Rick Santorum: Herman Cain just waffled on abortion
Republican Herman Cain continued his presidential close-up on Wednesday with an interview with Piers Morgan that aired late Wednesday on CNN.
One of the first topics was where the blame lies for the current economic meltdown. From the transcript:
Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain delivers a keynote address during the Western Republican Leadership Conference on Wednesday in Las Vegas. AP/Isaac Brekken
Morgan: Give me — give me a very quick pie. Here’s a pie. How much is Obama’s fault? How much is Wall Street’s a fault? How much is the fault of the people themselves?
Cain: I would say that 50 percent of it is Obama’s fault, 25 percent of it is Wall Street’s fault, and 25 percent of it is the individual’s fault.
Morgan: That’s a straight answer, from a politician.
Cain: I’m not a politician.
The pair then strayed into the topic of homosexuality. Cain repeated his contention that sexual orientation was a choice:
Morgan: Wait a minute, let me ask you. You genuinely believe millions of Americans wake up in their late teens normally and go, you know what, I quite fancy being a homosexual? You don’t believe that.
Cain: Piers.
Morgan: Do you?
Cain: You haven’t given me any evidence to convince me otherwise nor has anyone else.
Morgan: My gut instinct, Herman, tells me it has to be a natural thing.
Cain: OK, so it’s your gut instinct against my gut instinct. It’s a wash. It’s a push.
That being said, I respect their right to make that choice. You don’t see me bashing them or anything like that. I respect their right to make that choice. I don’t have to agree with it. That’s all I’m saying.
Morgan: It would be like a gay person saying, Herman, you made a choice to be black.
Cain: We know that’s not the case. I was born black.
Morgan: Yes, maybe if they said that, you would find it offensive. CAIN: Piers, this doesn’t wash off. I hate to burst your bubble.
Morgan: I don’t think being a homosexual washes off.
GOP presidential rival Rick Santorum, the former U.S. senator from Pennsylvania, this afternoon attacked Cain for comments he made in the following section, on the topic of abortion. The former Georgia radio talk show host said he believes that life begins at conception – but also added that abortion “ultimately gets down to a choice that that family or that mother has to make.”
Santorum – who has based his campaign on gathering support from social conservatives — called the comments “gravely troubling.” The Iowa Republican is raising similar questions.
You decide:
Morgan: But you’ve had children, grandchildren. If one of your female children, grand children was raped, you would honestly want her to bring up that baby as her own?
Cain: You’re mixing two things here, Piers?
Morgan: Why?
Cain: You’re mixing –
Morgan: That’s what it comes down to.
Cain: No, it comes down to it’s not the government’s role or anybody else’s role to make that decision. Secondly, if you look at the statistical incidents, you’re not talking about that big a number. 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. It gets down to that family. And whatever they decide, they decide. I shouldn’t have to tell them what decision to make for such a sensitive issue.
Morgan: By expressing the view that you expressed, you are effectively — you might be president. You can’t hide behind now the mask, if you don’t mind me saying, of being the pizza guy. You might be the president of United States of America. So your views on these things become exponentially massively more important. They become a directive to the nation.
Cain: No they don’t. I can have an opinion on an issue without it being a directive on the nation. The government shouldn’t be trying to tell people everything to do, especially when it comes to social decisions that they need to make.
Morgan: That’s a very interesting departure –
Cain: Yes.
Morgan: — from the normal politics.
Cain: Exactly.
Cain has been criticized for conducting a cable TV campaign rather than building networks of supporters in early primary states.
He returned to Iowa today after a two-month absence, and announced that his effort in that state would be headed by former Iowa GOP chairman Steve Grubbs.
- By Jim Galloway, Political Insider
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151 comments Add your comment
UGA 1999
October 20th, 2011
2:43 pm
Oh, the hyp…..nope I am a repub remember I dont believe in the unemployment line!
HEY GALLOWAY please read the last post from OH THE HYPOCRISY and ban him! Thank you….
Oh, the hypocrisy
October 20th, 2011
2:43 pm
ah, yes, the american college fraternity – last bastion of those who are unable to think for themselves.
Oh, the hypocrisy
October 20th, 2011
2:44 pm
uga 1999 – how very fascist of you
Marie
October 20th, 2011
2:45 pm
@Travis McGee — as a woman I can truly say that Mitt Romney is a good looking man and he certainly has that presidential look. But that’s all he has. I’m sorry he wants this soooooooo bad and it shows. The man just comes across like a starving fat man in a long buffet line; waiting his turn while he’s chumping at the bit.
I love what Herman Cain said about the President (or First Lady) not letting his opinion on an issue be a directive to the nation; the government does not need to tell everyone what to do. Can someone please get that memo to Obama and his precious wife? I don’t need you telling me what to eat Meechelle!!!
UGA 1992
October 20th, 2011
2:46 pm
@ UGA 1999 – no, I joined the military and did not start at UGA until I was 23 yrs. old. Never joined a frat, lived off campus and studied hard to get my degree. I respect and support Herman because he represents what I value in life – hard work and honesty.
Reality Check
October 20th, 2011
2:46 pm
The problem with the media is they always ask the anti-abortion candidates “what if your wife or daughter was raped and became pregnant as a result?” The real question they should be asking is: “What if your girlfriend got pregnant? Would you rather she have a confidential medical procedure to terminate the pregnancy or have the baby that could be subjected to DNA testing later?”
I'm a Moron
October 20th, 2011
2:47 pm
Someone said Romney won’t do well in the South in the GOP primary. I’m not sure where you were in 2008, but Romney won in Georgia. Of course, he won’t have McCain to make him look less human this time around.
Romney will win the primary easily.
Then he can run in the general election as the President’s little brother. He will be the moderate, who claims to be conservative, running against the moderate, who is fine with being called a moderate.
Or he can just be the guy who pretends he doesn’t like the healthcare plan he envisioned and poured $500 million into, running against the guy who freely admits that he believes the healthcare plan is the right thing for all Americans.
But, hey, we at least have a whole year to pretend like the inevitable isn’t going to happen.
The GOP is the party of self-inflicted wounds. Everyone will be standing around looking at each other next November saying “how could this happen? I mean that man, Barry, he is the worst president ever!!?”
td
October 20th, 2011
2:47 pm
Oh, the hypocrisy
October 20th, 2011
2:42 pm
I can see now who is young and dumb. Hopefully one day you will grow up and some intelligence will sink into you shallow mind. You just keep on believing that Obama is your savior and will lead you to the welfare promise land.
UGA 1999
October 20th, 2011
2:47 pm
1992….thank you for your service.
Smoke
October 20th, 2011
2:49 pm
Great topic since the only bills that Boehner has been able to get passed in the House where he got 100% of what he wanted, he only got 98% on the budget and debt ceiling, have been those associated with abortion.
Oh, the hypocrisy
October 20th, 2011
2:49 pm
marie – if americans had shown themselves capable of controlling what they eat and not becoming, quite literally, the fattest nation on earth, then they wouldn’t need the government to tell them what to/not to eat. if you look at current obesity rates across the nation, it is clear that, notwithstanding meaningless platitudes about american exceptionalism, rugged individualism, personal responsilbity and whatnot, americans are, in fact, grossly incapable of thinking for themselves and making good decisions. hence the need for government to step in. i’m not surprised you fail to appreciate that.
Oh, the hypocrisy
October 20th, 2011
2:50 pm
td – i’ll add you to the list of idiots that populate these boards.
UGA 1992
October 20th, 2011
2:51 pm
@ UGA 1999 – the soldiers serving now really deserve all the thanks. Go Dawgs. Beat those swamp lizards!!!
td
October 20th, 2011
2:52 pm
I’m a Moron
October 20th, 2011
2:47 pm
I am not sure if you are a Moran or not but you sure do not know what went on in GA. in 2008. Huckabee won the state and McCain came in second and Romney third.
UGA 1999
October 20th, 2011
2:52 pm
Oh….do you realize that you have yet to make one single valid political fact or view on this blog. It is ok, we all know what kind of person you really are.
Oh, the hypocrisy
October 20th, 2011
2:53 pm
UGA 1992 – you are correct; however, our country has historically shown itself incapable of expressing correct gratitude (words and otherwise) to its servicemen and woman, particularly in the context of the vietnam war. so thank you and thank them.
Marie
October 20th, 2011
2:53 pm
I am addicted to Nyquil and Cheetos. I weigh over 300 pounds.
Tom
October 20th, 2011
2:54 pm
Wonder why Santorum says he likes the Latino attitude about ‘family’ so much? Because the Latino community…especially the lower-income segments….follows his Roman Catholic doctrine of using NO birth control and having as big of a family as possible, regardless of their economic ability to provide for them.
Santorum would love to do what the Catholic church is doing in other countries….
In the Philippines, the Catholic Church is behind a movement to ban…yes BAN…ALL forms of birth control, even condoms. They want it to be a CRIME to sell or use ANY form of birth control.
In India….a country with a population already over 1.2B….the Catholic church is going against the government’s recommendations (not mandated) of stopping at 2 children and offering to PAY families for having more children STARTING WITH THEIR FIFTH!
Oh, the hypocrisy
October 20th, 2011
2:54 pm
UGA 1999 – kettle calling the pot black, much? idiot.
Oh, the hypocrisy
October 20th, 2011
2:55 pm
marie – i don’t doubt it. you may be beyond saving. at least michelle is looking out for your any kids you may have.
Sandra
October 20th, 2011
2:55 pm
The only one more ignorant than Edward above is Barack Obama. Herman Cain is not hypocritical
of you or others. He is a natural for president. Obama is lacking all of Herman Cain’s knowledge.
Smoke
October 20th, 2011
2:55 pm
Has anyone seen a certified copy of Herman’s “Live Certificate of Birth?”. For that matter, what about the Ricks, or Mitt, Michelle, or Ron? Of course they have to be different and cannot look like the ones that the Birthers have rejected.
td
October 20th, 2011
2:56 pm
Oh, the hypocrisy
October 20th, 2011
2:50 pm
td – i’ll add you to the list of idiots that populate these boards.
If that makes you happy but the truth will set you free on day when you decide to become an adult and stop playing in baby land. Listen to the truth and turn away from the darkside of the force.
UGA 1999
October 20th, 2011
2:56 pm
Oh…..see there it is again….you actually made me laugh out loud on that one!
UGA 1999
October 20th, 2011
2:56 pm
Smoke….Oh were any of them Kenyan or born outside the United States?
Mid Ga Retiree
October 20th, 2011
2:57 pm
Seems like the more electable a candidate is the more vicious the attacks from those opposing him. All you have to do is read some of the posts on this blog to see what I mean.
Tom
October 20th, 2011
2:58 pm
I had to giggle at the irony of Bachmann with Wayne Newton after the debate the other night. The mind reels at the wonder of how many abortions Newton’s quietly paid for during his life.
Show Me the Birth Certificate!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 20th, 2011
2:58 pm
I’ll believe Herman Cain is a natural born citizen when I see his birth certificate!!!!! Which will be never!!!!!
What part of iegill do you not understand??!
Oh, the hypocrisy
October 20th, 2011
2:58 pm
Mid Ga Retiree – cain said he is anti abortion and then he went on to say it’s the choice of the individual and government shouldn’t be involved. how is that electable?
Mark
October 20th, 2011
2:58 pm
@ UGA 1999
I’m so glad that folks like you truly believe that either one of the candidates you mentioned stand a snow ball’s chance in hell of winning the Presidency. I’m and Independent. I’m not for Obama, but I’m certainly not for either of the candidates running now. It seems that the Republican party is really upset with there candidates of choice, so they are just rallying around anyone with good sound bite. The Republicans have jumped from one candidate to the next, and something tells me Herman Cain will not be the last man standing.
UGA 1999
October 20th, 2011
2:59 pm
Show…what is “iegill”?
Oh, the hypocrisy
October 20th, 2011
2:59 pm
Show Me the Birth Certificate!!!!!!!!!!!! – like.
td
October 20th, 2011
2:59 pm
Oh, the hypocrisy
October 20th, 2011
2:53 pm
Yes, the same Dems that run this country today were spitting on them when they came back and calling them baby killers and you still want to support these socialist. Shame on you.
Oh, the hypocrisy
October 20th, 2011
3:00 pm
uga 1999 – shoorly they tawt yoo that in rimeediyal eenglish
Oh, the hypocrisy
October 20th, 2011
3:00 pm
td – treating our troops with disrespect applies to both parties, dem and republicrazy alike.
UGA 1999
October 20th, 2011
3:00 pm
Mark….he may not be the last man standing but he is doing well right now. Obama has a 39% approval rating. I believe that any of the top Repub 3 could/will beat Obama. There is no way this country would survive four more years of him. Experiment – FAILED!
Sandra
October 20th, 2011
3:01 pm
I haven’t seen Herman’s birth certificate, but I can tell you he has a tatoo of Clarence Thomas’ moustache on his lower back. I’ve seen it up close.
UGA 1999
October 20th, 2011
3:01 pm
It seems like all of the blacks that are calling Herman Cain a “uncle Tom” are the true racists. And they wonder why they are still in the position they are in! This is wonderful.
Oh, the hypocrisy
October 20th, 2011
3:02 pm
uga 1999 – you fail to realize that what our country is having a hard time surviving is 30 years of conservative economic policies, hastened by the 8 years fratboy bush spent in power
Oh, the hypocrisy
October 20th, 2011
3:03 pm
sandra – lmao; he also has a tattoo of scalia on his chest
Mark
October 20th, 2011
3:03 pm
@ UGA 1999….Well like I said, I’m not pleased with the current administration, but I’m certainly not impressed by the current circus of republican candidates.. I guess we will just have to wait and see.
Oh, the hypocrisy
October 20th, 2011
3:04 pm
uga 19999 – “And they wonder why they are still in the position they are in! This is wonderful.” once again, your true colors shine bright.
UGA 1999
October 20th, 2011
3:04 pm
Oh….rose colored lenses….rose colored lenses.
td
October 20th, 2011
3:05 pm
Mark
October 20th, 2011
2:58 pm
Look back four years ago and see who was ahead (I will give you a clue, it was not Obama). This is what happens every four years to the party out of power. The difference is the media this year is trying to make it look like the Republicans have an internal battle.
I can guarantee you one thing right now. When the Republican primary is over all of them will unite together and give the person 100% support to get the current socialist and chief out of office.
Oh, the hypocrisy
October 20th, 2011
3:07 pm
td – you obviously woudn’t know a socialist if they slapped you upside the head
Travis McGee
October 20th, 2011
3:09 pm
@td and @ UGA 1999 —
The one thing Obama has going for him is time. A year is a lifte-time in presidential politics.
The one thing his opponents have going against them is time. With every passing day and with every debate they look less presidential — and are compelled to do or say something that’s really dumb.
So, before you buy a new suit to wear to the GOTP coronation, just remember that anything can happen in a year — and it usually works to the benefit of the incumbent — particularly, during tough economic times.
UGA 1999
October 20th, 2011
3:12 pm
Travis….”A year is a life time in presidential politics”…..Seriously….where do you find this garbage?
Obama has been doing and saying dumb things for nearly 3 years.
He is causing the tough economic times.
Oh, the hypocrisy
October 20th, 2011
3:13 pm
uga 1999 – to the extent you are able to get ANY of the neurons in your brain firing, it’d be clear that obama’s presidency has actually been quite successful.
GT Anchorage
October 20th, 2011
3:14 pm
We have had politician after politician come into office and run this country into the ground, creating an ever expanding govt. It is time for something new, someone who can scale back the govt. to its intended size.
RGB
October 20th, 2011
3:14 pm
I guess I was banned from here, but now you and I both know that Herman’s position on abortion was misrepresented.
So be it.