Dear John,
In case you missed it, last night, Fox News hosted the first televised presidential debate of the primary election.
Each of the eight candidates was asked about whether the next president should sign a federal abortion limit. Here’s what they said:
Governor DeSantis boasted about the 6-week abortion limit he signed in Florida but did not state his position on federal limits.
“I believe in a culture of life.”
“I was proud to sign the heartbeat bill.”
“I will stand on the side of life.”
“We’re better than what the democrats are selling, I will support the cause of life as governor and president”
Nikki Haley expressed doubt that a national limit could pass in Congress but did not say whether or not she would support one.
“It is in the hands of the people and that’s where it should be.”
“Can’t we all agree that we should ban late-term abortions? Can’t we all agree that we should encourage adoptions? Can’t we all agree that doctors and nurses who don’t believe in abortions shouldn’t have to perform them? Can’t we agree that contraception should be available? Can’t we all agree that we are not going to put a woman in jail or give her the death penalty if she gets an abortion?”
Mike Pence attributed his position to his Christian faith and called for a minimum of a 15-week federal abortion limit.
“The cause of life had to be my cause.”
“I’m not new to this cause.”
“It’s not a states-only issue. It’s a moral issue.”
Senator Scott referenced the Declaration of Independence and its appeal to our unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
“We must solve this issue as a minimum of a 15-week limit.”
Governor Hutchinson emphasized his pro-life bona fides and clarified that the Supreme Court returned the issue of abortion to “the people and their elected representatives,” state and federal.
“I’m a pro-life Governor.”
“Arkansas has the record of being the most pro-life state in the nation.”
“Let’s talk about it in terms of compassion…”
Doug Burgum claimed that abortion should be left to the states.
“We should not have a federal abortion ban.”
“The feds are stepping into people’s lives and stepping into people’s businesses over and over.”
“If we say the Fed should be in this, where do we stop?”
Candidates Vivek Ramaswamy and Chris Christie did not have opportunities to comment. Donald Trump, though he did qualify, chose not to participate in last night's debate.
Because everyone deserves an advocate,
Sharolyn Smith
Political Director
