Republican and Conservative political analysis and commentary

Following Fred Thompson's appearance on Meet the Press yesterday, Mike Huckabee took the opportunity to take a shot at Thompson:

"Senator Thompson's comments on 'Meet the Press' were disappointing and disheartening for those who were expecting him to be a solid voice for conservatives. The marriage and life amendments are critical issues for those of us who have been on the front lines of these cultural battles. Sen. Thompson's philosophy seems to be more 'cut and run' when it comes to these issues, rather than stand and lead.

"I've always supported the passage of a constitutional amendment to protect the right to life. As President, I will fight for passage of a human life amendment. My position on the sanctity of life has always been clear and consistent. No candidate has a stronger record on the sanctity of life than I do. As Governor of Arkansas, I successfully led efforts to promote a human life amendment and marriage amendment in my state. For me, it isn't just talk; it's a conservative record of leadership and conviction."

Huckabee is really the only candidate who can say something like this as the other major candidates have some issues of their own with social conservatives. Huckabee is casting his lot, and his fate, with the social conservatives in the Party.

For those who missed Meet the Press, Thompson basically cast himself as an ardent federalist, even when it comes to the issue of the right to life. Thus he doesn't support the Human Life Amendment, but wants Roe v. Wade overturned.

While it may not be the position right-to-lifers or social conservatives want to see, it is a stronger position to have for the General Election where the majority of voters are against abortion but prefer an incremental change. And many in the right to life movement understand that the Amendment, while a goal, isn't the primary one: Put judges on the bench and overturn Roe.

JX