The New York Times:
Nixon worried that greater access to abortions would foster “permissiveness,” and said that “it breaks the family.” But he also saw a need for abortion in some cases — like interracial pregnancies, he said.
“There are times when an abortion is necessary. I know that. When you have a black and a white,” he told an aide, before adding, “Or a rape.”
That “or a rape” afterthought is the icing on the terrifying cake. What an ass. Not like everyone didn’t already know that.
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June 24, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Wellsmus
Nixon was known to people inside as having a nasty streak: cussing, debasing his enemies, and saying regrettable things like this.
What’s fascinating to me is that, as a matter of process, they recorded so many of the conversations that happened in the Oval Office! So did LBJ, apparently.
To me, Nixon saying this is more of an indication that he had the finger on the pulse of HIS America. I’m sure countless others would have said the same thing in private (w/o the recording) and would have agreed with him.
This reminds me of the long road that organizations like Planned Parenthood have had to (and still have to) travel.
June 24, 2009 at 9:20 pm
idyllicmollusk
I see that you’ve watched Frost Nixon.
June 25, 2009 at 8:29 am
Wellsmus
I did watch it! Good movie.