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Herman Cain and Abortion

By W. James Antle, III on 10.20.11 @ 3:11PM

David Freddoso further parses Herman Cain's abortion answer. He notes that Cain could have been saying the government shouldn't get involved in a decision on whether the woman in question should raise the child (Freddoso correctly says "there are other options besides 'raising' a baby and killing it") or that he supports a rape exception. The problem for Cain will be if he is taking the Mario Cuomo "personally opposed, but" position, which is another way of reconciling his seemingly contradictory reply.

John McCain got himself into a similar bit of trouble during the 2000 campaign when he seemed to give a pro-choice answer to a question about what he would do if his daughter wanted an abortion. The year before McCain had given interviews suggesting he wasn't quite ready to overturn Roe v. Wade. McCain ultimately reaffirmed his pro-life, anti-Roe stands and won the Republican nomination on his second try.

Cain seems to be a "big picture" rather than details-oriented thinker and tends to get tripped up when asked to expound on subjects at length. To his benefit, however, many conservatives trust him and seem inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt. That will go a long way in determining how damaging this flap is to his candidacy. (If I were Mitt Romney, I wouldn't welcome a detailed discussion of candidates' abortion positions.)

View all comments (56) | Leave a comment

kingsmill| 10.20.11 @ 3:45PM

The great Rick Santorum sets the record straight: "Herman Cain said that he believes life begins at conception, but that it’s up to the individual to decide whether or not to terminate that life. And I find it gravely troubling that Herman believes it’s a life, but that he doesn’t consider it a life worth fighting for. As the author of the partial birth abortion ban and other pro-life pieces of legislation, this is the exact mentality myself and other true pro-life advocates fought against. In fact, Herman’s pro- choice position is similar to those held by John Kerry, Barack Obama and many others on the liberal left. No, Herman, it is not ‘whatever they decide,’ this is an innocent human life. It is unconscionable for Herman to run for the nomination of the Party that stands in defense of Life while showing disregard for the sanctity of Life. You cannot be both personally against abortion while condoning it – you can’t have it both ways. We must defend the defenseless, period.”

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 3:56PM

""Herman Cain said that he believes life begins at conception, but that it’s up to the individual to decide whether or not to terminate that life."

Well then Rick Santorum is just another in the long line of liars to be utterly discarded from any consideration as a Candidate.

because that isn't what Herman Cain said.
He said he is against abortion even in the case of rape and incest.
When the punky Piers Morgan interrupted him as he was about to explain WHY he was against it, with the issue of rape and incest Herman Cain said that the parents have to make the decision as to what they must do.

Is this not true?

kingsmill| 10.20.11 @ 5:23PM

Cain on Piers Morgan 10/19:

"it's not the government's role...it's a choice that mother or family has to make.....I shouldn't tell them what decision to make....government shouldn't make social decisions"

Cain is as pro "choice"- as the flip flop champion Mitt.

A fire-breathing Christian like yourself should be weary of defending this relativist.

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 6:19PM

Keep trying.
Slandering others does seem to work for Leftists. At least on this Earth.
Just not in Eternity, which is a very. very long time.

kingsmill| 10.20.11 @ 7:30PM

Quoting Herman's words is not slander. He joins Mitt as a slick obfuscator.

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 9:53PM

So now you want government to intervene in parental rights when it comes to abortion?
LOL!

According to you, how else should government intervene in parental rights regarding a minor child.

SNAKE: that IS what Cain was talking about in that specific comment, which you left out.

And Lefty Libertarians don't believe in government interference when it comes to an individual's rights. And when did Libertarians decide that government has any say over abortion AT ALL, not to mention Parental rights?

Disingenuous hack.

kingsmill| 10.20.11 @ 11:42PM

Clown and fraud Christian
You are absurd.
I am not a libertarian. You are almost as incoherent as Cain. Now you become a pro-abort to defend your Romney -esque candidate.

Margie| 10.21.11 @ 12:20AM

Screw you, sicko.

kingsmill| 10.21.11 @ 12:08PM

Very Christian of you, louse.

John| 10.20.11 @ 9:19PM

You just admitted that Cain said it is up to the parents to decide abortion in case of rape or incest.

What did Santorum lie about?

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 9:55PM

TROLL: Because he , like your pals here are trying to say he's for abortion, and he isn't.
But then.. you already know that's what you're doing.

John| 10.20.11 @ 10:12PM

Who are my pals, and who are your pals?

Margaret| 10.20.11 @ 10:39PM

Hey idiot Margie, nobody said he is for abortion. They're saying he said it's up to the woman and parents to decide about abortion in cases of rape and incest. If you are 100% pro life that means you don't say it's up to the mother to decide because if life begins at conception then it has to be protected. The life created didn't have a choice in how it was created, by consensual sex or rape or incest, it was just created.
God are you dense.

Margie| 10.21.11 @ 12:21AM

Hey idiot Troll: liars go to Hell.
Get ready.

waugh| 10.20.11 @ 4:50PM

"Herb" messed up and is becoming increasingly incoherent.

It seems that some "conservatives" have tied their wagons to him in the same way guilty libs adopted BHO---to ease their irrational feelings of guilt by supporting a black man, no matter what.

Simon Templar| 10.20.11 @ 3:46PM

There is no good way to answer this question or address this issue. That is why the liberal MSM loves to lob it like a molotov cocktail at conservatives. Every single election it is used and knee jerked out to do its damage and conservatives fall for it every time. WAKE UP!
Stop trashing our candidates and buying into the narrative! There is no way he could have answered this without being attacked and ridiculed. You just can not grasp what I am getting at, can you?

Conservatives really are their worst enemies.

John| 10.20.11 @ 9:20PM

There is a simple way to answer all questions: tell the truth.

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 10:37PM

You should try it at least once in your life. It's called repenting.

John| 10.20.11 @ 10:54PM

What would you know about the truth?
Not talking to you. Don't want to talk to you. Get Lost.

Margie| 10.21.11 @ 12:21AM

After you, Troll.

George S| 10.20.11 @ 3:48PM

Right on cue: first comes the abortion quagmire only to be followed by gay marriage, prayer in public schools, and family values. Meanwhile...

HHS is busily cementing the bricks of ObamaCare,

The debt ceiling increase of last August is expiring,

Social security is broke,

Medicare is broke,

States are being sued to stop enforcing immigration laws,

Oil prices are still in the stratosphere,

Another few hundred thousand people filed for unemployment,

The DoJ is an accessory to murder,

The Energy Department is embezzling our money,

The Federal Reserve is debating whether to devalue the dollar with another round of QE,

Houses are in record foreclosure,

Europe is collapsing before our eyes,

Russia is reviving the Cold War posturing...

Yes, just what is your position on abortion Mr. Cain. The fate of the free world hinges on a clear and precise answer that fits into a major media sound bite time frame.

Simon Templar| 10.20.11 @ 4:19PM

George, that was beautiful. This is exactly what I am saying, you said it better.

"The fate of the free world hinges on a clear and precise answer that fits into a major media sound bite time frame."

I would just add, "and we will use whatever you say against you, cause this interview is a farce and not intended to enlighten anyone about your ideas, solutions, or positions but rather to serve our agenda."

Extreme Defender of Liberty| 10.20.11 @ 5:02PM

Cain's incoherent response concerning TARP gives me little hope that he is the "problem solver" for any of the following:

HHS is busily cementing the bricks of ObamaCare,

The debt ceiling increase of last August is expiring,

Social security is broke,

Medicare is broke,

States are being sued to stop enforcing immigration laws,

Oil prices are still in the stratosphere,

Another few hundred thousand people filed for unemployment,

The DoJ is an accessory to murder,

The Energy Department is embezzling our money,

The Federal Reserve is debating whether to devalue the dollar with another round of QE,

Houses are in record foreclosure,

Europe is collapsing before our eyes,

Russia is reviving the Cold War posturing...

Simon Templar| 10.20.11 @ 7:16PM

Taken from the Blaze:

In response, Cain released the following statement:

“Yesterday in an interview with Piers Morgan on CNN, I was asked questions about abortion policy and the role of the President.

I understood the thrust of the question to ask whether that I, as president, would simply “order” people to not seek an abortion.
My answer was focused on the role of the President. The President has no constitutional authority to order any such action by anyone. That was the point I was trying to convey.

As to my political policy view on abortion, I am 100% pro-life. End of story.

I will appoint judges who understand the original intent of the Constitution. Judges who are committed to the rule of law know that the Constitution contains no right to take the life of unborn children.

I will oppose government funding of abortion. I will veto any legislation that contains funds for Planned Parenthood. I will do everything that a President can do, consistent with his constitutional role, to advance the culture of life.”

Now, shut up!

Extreme Defender of Liberty| 10.20.11 @ 7:46PM

No Stalinist I will not be silent. Mr. Cain has tailored his responses to suit whatever audience he faces. In front of CNN leftists the government has no role in abortions. Before the tea party he is a great social and fiscal conservative. He is becoming a pure opportunist. A different hue of Mitt.

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 7:47PM

Paul-bots unite!

Extreme Defender of Liberty| 10.20.11 @ 8:59PM

Sorry Paul is with Cain and Mitt at botttom of the heap. He's an excuse maker for the left smelly hippy dregs of OWS.

Clint| 10.20.11 @ 9:24PM

Herman Cain,
"So what I'm saying is it ultimately gets down to a choice that that family or that mother has to make. Not me as president, not some politician, not a bureaucrat," Cain said. "It gets down to the family and whatever they decide, they decide. I shouldn't have to tell them what decision to make for such a sensitive issue."

"The government shouldn't be trying to tell people everything to do, especially when it comes to social decision that they need to make," Cain continued. "

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 9:55PM

So now Clint wants government to intervene in parental rights when it comes to abortion?
LOL!

According to Clint, how else should government intervene in parental rights regarding a minor child.

SNAKE: that IS what Cain was talking about in that specific comment, which you left out.

You're such a creep.

Clint| 10.20.11 @ 10:58PM

You're A Serial Slandering Liar, Phoney Christian Bigot Margie.

I Quoted Your Boy, Herman Cain.

He's An Argument Against Himself & So Are You.

The Tea Party Rebellion Steps On The Margie's Fat Ass.

Margie| 10.21.11 @ 12:22AM

No you didn't, in full as I said. Filthy Slob.

GreatOne| 10.21.11 @ 9:47AM

If you watched Cain on Meet the Press on Sunday, he clearly stated he was against abortion even in cases of rape or incest. His only exception was life of the mother. Go find the vidoe on line.

Occam's Tool| 10.20.11 @ 8:18PM

Seems he said he was 100 percent pro life.

Honestly, the only power the President has regarding abortion is through what judges he appoints. You think Herman's going to nominate a "wise Latina?" Puh-lease.

John| 10.20.11 @ 9:21PM

We don't know how the Latina will decide if there is another abortion case.

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 9:59PM

O.T:

About time you show up and defend the truth! Where've you been?
Has Ken gotten to you.. are you believing him?
He's lying about me. Openly, blatantly.
He is a sick bastard.
I'm sorry if you choose to listen to him.
I am telling the truth.

Margaret| 10.20.11 @ 10:41PM

Margie, not very smart of you to insult the only person here who likes you.

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 10:48PM

Shove off, punk. I did no such thing.

Margaret| 10.20.11 @ 10:56PM

You are so used to insulting people you don't realize you're doing it. Must be your normal conversation.

Margie| 10.21.11 @ 12:23AM

Buzz off stalker.
Get a life.

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 10:48PM

BTW, O.T, saw a great bumper sticker put out over at The Patriot Post. It says:

CAIN VS. UNABLE
HERMAN CAIN FOR PRESIDENT

Zbigniew Mazurak| 10.21.11 @ 2:51AM

No, Cain said that the GOVERNMENT (and by that, he meant any form of government) shouldn't be in the business of regulating abortions. That is a pro-choice opinion, identical to that of Catholic Democrats: "I personally oppose it, but I believe the government shouldn't dictate such choices."

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 7:48PM

p.s. Paul-bots:

What's your problem? Isn't that what you guys always preach? That the FED has no role in abortion?
That it's a state matter?
Sheesh.

PaulBot#9| 10.20.11 @ 8:27PM

When we Paulbots talk about "the Fed" we mean "the Federal Reserve System" not the federal government.

Ron Paul signed the Susan B Anthony Pledge, along with all but three of the other candidates. Which three? Cain, Romney and Johnson.

It's Ron or Ruin! It's Paul or Perfidy!

P.S. I'm not usually a PaulBot but I had a long hard day at work and my brain is too tired to think.

Clint| 10.20.11 @ 9:26PM

"The government shouldn't be trying to tell people everything to do, especially when it comes to social decision that they need to make," Cain continued. "

PaulBot#9| 10.20.11 @ 9:42PM

Yay! Our Hero The One And Only Clint Is In The Hizzouse!

And he is slammin some sick copy and paste skillz yo!

Margie| 10.20.11 @ 9:56PM

So now Clint wants government to intervene in parental rights when it comes to abortion?
LOL!

According to Clint, how else should government intervene in parental rights regarding a minor child.

SNAKE: that IS what Cain was talking about in that specific comment, which you left out.

You're such a creep.

Clint| 10.20.11 @ 10:59PM

You're A Serial Slandering Liar, Phoney Christian Bigot Margie.

I Quoted Your Boy, Herman Cain.

He's An Argument Against Himself & So Are You.

The Tea Party Rebellion Steps On The Margie's Fat Ass.

Margie| 10.21.11 @ 12:24AM

No, you didn't.
Filthy slob.
Do you REALLY think you are able to get away with those words?
God isn't going to allow it:

"A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who utters lies will not escape." Prov. 19:5.

GreatOne| 10.21.11 @ 9:48AM

On Meet the Press on Sunday, Cain clearly stated that he was aginst abortion for any situation other than life of the mother. Go find the video on line.

Margie| 10.21.11 @ 11:39AM

They really do NOT care. They are simply out to destroy him.

kingsmill| 10.21.11 @ 12:10PM

I heard Cain was secretly a Catholic. You can't support a Papist. Get your burning cross ready.

Margie| 10.21.11 @ 10:56PM

Papists who lie won't get the nomination, and the only lying I see going on is Santorum towards Herman Cain, along with your ilk.

Tuff cookies, bud.

ILK| 10.22.11 @ 1:52PM

Newt converted to Catholilcism. Bad Newt. Get him Margie. He must a papist punk liar.

Margie| 10.23.11 @ 12:03AM

If Newt is honest, he'll compare the teachings of Catholicism to the Bible, and leave the Religion.

It's what genuine Christians do.

If he wants a comfortable hideout, he'll continue in it.

Dan| 10.23.11 @ 1:27PM

BIGOT ALERT
Mullah Margie just attacked Newt because he is a
Catholic.
You attacked the Catholics, Newt and Santorum, and the Mormon, Mitt. What no Jews to attack. Who is next.
According to Bigot Margie, Newt is Catholic and therefore not honest.
You are truly a bigot and a stupid bigot.
Go back to your Ken ramblings.

yisong| 10.24.11 @ 11:04PM

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