Kerry 1972: Abortion is Wrong; Kerry 2004: Abortion is a Choice (Flip-Flop Alert)

Talon News ^ | 4-27-04 | Jimmy Moore

[jmstein7]

On the verge of this weekend's pro-abortion march in Washington, yet another "flip-flop" on a major issue from likely Democratic presidential nominee John F. Kerry has surfaced.

The Drudge Report found that although Kerry will be attending the abortion rally today asking supporters of abortion to help him in his presidential campaign since he supports their cause, Kerry has not always been a vocal supporter of the procedure that has ended the life of millions of unborn children since the controversial U.S. Supreme Court ruling Roe v. Wade in 1973.

In an interview with the Lowell Sun in October 1972, Kerry said abortion should be limited and not used to control unwanted pregnancies.

"It's a tragic day in the lives of everybody when abortion is looked on as an alternative to birth control or as an alternative to having a child. I think that's wrong," Kerry declared in the interview.

In fact, Kerry went so far as to say he is "opposed to abortion" because it makes "common sense" to do so.

He said at the time that abortion "should be the very last thing if it has to be" an option to resolve an unwanted pregnancy.

Interestingly, Kerry added that the federal government did not have any business deciding the issue of abortion since the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution left that decision to the states.

"I think the question of abortion is one that should be left for the states to decide," he commented.

A few years later in 1975, Kerry told John Mullins from The Sun that abortion was a minor issue on the political landscape.

Kerry believed it was more important to determine "how to put people back to work, how to reduce crime and how to keep institutions from breaking down."

In a prophetic statement that sounds like it could have been uttered by a modern-day conservative, Kerry lambasted "liberals" who bring up topics that most people are not concerned with.

"'I think liberals spend too much time pushing issues which just aren't relevant to the mass of people, including among such issues abortion, the death penalty and amnesty," Kerry said at the time.

On the official Kerry for president web site, his position on abortion is in direct contrast to the pro-life position he took nearly 30 years ago.

"John Kerry believes that women have the right to control their own bodies, their own lives, and their own destinies," the Kerry web site reads. "He believes that the Constitution protects their right to choose and to make their own decisions in consultation with their doctor, their conscience, and their God."

The ideological turnaround by Kerry suggests the influence these factions in the Democratic Party have had over his presidential campaign, as shown by his promise to only nominate judges who support abortion.

"He recently announced he will support only pro-choice judges to the Supreme Court," the web site continues. "Kerry also believes that we should promote family planning and health plans should assure women contraceptive coverage."

[stuartcr]

I'm curious as to what the distinction is between a flip-flop and a change of mind?

[Preachin']

I'm curious as to what the distinction is between a flip-flop and a change of mind?

Money from special interest groups, for one.

[kimmie7]

Kerry flops like a fish outta water...

I can't stand that man.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

This isn't just a small flip-flop, IMHO.

[Blood of Tyrants]

A flip-flop usually involves a reversal of a position based on political expediency and ulterior motives. A change of mind usually involves a change of heart and way of thinking. Do you REALLY thing the second applies to Kerry?

[Kay Soze]

Abortion is wrong!

[stuartcr]

I don't know much about Mr. Kerry, but it seems that flip-flopping is what politicians do...regardless of party.

[kimmie7]

I agree.

[MEG33]

Kerry has made flip flopping an art form.

[Smartass]

Click on the link to see "Hanoi John" Flip-flop video.

Kerry in Flipflop video

[MEG33]

LOL!

[Wolfie]

I don't know much about Mr. Kerry, but it seems that flip-flopping is what politicians do...regardless of party.

Bump.

[Oldeconomybuyer]

bump

[Zack Nguyen]

This is not unusual for Democrats, including Al Gore, Jesse Jackson and Dick Gephardt. When legalized abortion was first introduced, they were reflexively against it, as any thinking human being with an ounce of compassion would be.

However, their party was taken over by militant secular humanists who believe in self-gratification above all else. Thus the Democrat Party is militantly pro-abortion, much more than the Republican Party is pro-life, in my view.

So these politicians changed their minds. I'm sure Kerry genuinely believes that abortion is fine. He's not lying. His change of heart was helped along by political realities, however.

[Happy2BMe]

btt