first, then I checked out video, written interviews & political views & quotes by Jim Gilmore. I think he not only stands for good things, but he really made some things happen in VA when he was elected. Supports women in equality, he is pro choice in the first 8-12 weeks of pregnancy but requires full disclosure & 24 hours period to truly think about what having an abortion would mean and so we don't have women just scared and running to the fastest & nearest abortion clinic, but we also don't have people having babies that will just abuse, neglect or abandon them. He had the lowest crime rate in something like 25 years, lowered taxes ANND unemployment.... PLUS believes in alternative energy and that it is everyone's responsibility globally to take care of the problem!!! Oh yeah! And he was NOT intimidated by any other parties in the debate!! (got a couple jabs in at Brownback over that lil' failure to read issue) heh heh A man with conviction, honor, experience, family values & kajones!!! am i dreaming!!!???!!!