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I'm not sure that Thompson's rationale is identical to my own, I'm only saying that a candidate's position on what the ultimate legal status of abortion should be is a separate question from what level of government should be charged with making and enforcing the laws. Ron Paul, for example, opposes both legal abortion and the federalization of abortion law (though he, like Fred Thompson, has voted for various federal abortion restrictions).

Where you may have a stronger point is this: I don't think I've ever heard Thompson say in his own voice what states should ultimately do about abortion. I've seen such statements from his campaign, but when he is asked about it directly he is either unclear or stops well short of a broad ban with the three exceptions. If I'm wrong about this, I'd welcome a correction. Thompson was also criticized for overstating the states' leeway in banning post-viability abortions, since he seemingly failed to acknowledge that what Roe and Casey giveth, Doe v. Bolton taketh away.

topics:
Abortion, Law