Posted on 05/11/2007 12:37:27 PM PDT by Spiff
By DALE LEZON
Saying he believes abortion is "morally wrong," Republican presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani told an audience at Houston Baptist University this morning that he respects a women's right to choose to have the procedure.
"I believe you have to respect their viewpoint and give them a level of choice," the former New York City mayor told a crowd of about 300 students and faculty at the school's Mabee Teaching Theater.
His remarks are part of an effort by Giuliani's campaign to clarify his support for abortion rights in the coming weeks, despite the political risks of alienating conservative voters. Giuliani has been criticized for what some have called confusing, sometimes contradictory statements on the topic.
In a stump speech outlining his plans to battle terrorism and tackle economic and social issues, Giuliani urged listeners to find common ground with him even though they may disagree with him. Tolerating differences makes the country what it is, he said.
"We understand how to respect each other's difference," he said. "It's in our DNA."
He said a strong military presence to fight the war on terror is necessary and that withdrawing troops from Iraq could lead to slaughter among the Sunni and Shia sects. And if leaders decide to begin withdrawing forces, they should not give the enemy a timetable for the withdraw.
His views and candor resonated with some students.
"He respects the choices of others," said Samantha Haddox, 20, a junior. "Because he respects others, I respect him."
Andrew Miller, 19, said he opposes a woman's right to choose abortion, but he accepts Giuliani's stand on the issue and could vote for him.
"I like that he took a personal stand on abortion, that he believes it's morally wrong."
A Republican, Miller said he Giuliani could make a good president despite his abortion stance because he likes Giuliani's position on fighting terrorism aggressively.
The Houston Comical. Nuff said.
His handlers are obviously not earning their keep.
I guess he figured his contortions weren’t doing him any good. He’s right, his lying was pathetic. Problem is, his pro-infantacide stance is even worse.
The Rooty Equation:
I believe abortion is “morally wrong,” and I hate abortion (b/c I know abortion kills a unborn child).
But I respect a women’s right to choose (to kill her unborn child).
The more I read/see/hear about Mr. Guiliani, the less I like him. That leadership he displayed on 9/11 must have been a fluke. He’s coming off as a spineless RINO now.
In all fairness though, I’m not happy with most of the rest of the Republican crop either.
Please Fred Thompson, make an announcement and soon. :)
That's nice how that works. Men get off morally pure.
Morally wrong = Respect.
Very convenient.
“He respects the choices of others,”
Then I’m sure he’ll understand what happened on the morning after the first big primary when his sorry a** is in a sling.
“I don’t believe in murder, it’s morally wrong. But, hey whatever works for you is fine with me.” Moron.
You know, I've been saying the same thing for a long time now. What did Rudy really do during 9-11? Tour Ground Zero, and make some tough talking speeches? Big whoop, *I* could have done that. Anyone could. Rudy's no leader. He's made some good decisions, such as how to deal with NYC's massive Dinkins-induced crime rate, but even then, he wasn't exactly acting on new ideas, but what right-leaning sociologists had been saying for decades.
Rudy's a sap. He's been floating on name recognition, and now he's hoping that, since his numbers are tanking, he can try to lure in non-Republicans to vote in the primaries and hand him the win that Republicans themselves won't give him.
Rudy appears to be in the midst of a calculated move to turn his back on us conservatives.
It will be his undoing.
Run Fred, RUN!!
He’ll also have the same border control plan as Bush. NONE. He’s also a gun grabber.
From Hunter’s arm twisting, Bush signed the 850 mile border fence bill. Rudy is opposed to that.
Rudy, why is it morally wrong?
I will give Rudy some credit, but not most of it. They guys ratings were in the toilet for a good reason prior to 9/11: He was focused and effective in his first term, but his increasing belief in his own celebrity caused him to lose focus in his second term.
The Houston Chronicle is a biased joke, but you've committed the same sloppiness, misrepresentation, and dishonesty that the media regularly employs. There are only two students quoted. The first did not specifically state her position on abortion, but her statement suggest that she may indeed be pro-abortion. However the second interviewed clearly said that he is pro-life: "Andrew Miller, 19, said he opposes a woman's right to choose abortion..."
Not that facts matter to the goon squad these days.
Say, didn’t you use to attend or teach at HBU?
That is really weak. Especially when you consider many other newspapers and wire services have this story too.
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