Possible Trump VP pick flip-flops on abortion comments

by TheHill.com - 07/11/16 12:32 PM ET

Retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, a possible Donald Trump running mate, is flip-flopping on abortion, saying Monday that he’s a “pro-life Democrat” after comments on Sunday that women will have to “make the decision” on the divisive issue.

EXCLUSIVE: LTG Mike Flynn tells me he is “a pro-life Democrat,” clarifies abortion comments by phone. “I believe the law should be changed.”

— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) July 11, 2016

{mosads}”This pro-choice issue is a legal issue that should be decided by the courts. If people want to change the law, vote,” Flynn said in an interview, according to tweets from Fox News’s Jennifer Griffin.

Flynn also recalled his upbringing with a pro-life mother, attending rallies and driving floats.

“If people are going to decide [the] election on abortion issue they should just stay home,” he reportedly told Griffin, saying his priority was national security.

Flynn raised eyebrows on the right Sunday, saying it’s a woman’s right to choose whether to have an abortion.

“They’re the ones that have to make the decision because they’re the ones that are going to decide to bring up that child or not,” Flynn said on ABC’s “This Week.”

“But it’s a difficult legal decision … and I think women are so important in that decision-making process,” Flynn added.

Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the prominent anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony List, said in a statement on Sunday that Flynn “disqualified himself from consideration as Vice President” with his comments.

Trump has faced his own criticism over the issue of abortion, saying earlier this year women should face “some form of punishment” if they seek an abortion after it’s been outlawed.

Trump later backtracked and came more in line with traditional Republican views on the issue by saying only doctors who perform illegal abortions should be held accountable.

Flynn is believed to be among two former military officials Trump is considering for VP, with most eyes on Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former Speaker Newt Gingrich for the position.