When asked about his policy differences with former President Trump on the issue of abortion, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) said the presidential election would be focused on the economy rather than the abortion issue.
In an interview with NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” Graham said he still supports a ban on abortion after 15 weeks, but “agrees” with President Trump’s support for states’ rights to set abortion policy.
“He’s our candidate. He believes that a states’ rights approach is the right way to go. Those are policies I agree with,” Graham said.
“We’re going to continue this debate, but we’re not going to win or lose on abortion,” he continued. “We’re going to win or lose on whether we can change the policy trajectory of this country, whether we can get gas prices down, whether we can control our borders, whether we can get grocery prices down.”
Asked whether he would urge Trump to support a federal ban on abortion if elected in November, Graham replied, “I’m going to be me. I think most Americans are opposed to late-term abortion.”
“This is a debate our great country deserves to have, but this election isn’t about abortion. It’s about the economy and a world on fire. Kamala Harris’ nightmare will be having to defend her policy choices and explain to the American people why the world isn’t on fire,” Graham added.
Trump has voiced support for states’ rights on the issue of abortion, setting himself apart from some in his party who support federal regulation of abortion.
Currently, 22 states ban or restrict abortion beyond the standards set by Roe v. Wade, a ruling that stands to be overturned in 2022 and has sparked a wave of anti-abortion bills in Republican-led states.
