The dividing lines have been made clear for years, and now Bernie Sanders has “stepped up” the rhetoric by declaring that one cannot be a Democrat unless a man supports abortion.
Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders stated at a forum in New Hampshire that he believes it is “absolutely essential” for a Democrat to be pro-choice on abortion.
Speaking at the “Our Rights, Our Courts” forum in Concord on Saturday, the senator from Vermont was asked by MSNBC host Stephanie Ruhle if he believed it was possible to be pro-life and a Democrat.
While acknowledging the existence of a few pro-life Democrats in Congress, Sanders nevertheless concluded, “By this time in history, I think when we talk about what a Democrat is, I think being pro-choice is an essential part of that.”
In response, Princeton University Professor Robert P. George took to Twitter to denounce Sanders’ comments, believing that the candidate was “officially excommunicating pro-life Democrats.”
“So: if you’re pro-life you are unacceptable, unwanted, an intruder. Time to go elsewhere,” said George.
Nevertheless, George also commended Sanders for showing “superiority to his competitors in terms of honesty and forthrightness.”
“His answer was direct and clear. No oiliness. Sanders is a man of principle–I only wish he had the right principles,” he added.
The forum was sponsored by the pro-choice groups Demand Justice, Center for Reproductive Rights, NARAL Pro-Choice America, and All* Above All Action Fund. (source)