Buchanan Hints At A Walkout Over Abortion

Pat Buchanan asserted Wednesday night that if the Republican Party moves toward an abortion-rights stance, “it ceases to be my party.” He suggested that GOP presidential candidate Bob Dole would have a “real problem” if he picks a running mate who supports abortion rights.

“I’m not going to walk away from the unborn,” Buchanan said on CNN’s “Larry King Live.”

The conservative commentator hinted that some anti-abortion activists might walk out of the Republican National Convention next month if the GOP waters down the anti-abortion plank of the party’s platform - or if Dole selects a running mate who supports abortion rights.

“If Sen. Dole should pick a pro-choice running mate, … the right-to-life movement, which is a vital part of our party, would likely break and part of it would leave the convention. I don’t think that’s even arguable,” Buchanan said.

Asked if he would participate in a convention walkout if Dole should do so, Buchanan said: “I’m going to that convention as a Republican. I hope to leave as a Republican.”