Mitch Daniels Defends Call for Abortion Truce in Face of Pro-Life Criticism

State   |   Steven Ertelt   |   Jun 14, 2010   |   9:00AM   |   WASHINGTON, DC

Mitch Daniels Defends Call for Abortion Truce in Face of Pro-Life Criticism

by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
June 14
, 2010

Indianapolis, IN (LifeNews.com) — Indiana Governor and possible 2012 GOP presidential candidate Mitch Daniels is defending recent comments he made advocating a "truce" on abortion and other social issues while the federal government spends time tackling major economic problems.

Daniels made the remarks in an interview with the conservative Weekly Standard publication.

In a subsequent interview with the Weekly Standard, Daniels said he wasn’t sure if he would sign an executive order, if elected president, to overturn one President Barack Obama issued overturning the Mexico City Policy that prevents forcing taxpayers to fund groups that promote and perform abortions in other nations.

Daniels faced criticism from several pro-life advocates and possible Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee.

On Friday, in comments he gave the Associated Press, he defended what he said.

Daniels said he made the suggestion because a "truce" on social issues like abortion is best for America right now.

"I really believe, that for the first time, the future of the American experiment is at risk," he said. "It’s a just a thought that we could agree to disagree. I picked the word truce because no one has to change their point of view, no one has to surrender."

Daniels also said Friday he is keeping his options option about a presidential bid, but he is stoking speculation by having his political action committee, Aiming Higher, hosting a fundraiser today in Washington.

Congressman Mike Pence, a fellow Hoosier and himself a potential 2012 presidential candidate, disagrees with putting pro-life issues on the back burner.

“I think Mitch Daniels is the best governor in the United States of America. He’s done a fantastic job for the people of Indiana,” Pence said on CNN’s State of the Union. But he contrasted that with the fact that “Barack Obama’s the most pro-abortion president in American history.”

“I believe with all my heart that Republicans need to continue to fight for the sanctity of life and the sanctity of marriage with everything we’ve got in 2010 and in 2012," he added. "To renew this nation, we must renew the institutions that strengthen her character. We must stand for the sanctity of life."

In is comments, Huckabee said there should be no "truce" on social issues like abortion while the economy is addressed.

He said pro-life issues "are not bargaining chips nor or they political issues. They are moral issues."

"I didn’t get involved in politics just to lower taxes and deficit spending though I believe in both and have done it as a governor. But I want to stay true to the basic premises of our civilization," he said.

Austin Ruse, president of the Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute; Tony Perkins, the head of the Family Research Council; and Kristan Hawkins, the president of Students for Life of America all told LifeNews.com about their objections to the Daniels call for a truce.

 

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