Herman Cain, Piers Morgan, Abortion, and the No Money for Planned Parenthood Pledge

Anyone following the presidential campaign closely will have heard about Herman Cain's confusing interview with Piers Morgan on abortion and homosexuality, as well as a few other issues. Cain appears to go from opposing abortion under any circumstances to saying it is (and presumably should be) up to the mother to decide whether to abort in cases of rape or incest. Here's a bit of that interview:

So it seems he is taking the "personally opposed, but thinks it should be legal" approach. Does that work with any other crime--theft, vandalism, rape, other types of murder? I wouldn't do it, but it's ok if you do?

Fortunately, Cain issued a clarification:

If you listen to the line of questioning, it is clear that Mr. Morgan was asking if 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 view on abortion...again, I am pro-life.  End of story. 

As President, 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.

Obviously Cain needs to do better in his interviews so he doesn't leave these issues ambiguous. You can only misspeak and clarify so many times before people stop supporting you. In his defense, during this interview Morgan cut him off several times as he attempted to explain himself.

Did you notice the pledge on judges? That looks pretty good to me. Equally welcome is the pledge to veto any legislation that funds Planned Parenthood. I don't think a president has ever done that, and it's about time.

While Cain needs to communicate his pro-life position more clearly, I am encouraged to see these significant statements. Incidentally, Cain is the only presidential candidate that I've seen bringing up the racist roots of Planned Parenthood and the abortion movement. That's not something you see from people who don't care about abortion. So I can overlook an off comment here and there.

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Wesley Wilson is the President of Let Me Live, a nonprofit dedicated to saving babies by showing the beauty and value of life to women considering abortion. Please learn more about the Let Me Live pro-life billboard campaign. Donations are tax deductible.

Disclaimer: Let Me Live does not endorse or oppose any candidates. The opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not represent an official position of Let Me Live or its board of directors.