Politics: Romney?s Abortion ?Agenda?

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Politics Romney's Abortion "Agenda" Don't fall for his insinuation that he won't restrict abortion. It's full of weasel words. By William Saletan Posted Wednesday, Oct 10, 2012, at 02:25 PM ET Have you heard the news? Mitt Romney met with editors of the Des Moines Register yesterday and dropped a bombshell. "Romney promises no abortion legislation," says the Associated Press. "Romney: No abortion legislation," says Politico. "Romney says no plans to restrict abortion," says Agence France-Presse. Nope. That isn't what Romney said. This is a man with a long history of using technicalities to disguise his abortion views. You have to read his exact words, with attention to the loopholes. So let's back up and listen to the full audio of Romney's remarks. The exchange takes place about 14 minutes into the meeting. A Register staffer asks: "Do you intend to pursue any legislation specifically regarding abortion?" Romney answers: "There's no legislation with regards to abortion that I'm familiar with that would become part of my agenda." I count at least three loopholes in that sentence: legislation, familiar, and agenda. Legislation was a gift from the questioner. By using that word, she allowed Romney to avoid mentioning the most important thing he would do to roll back abortion rights: appoint Supreme Court justices who would overturn Roe v. Wade. Nor did Romney have to acknowledge any other non-legislative changes he would make, though he did cite one: an executive order against federal funding of international family planning organizations that support abortion rights. Midway through his sentence, Romney added a second caveat: that I'm familiar with. The National Right to Life Committee, whose PAC has endorsed ... To continue reading, click here. Join the Fray: our reader discussion forum What did you think of this article? POST A MESSAGE | READ MESSAGES Also In Slate Do You Know a Gaffe When You See One? Rage or Justice Hard Times in FarmVille	Advertisement
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