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Kaine: Keep Roe, Hussein Needed to Go

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July 31, 2008 5:44 AM

ABC News' Ayana Harry and Teddy Davis report: In an hour-long interview with PBS’s Charlie Rose Wednesday, Virginia Governor Tim Kaine outlined his views on national and international matters including abortion and the war in Iraq.

Kaine, a Roman Catholic who worked as a missionary in Honduras reiterated his personal opposition to abortion, but maintained the practice should not be outlawed.

When asked if he’d like to see the Supreme Court overturn Roe the Governor answered, “I don't think the Supreme Court should.” He continued, “Roe vs. Wade is ultimately about saying that there is a realm of personal liberty for people to make this decision.”

While saying that he supports Roe and that he does not want to criminalize abortion, Kaine voiced support for three abortion restrictions.

He backs a parental consent law in Virginia which has a judicial bypass. He supports a ban on "partial birth abortions so long as there is an exception for the life and health of the mother". The Obama vice presidential prospect also favors an "informed consent provision" in Virginia which requires abortion providers to "give women information about a whole series of things, the health consequences, et cetera, and information about adoption." 

"Those, I have supported," said Kaine.  "But I don't think ultimately we ought to be criminalizing abortion."

Kaine demurred when asked about the vetting process and where the Obama campaign may be in their decision for a vice-presidential candidate, telling Rose, “I really don't know anything about the timing or circumstances and how they're whittling through the potential candidates.  There's a lot of good folks out there that I'm sure they're considering.”

Governor Kaine also discussed the 2003 U. S. invasion of Iraq, describing the Bush administration’s case for military intervention as “very, very flimsy” and “maneuvering the vote in Congress around an election cycle.” 

Kaine said he agreed with the Bush administration that former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein should be ousted but disagreed with the U.S.-led invasion.

“Clearly, Saddam Hussein was terrorizing his own population.  And there was, I think a good rationale to work broadly with a coalition of nations, first through diplomacy, than through sanctions to try to get him to not terrorize his own people.  But the U.S. advocated their own rationales,” he said.

The Charlie Rose interview with Kaine was scheduled prior to Tuesday when The Washington Post reported that Kaine told associates that he has had "very serious" conversations with Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., about joining the Democratic presidential ticket.

July 31, 2008 in Kucinich, Dennis, Romney, Mitt, Tancredo, Tom | Permalink | User Comments (6)

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So Saying keep rowe vs wade is magiacal words to make him VP atatus.

Actually Rowe vs wade has to go, and something more realistic put in its place.

Saddam Had to go, But Obama does not feel that way, Or is it enough after the fact, that he does not care any more?

So Obama is to compromise on his beleifs for a VP position to win the state of VA?

Sounds like a Political manuveer for a vote.

Obama Only Cares About a vote and the win. He will use and compromise on just about anything to insure a win. Of the Popularity contest.

Posted by: seah | Jul 31, 2008 7:08:04 AM

Another "say anything" for the Democratic ticket. Each day I grown more content with my decision to change my registration to Independent. Eight years of Bush only to get THIS? You're kidding me, right?

Posted by: beebop | Jul 31, 2008 7:22:16 AM

Kaine would be a good choice as would several others. Even though the media will try to make it look like this race is going to be close I really can't see mc-more-war having a chance. People will begin to realize that we can't afford a bush-3 which is exactly what mc-more-war would be. Obama 2008!!!

Posted by: pt | Jul 31, 2008 8:33:33 AM

seah - I know this sounds like Kaine angling for the job, but as a Virginian I can tell you he's maintained the same "mixed" position throughout his time in public office. And he's taken more hits for it than has gotten credit. I take him at his word this is what he really believes.

That said, I'm not saying Obama should pick him. Obama could do worse than Kaine, but also could do better, I think. He probably should pick Evan Bayh.

Posted by: Paul | Jul 31, 2008 8:48:14 AM

Oh my lord...

“Clearly, Saddam Hussein was terrorizing his own population. And there was, I think a good rationale to work broadly with a coalition of nations, first through diplomacy, than through sanctions to try to get him to not terrorize his own people. But the U.S. advocated their own rationales,”

PLEASE PLEASE Mr. Dictator... can we convince you to not hurt your own people?

What kind of self-deluded foreign policy is that?

I didn't agree with the invasion either, but what the hell? That is the most naive and infantile comment I've ever heard about Iraq.

Yeah, this guy is prepared to be president. ::sigh::

Posted by: Matt | Jul 31, 2008 10:08:08 AM

If he is FOR abortion he can't be a true Catholic in good standing in the Church. Kerry, Pelosi, Kennedy and Kaine. All "Catholics" who think they know better than the Church.

Posted by: unc2plo | Aug 4, 2008 11:42:17 AM

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