harrisonsdream
05-11-2007, 08:52 PM
Giuliani reaffirms abortion-rights stance in Houston
By DALE LEZON
Giuliani discusses abortion 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 woman'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.
By DALE LEZON
Giuliani discusses abortion 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 woman'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.