John McCain Gets Earful From Pro-Life Advocate on VP Pick and Abortion

National   |   Steven Ertelt   |   Aug 20, 2008   |   9:00AM   |   WASHINGTON, DC

John McCain Gets Earful From Pro-Life Advocate on VP Pick and Abortion

by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
August 20
, 2008

Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — Presidential candidate John McCain got an earful on why he shouldn’t pick a pro-abortion running mate from a pro-life radio talk show host on Wednesday. Meanwhile, news that Joe Lieberman will be on the GOP convention docket makes it appear less likely he will be the vice-presidential nominee.

McCain joined conservative radio talk show host Laura Ingraham before heading to a town hall event in New Mexico.

On the program, Ingraham made the case for millions of pro-life voters who want McCain to opt against picking someone like Senator Lieberman or Tom Ridge, the former Pennsylvania governor who backs abortion.

"How could you consider selecting someone who opposed the federal partial birth abortion ban and was one of the eleven original cosponsors of the radical freedom of choice act as your vice-president?" Ingraham said of Lieberman.

McCain said he couldn’t talk about the selection process or specific names because then "we get into this endless series of questions and comments."

"I think I made it very clear Saturday night I have a pro-life record, that I have pro-life policies and my administration will have pro-life policies," McCain said.

He also warned about trusting mainstream media reports that he plans to pick a certain person, with a certain persuasion on abortion, on a certain day.

"There’s already been things out there in the media, ‘he’s already made up his mind, he’s going to announce on such and such a day,’" McCain said.

"I have not made the decision and we’re in the process, and if I say anything more than that I guarantee you there’s going to be another one of these firestorms," he explained. "Obviously we’re going to be announcing soon because we have no choice, but I’ve got to tell you it’s one of the toughest things I’ve ever done."

Ingraham then took the opportunity to make her case, saying "from the conservative perspective we are literally imploring you to not turn your back on your great pro-life record over decades now."

McCain heard about the abortion issue again in the town hall when a voter asked about whether he would pick a pro-life running mate. Another, according to the Washington Post, worried he would select someone who would "cause us to want to stay home."

"I will nominate a person to be vice president, my running mate, who shares my principles, my values and my priorities," McCain said to loud applause.

News that Lieberman will speak at the Republican Convention — making it appear likely he will not have the vice-presidential speaking slot — seems to indicate McCain will pick a pro-life running mate instead.

 

Sign Up for Free Pro-Life News From LifeNews.com

Daily Pro-Life News Report Twice-Weekly Pro-Life
News Report
Receive a free daily email report from LifeNews.com with the latest pro-life news stories on abortion, euthanasia and stem cell research. Sign up here. Receive a free twice-weekly email report with the latest pro-life news headlines on abortion, euthanasia and stem cell research. Sign up here.