Former GOP gubernatorial candidate claims Trump instructed her to modify her stance on abortion

Former President Donald Trump advised failed Republican gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon to “talk differently about abortion” during her campaign against Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, according to Dixon herself. In a podcast episode that aired on Wednesday, Dixon revealed that Trump had suggested a different approach to the contentious issue of abortion, but she was unable to pivot in time. She acknowledged that Trump’s advice was correct and expressed hope that he would be able to navigate the issue in the 2024 presidential election.

Dixon, a conservative commentator, also mentioned that attack ads targeting Republicans on the abortion issue were already being released and urged Trump to win back female voters. In response, Trump acknowledged that many people had faced similar challenges but emphasized that there was a way to talk about abortion that would avoid negative consequences.

This revelation comes in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which has created difficulties for many Republicans in navigating the politics of abortion. During her campaign, Dixon took a hardline approach against abortion, opposing exceptions for cases of rape or incest. However, she ultimately lost to Whitmer, a strong advocate for abortion rights, by a margin of more than 10 points.

Interestingly, Trump himself has expressed support for exceptions to abortion restrictions in cases of rape, incest, and when the life of the mother is in danger. He has characterized Democrats as the radicals on the issue and has emphasized the importance of explaining the need for exceptions. However, he has not specified the type of federal legislation he would support if elected for a second term.

Trump has privately blamed anti-abortion hard-liners for the Republican Party’s lackluster performance in the 2022 midterm elections and has been cautious about addressing the issue on the campaign trail. While he believes that the federal government should play a role in restricting abortion, he has not provided details on the specific legislation he would propose or support.

It is worth noting that Trump has criticized the six-week abortion ban signed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a rival for the Republican presidential nomination, as “too harsh.” Despite this criticism, Trump frequently highlights his appointment of three Supreme Court justices who voted to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Overall, Dixon’s revelation about Trump’s advice on abortion highlights the challenges faced by Republicans in navigating this contentious issue, particularly in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, it remains to be seen how Trump and other Republican candidates will address abortion and appeal to voters.

Original Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-09-01 19:33:00