When asked to clarify his position on something many Americans consider a “life and death” issue, Donald Trump appeared to get quite testy, refusing to answer the question as stated by a reporter.
The reporter asked Trump about a 1999 appearance on Meet the Press during which Trump explained that he was “very pro-choice,” citing his New York City upbringing and even said he would tolerate abortions in the third trimester. He did make sure to say that he personally “hate[s] the concept of the abortion,” but would not ban it. “I am pro-choice in every respect.”
From 1999 on Meet the Press:
When asked about this by Peter Alexander of NBC, Trump had major objections to the question. “Why didn’t you say, when you read your question, that I hate the concept of abortion,” Trump demanded.
“Hating” the concept of abortion does not, in itself, make someone pro-life. There are no doubt many Americans uncomfortable with abortion, yet still believe in the woman’s right to choose the fate of her unborn baby’s life.
Regardless of the reporter’s exact question, the position Trump gave in 1999 was pretty clear. He was certainly “very pro-choice in every respect.” The issue of abortion is a key issue among many republicans and is, no doubt, an important issue to Iowans as well.
Trump did himself no favors by choosing to go after the reporter. He should have taken the opportunity to clarify his position once and for all.
