Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

He Said, He Said: Thompson on Abortion
ABC News ^ | Thursday August 16, 2007 | JAKE TAPPER

Posted on 08/16/2007 6:50:49 PM PDT by Plutarch

Former Senator's Archives Contain Two Position Papers on Abortion, One Labeled 'Pro-Life' and Another Labeled 'Pro-Choice'

Former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson will appear in the first-in-the-nation caucus state of Iowa Friday...

...Thompson's foray into the Hawkeye State comes at a time when documents from his Senate and campaign archives provoke further questions about whether he truly is the political savior that conservative Republicans hope he is.

The papers that Thompson donated to the University of Tennessee...offer a view as to Thompson's political career that seems not always in firm alliance with Christian conservatives.

ABC News has obtained, for instance, two sets of position papers on abortion from Thompson's 1996 Senate race that indicate Thompson may have been to a degree trying to appeal to both those who support and those who oppose abortion rights.

CLICK HERE to read these two position papers in full.

In one "position paper on abortion" someone has written "(PRO-LIFE)" on the top right-hand corner, and the document states "Senator Thompson has a strong pro-life voting record in the Senate." The paper contains seven examples of votes Thompson cast against legal abortion.

Another "position paper on abortion," however, on which someone has written "(PRO-CHOICE)" omits the statement that "Senator Thompson has a strong pro-life voting record in the Senate," and it does not mention the seven votes he cast against legal abortion.

The "PRO-CHOICE" position paper mentions, as does the "PRO-LIFE" one, that Thompson opposes "federal funding of abortion, except in cases of rape, incest, or when the life of the mother is in danger," and supports other restrictions, while concluding that "(b)eyond that, Senator Thompson has said that the federal government should not be involved in the issue of abortion...."

(Excerpt) Read more at abcnews.go.com ...


TOPICS: Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: 2008; abortion; electionpresident; elections; fredthompson; gop; jaketapper; prolife; republicans; thompson
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-44 next last
To: MichiganConservative

Isn’t that basically what Rudy got so much heat for?


21 posted on 08/16/2007 8:01:39 PM PDT by RatsDawg
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 12 | View Replies]

To: RatsDawg
Isn’t that basically what Rudy got so much heat for?

Rudy gets heat for addressing NARAL. Twice. I can't find an instance where Fred addressed NARAL - instead, he got goose eggs from them for his voting record in the Senate.

22 posted on 08/16/2007 8:07:08 PM PDT by dirtboy (Impeach Chertoff and Gonzales. We can't wait until 2009 for them to be gone.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 21 | View Replies]

To: Plutarch
Jake Tapper:


23 posted on 08/16/2007 8:24:51 PM PDT by iowamark
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Plutarch

Are you saying that Fred Thompson has TWO positions to the right of where your pathetic candidate, Mitt, is NOW? even after his phony conversion?


24 posted on 08/16/2007 8:42:36 PM PDT by JohnnyZ (Romney : "not really trying to define what is technically amnesty. I'll let the lawyers decide.")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Plutarch
Mitt Romney's Appeal to "Pro-Choice" Groups:

In the spring of 2002 Romney completed a Planned Parenthood questionnaire. Signed by Romney and dated April 9, 2002, it contained these responses: Do you support the substance of the Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade? YES

Do you support state funding of abortion services through Medicaid for low-income women? YES

In 1998 the FDA approved the first packaging of emergency contraception, also known as the "morning after pill." Emergency contraception is a high dose combination of oral contraceptives that if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, can safely prevent a pregnancy from occurring. Do you support efforts to increase access to emergency contraception? YES


...

Romney met with three NARAL executives. In this meeting, NARAL executives recount, Romney evidenced no hesitation about his pro-choice views. He also tried to pique the executives' interest in endorsing him by bluntly acknowledging that he had higher political aspirations, saying, "You need someone like me in Washington."

--------

Mitt refused to accept the endorsement of pro-life groups and refused to even meet with any pro-life groups during his first years as governor -- even while supposedly being "personally pro-life".

25 posted on 08/16/2007 8:51:32 PM PDT by JohnnyZ (Romney : "not really trying to define what is technically amnesty. I'll let the lawyers decide.")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 24 | View Replies]

To: JohnnyZ
Are you saying that Fred Thompson has TWO positions to the right of where your pathetic candidate, Mitt, is NOW? even after his phony conversion?

I haven't said anything, I just posted the article that was out there.

If the exact same document had come from the Romney Governors office, you would be on it like a big dog, and braying about Romney's perfidy and hypocrisy.

It is hardly heavy political lifting to be a Republican Senator from Tennessee, and have a Pro-Life position. Thompson needed merely guide his canoe into the the right flowing stream, and as his wont, drift lazily along. We do not know how he will respond to a National electorate less conservative than Tennessee's. The existence of two different position papers on abortion suggests that there may be some sail trimming once he secures the nomination from the conservatives of the GOP.

26 posted on 08/16/2007 9:16:05 PM PDT by Plutarch
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 24 | View Replies]

To: Plutarch
If the exact same document had come from the Romney Governors office, you would be on it like a big dog, and braying about Romney's perfidy and hypocrisy.

But there was none, was there? Because Romney didn't even bother with pro-life groups -- he bent over forward and backward trying to prove to pro-abortion groups how much he supported abortion, supported government funding of abortion, like in RomneyCare.

And of course he never did anything like what Fred did -- put together a presentation for "pro-choice" groups saying how pro-life he was!

27 posted on 08/16/2007 9:47:02 PM PDT by JohnnyZ (Romney : "not really trying to define what is technically amnesty. I'll let the lawyers decide.")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 26 | View Replies]

To: JohnnyZ
...what Fred did -- put together a presentation for "pro-choice" groups saying how pro-life he was!

Uh, he wouldn't have needed two different versions if that was what he was intending.

28 posted on 08/16/2007 10:41:46 PM PDT by Plutarch
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 27 | View Replies]

To: JohnnyZ
Because Romney didn't even bother with pro-life groups

This is false (surprise!).

Romney’s conversion was less abrupt than is often portrayed. In his 1994 Senate run, Romney was endorsed by Massachusetts Citizens for Life and kept their endorsement, even though he declared himself to be pro-choice, because he supported parental-consent laws, opposed taxpayer-funded abortion and mandatory abortion coverage under a national health insurance plan, and was against the Freedom of Choice Act, which would have codified Roe v. Wade by federal statute.

The Best Choice Is Also a Good Choice
Why social conservatives should support Mitt Romney for president by James Bopp, Jr.
http://article.nationalreview.com/?

______________________________

More recently, during his governorship, he maintained the support of the Massachusetts pro-life groups.

Eight prominent leaders of pro-life and pro-family groups in Massachusetts wrote an open letter praising Gov. Romney for his leadership and accomplishments in these important issues and attesting to his commitment to the pro-life and pro-family causes. This letter is a MUST READ

Massachusetts Citizens For Life Executive Director Marie Sturgis: "Having Governor Romney in the corner office for the last four years has been one of the strongest assets the pro-life movement has had in Massachusetts." (Kathryn Jean Lopez, "An Early Massachusetts Primary," National Review, 1/10/07)

Massachusetts Citizens For Life Pioneer Valley Chapter Chairman Kevin Jourdain: "Mitt Romney was a great Governor, who served with honor and distinction. But most importantly, he was a pro-life Governor. He vetoed a number of pro-abortion pieces of legislation and made many pro-life appointments. He was always there for us." (Kevin Jourdain, Remarks, Agawam, MA, 5/10/07)

29 posted on 08/17/2007 12:03:09 AM PDT by redgirlinabluestate (www.MittReport.com)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 27 | View Replies]

To: redgirlinabluestate
Bopp on why Romney best choice link that works
30 posted on 08/17/2007 12:06:56 AM PDT by redgirlinabluestate (www.MittReport.com)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 29 | View Replies]

To: restornu
There are no two position this is one paper back to back on on sheet you can see the print bleed through on the copy.

I really hate it when the media is deceptive or misleading.

This looks like a detail document on Fred Thompson position on abortion of being pro life!

Oh my gosh, you are right. It is the same paper. And yet this Jake Tapper is trying to say it is two separate papers!

Unflippinbelievable.

31 posted on 08/17/2007 2:07:49 AM PDT by Shelayne (I will continue to pray for President Bush and my country, as I am commanded to do by my Lord.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 14 | View Replies]

To: Plutarch

“Uh, he wouldn’t have needed two different versions if that was what he was intending.”

I though FT wanted RvW overturned, but I haven’t been able to figure out why, if FT is truly anti-abortion, , he would make a statement like this, have you?

“Government should stay out of it. No public financing. The ultimate decision must be made by the woman. Government should treat its citizens as adults capable of making moral decisions on their own.”


32 posted on 08/17/2007 2:23:08 AM PDT by Kimberly GG (INVEST IN THE FUTURE - DUNCAN HUNTER '08 (NO more CFR'ers))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 28 | View Replies]

To: EQAndyBuzz
Ask the VA.

Wow, what a great answer. Now that I know the federal government is supposed to pay for medical procedures, which federal agency is it that I go to about getting them to pay for some cosmetic dentistry I'd like done?

33 posted on 08/17/2007 2:46:04 AM PDT by MichiganConservative (Step 1: Grind up baby. Step 2: smear on stretch marks. Step 3: two problems solved! Be happy!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 15 | View Replies]

To: Shelayne

They are copies, so how would you know if the original was one document or two? If it was on one or two, it’s a matter of semantics anyway. That is all immaterial one way or another.

What is of relevance here is whether or not this was his work or work done by his directive. If so, then all that remains is for one to ask themselves if they are comfortable with this: Early term abortions should not be criminalized. This must be won in the hearts and minds of the people.


34 posted on 08/17/2007 3:49:53 AM PDT by WildcatClan (One vote, Three choices: 1) Socialism 2) Bush Redux 3) DUNCAN HUNTER)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 31 | View Replies]

To: MichiganConservative
Now that I know the federal government is supposed to pay for medical procedures, which federal agency is it that I go to about getting them to pay for some cosmetic dentistry I'd like done?

Army, Navy, Airforce, or Marines. Two year stint minimum.

It's not exactly free.

35 posted on 08/17/2007 4:09:44 AM PDT by AFreeBird (Will NOT vote for Rudy. <--- notice the period)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 33 | View Replies]

To: restornu
Its a copy and quite possibly two papers copied on one sheet of paper for easy distribution. Better to pass out one sheet with both copies on it than two separate sheets. That said this is a whole bunch of nothing.
36 posted on 08/17/2007 4:16:53 AM PDT by normy (Don't hit at all if it is honorably possible to avoid hitting; but never hit soft.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 14 | View Replies]

To: xcamel
better yet, I’ll take his record.

**************

Agreed.

37 posted on 08/17/2007 5:08:46 AM PDT by trisham (Zen is not easy. It takes effort to attain nothingness. And then what do you have? Bupkis.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: MichiganConservative

“Wow, what a great answer. Now that I know the federal government is supposed to pay for medical procedures, which federal agency is it that I go to about getting them to pay for some cosmetic dentistry I’d like done?”

It was a great answer and I didn’t say the Feds were “supposed to pay for medical procedures”. I’m a disabled veteran and I don’t use the VA, although I can.

Now if you are serving your country and you need some braces, I “think” the government does pay for that. You would go to your military dentist, show him your beautiful choppers and let him slap a railroad track or two on them.


38 posted on 08/17/2007 5:15:22 AM PDT by EQAndyBuzz (When O'Reilly comes out from under his desk, tell him to give me a call. Hunter/Thompson in 08.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 33 | View Replies]

To: restornu

Wanted to let you know that I saw this as well and just commented about it on the ABCNEWS website. Props to you for seeming to catch it first. While I disagree with those final “pro-choice” labeled paragraphs, it’s unfair to present the document as two separate papers when looks very clearly to be the same document.


39 posted on 08/17/2007 5:49:07 AM PDT by mmichaels1970
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 14 | View Replies]

To: Plutarch
Actually if these exact same documents came out of Mitt’s office I’d not even bother posting them. You’re carrying water for the DNC, just like ABC is. This is a non-starter, non-story, meant to distract the sheeple with a catchy headline but no real facts or “news”. These documents contain EXACTLY what informed Freepers have already known, that frmr. Sen. Thompson does not support abortion and feels that it is a state issue that needs to be handled through winning the hearts and minds of the populace, not through added Federal bureaucracy.

Which, OMG, is a classic conservative position if I’ve ever heard one.

40 posted on 08/17/2007 5:54:39 AM PDT by brothers4thID (FDT: "Every notice that while our problems are getting bigger, our politicians are getting smaller?")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 26 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-44 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson