Day: May 3, 2007

Alone among 10 Republican presidential contenders, Rudy Giuliani said in campaign debate Thursday night “it would be OK” if the Supreme Court upholds a 1973 abortion rights ruling. “It would be OK to repeal it. It would be OK also if a strict constructionist viewed it as precedent,” said the former New York city mayor, who has a record of supporting abortion rights.

His nine rivals agreed that it would be a great day if the court overturns the landmark ruling.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney acknowledged he had changed his mind on the subject when he began to delve into the issue of cloning. He said his position had once effectively been “pro-choice.”

But Giuliani hedged when asked about his present position.

“I think the Court has to make that decision and then the country can deal with it,” he said.

The Secret Service said Thursday that Democratic Sen. Barack Obama was being placed under its protection, the earliest ever for a presidential candidate.

With President George W. Bush’s approval ratings in the crapper, GOP candidates preparing for tonight’s debate are faced with the uneasy prospect of having to criticise the leader of their own party if they want to get elected.

It’s not something they want to do.

Ten Republican presidential hopefuls face off in California Thursday for their first debate of the 2008 campaign trail, courting core conservatives in the shadow of party icon Ronald Reagan.