President Trump on Friday called it a “profound honor” to be the first commander in chief to attend the annual anti-abortion March for Life in Washington, DC.
He used his speech to attack Democrats as embracing “radical and extreme positions” on abortion and praised those attending the event, saying they were motivated by “pure, unselfish love.”
Trump also cited actions he’s taken as president that were sought by social conservatives, including the confirmation of 187 federal judges.
“Unborn children have never had a stronger defender in the White House,” he declared.
“Every life brings love into this world. Every child brings joy to a family. Every person is worth protecting,” Trump said, prompting cheers from the thousands attending the march.
Trump is counting on the support of his base of conservative activists to help bring him across the finish line in November.
“I think it’s a brilliant move,” said Ralph Reed, chair of the Faith and Freedom Coalition and one of Trump’s most prominent evangelical supporters.
Reed said the president’s appearance would “energize and remind pro-life voters what a great friend this president and administration has been.”
Past presidents who opposed abortion, including Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush, steered clear of personally attending the march to avoid being too closely associated with demonstrators eager to outlaw the procedure.
They sent remarks for others to deliver, spoke via telephone hookup or invited organizers to visit the White House.
Over the last 10 years, however, the Republican Party has undergone a “revolution,” displaying a new willingness to “embrace the issue as not only being morally right but politically smart,” said Mallory Quigley, a spokeswoman for the Susan B. Anthony List and Women Speak Out PAC.
The group is planning to spend $52 million this cycle to help elect candidates opposed to abortion rights.
PAC President Marjorie Dannenfelser will serve as national co-chair of a new campaign coalition, Pro-life Voices for Trump.
According to Pew Research Center polling in 2019, roughly 6 in 10 Americans said abortion should be legal in all or most cases.
With Wires