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Pete Wilson Discusses Changing GOP Anti-Abortion Stance

[Wilson]

Aired May 4, 1996

WOLF BLITZER, Anchor: Governor Wilson, thanks so much for joining us on Inside Politics Weekend.

Gov. PETE WILSON (R-CA): Glad to be with you, Wolf.

BLITZER: This past week you suggested that you're going to launch a fight on the floor in San Diego at the Republican convention to change the abortion plank in the Republican platform, joining Governor Pataki of New York, Governor Whitman of New Jersey. Why now, why are going to do this this year.

WILSON: This is what I've been saying for the last four years. In fact, I said it in a satellite speech to my own delegation at the Houston convention four years ago, when I said that I thought that that should be the last time that the party platform contained the plank on abortion. There are a majority of Republicans throughout the nation who are not necessarily pro-abortion, they are pro-choice, and they think that it is a mistake for the party's platform to contain a plank pledging to seek a constitutional amendment which, to begin with, I think most people think will never happen.

What we really think is that the party and the nation would be infinitely better off if we were to substitute for that plank one that puts the Republican party very solidly on record in favor of policies and practices that would discourage, actively reduce the number of abortions that take place, by fostering policies that will eliminate the need. And to that extent, it seems to me, that is a policy that should appeal to people who are conscientiously pro-life as well as those who are conscientiously pro-choice.

BLITZER: But only a few months ago when you were running for president, you indicated that you were willing to not make this fight. Was that only to appeal to social conservatives at that time?

WILSON: I don't recall making any such appeal. I think that's a mistake. I didn't make that appeal. I think I've been quite consistent in saying that we should change the platform, should trade that plank for one that really is relevant to reality, and that makes a great deal of sense trying to deal with the social pathology that has afflicted this nation. We've got too many people who are having children who don't seem to care about those children, too many who are having children out of wedlock who are incapable of giving direction to their children. It is, as a result, producing an epidemic of out-of-wedlock teen pregnancy, and as a result a whole bunch of kids who are overwhelmingly more likely to drop out of school, use drugs, join gangs, go to prison, and be the next generation of 14-year-old unwed mothers. That's what we've got to change.

BLITZER: But many anti-abortion activists in the Republican party, of course, led by Pat Buchanan and others, say that any change in the platform, anything that would be seen as watering down the very tough anti-abortion language in the platform, would be unacceptable, would divide the Republicans.

WILSON: We will have to see who has the votes if it comes to that. We would be much better off to agree on a wise and relevant platform plank and do so in the platform committee. I hope that we can do that. If we can't, then possibly we will have to take this to the floor and then we'll see who has the votes.

BLITZER: Do you think that this kind of debate is going to further divide Bob Dole's supporters and weaken his chances of getting elected?


[Quote from Wilson]

WILSON: Well, I think that it is certainly a safe thing to say that we would be all better off including Bob Dole, our nominee, if we could use the time show-casing the differences between the Republican party and the Democratic party and the differences, notable differences, between Bob Dole, who has convictions and the courage of his convictions, and Bill Clinton, who is very vulnerable on that score.

BLITZER: Last week on Inside Politics Weekend Governor Christie Whitman of New Jersey said she supported President Clinton's decision to veto that controversial, late-term abortion procedure. Did President Clinton do the right thing when he vetoed that legislation?

WILSON: That's a tough call. I think that we should be very careful not to prohibit necessary treatment where, in fact, there is a serious problem with respect to the health of the child or the mother. And the people who were with the president at the bill signing, I think, probably meet that test. But I think most Americans would agree that there should be the right of reproductive choice as the law presently provides. That is the law of the land. I think they also think that there is some moral obligation on the part of those who seek to exercise the right of choice, to do so as early as possible.

BLITZER: So, the answer is that President Clinton did the right thing.

WILSON: I think that we should be very careful certainly to preserve that possibility for those who, in fact, have a legitimate need, and he surrounded himself with people who are able to make that case.

BLITZER: Now, Senator D'Amato of New York says one of Bob Dole's problems is that the American public thinks that Newt Gingrich's revolution was too extreme. Do you think Senator D'Amato was right, that that is a fundamental problem that Bob Dole has, his close association with those House Republicans and Newt Gingrich?

WILSON: No, I don't agree with Senator D'Amato on that. First of all, I think Senator Dole is going to be elected based upon his own record and based upon his ability to project his hopes and dreams for America. He has the quintessential opportunity borne of his experience as someone who from World War II on, from his own notable sacrifice in that war, has steadfastly sought the kind of America that he fought for and believes in. And that is what I think gives him credibility, the record that he has, having worked for the kind of an America which most people who voted in 1994 for the 104th Congress, also clearly believe in. It's a downsizing of government and of its cost and intrusiveness. It is something that will allow the American people to have the freedom and the opportunity to be all that they can be. And that, I think, is quite consistent with much of what this Congress has done. I don't really share Senator D'Amato's view.

BLITZER: Now, you once served in the U.S. Senate. Do you think it would be wise from Senator Dole's standpoint to step down as Senate majority leader and just run his campaign right now?

WILSON: Well, I admire him for being conscientious in terms of his duties as the majority leader. I think at some point he really will, in order to have the kind of freedom of action as a candidate, probably be required to do that. He is very conscientious. He is moving-

BLITZER: When do you think he should do that? When would you recommend?

WILSON: Well, I think that's his decision and I think that he is very much concerned about shepherding through the Congress bills that are important, bills that never before had any opportunity to get to the president's desk because they would languish in the House of Representatives. I think one of the great things about this 104th Congress is that the president is being confronted with reforms long overdue like the balanced budget amendment. He flubbed that. Perhaps he'll get another chance.

BLITZER: Governor, we only have a few seconds left. Let me just ask you briefly, the vice presidency, are you interested in being Bob Dole's running mate if California is so critical to his election?

WILSON: Well, I think California is critical to his election, but I don't think he necessarily needs to have a Californian on the ballot with him to win it. In fact, I am convinced that he can win it whoever is with him on the ballot, and I intend to see that he does. I don't think that I am likely to be asked. I would be honored and flattered by the invitation, but we have a strange, quaint law in California that permits a Republican governor and a Democratic lieutenant governor. I'll be happy with his selection, I'm sure.

BLITZER: OK. Governor Wilson, thanks so much for joining us. And I'm sure you'll be back before the convention in San Diego.



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