Off the Record

strange choice, strange timing

By Diogenes (articles ) | November 12, 2007 4:23 PM

Last week syndicated political columnist Robert Novak called attention to a spectacular blunder by GOP presidential candidate Fred Thompson, who declared in a nationally televised interview that women should not be jailed for seeking abortion. Novak argued that Thompson-- who should have been fully prepared for questions about abortion-- had shown an "astounding lack of sensitivity about the abortion issue." He added: "What Thompson said could be expected from NARAL."

Now just a few days later, AP reports that the National Right to Life Committee will soon endorse Thompson.

Something is wrong here. What is it?

A) AP is wrong; NRLC will not endorse Thompson.

B) Novak is wrong; pro-lifers won't hesitate to endorse a candidate who shows no interest in the issue.

C) NRLC is wrong; Thompson does not deserve pro-lifers' support.


Let me clarify, since some comments have shown that I may have left readers confused:

Legislation regulating abortion is invariably aimed at the abortionists. NARAL raises the specter of jailing young women as a propaganda ploy; it's not a realistic concern. Nobody is planning to jail young women for seeking abortions. Everyone involved in, or informed about, the pro-life movement knows that. But Thompson, when questioned on the issue, immediately leapt to the NARAL line. He wasn't pushed in that direction by the interviewer; he raised the issue himself. BTW, in an earlier interview with Sean Hannity, Thompson had said that while he hoped to see the reversal of Roe v. Wade, sending the issue back to the states, he himself would not vote to criminalize abortion.

An appeal from our founder, Dr. Jeffrey Mirus:

Dear reader: If you found the information on this page helpful in your pursuit of a better Catholic life, please support our work with a donation. Your donation will help us reach five million Truth-seeking readers worldwide this year. Thank you!

Progress toward our June expenses ($15,085 to go):
$30,000.00 $14,914.93
50% 50%
Sound Off! CatholicCulture.org supporters weigh in.

All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!

Show 1 Comments? (Hidden)Hide Comments
  • Posted by: - Nov. 12, 2007 7:58 PM ET USA

    I have to reluctantly conclude that hamburger C is correct. Too bad, he makes such a great district attorney I thought he'd have some tooth for being president. Even gave him $26. Well, there's always Huckabee.

Think with the Catholic Leaders: Subscribe to Catholic Culture Insights Newsletter
Donate to Support this Site: Your contribution will be put to good work.
Tour the CatholicCulture.org Site
Shop Amazon to Raise Money for Catholic Culture

Recent Catholic Commentary

Pope Francis the Frank 14 hours ago
“Illegals” are not “Immorals”: A Persistent Immigration Fallacy 16 hours ago
News coverage of the Vatican: the blind leading the blind 22 hours ago
Those Harleys again June 17
Happy Father's Day! June 14

Top Catholic News

Most Important Stories of the Last 30 Days
Vatican document demands governments protect refugees CWN - June 6
Pope acknowledges 'gay lobby' influence in Vatican CWN - June 11
Pope confirms he is completing encyclical on faith begun by Benedict XVI CWN - June 13