In an interview Thursday, self-tanning enthusiast Donald Trump tried to clarify some of his recent positions on abortion. The Washington Post reports that when asked whether or not he’s ever dated a woman who had an abortion, Trump replied, “the answer is no.”
The question was prompted by Trump’s ever-changing position on reproductive rights. In an interview with MSNBC’s Chris Matthews in late March, Trump said that women who have an abortion should be “punished.” Almost immediately after the interview, Trump changed his position, indicating that he was “pro-life with exceptions.” About an hour later, the Republican frontrunner changed his mind again, saying in a statement that “doctors or any other person performing this illegal act upon a woman would be held legally responsible, not the woman.”
Both Trump’s wavering and sudden commitment to the pro-life cause left many wondering whether or not his newly found beliefs were sincere (it’s not). Last week, New York Times columnist and resident wit Maureen Dowd asked the former “swinging bachelor” if “he ever involved with anyone who had an abortion.”
“Such an interesting question,” Trump responded. “So what’s your next question?”
Today, Trump said that he thought Dowd’s question was a joke. “I thought she was kidding,” he said. He then took what is perhaps the most controversial stance of his campaign, adding “I respect Maureen Dowd. I think she’s a great writer.”
Despite respecting Dowd and generally loving women (except Megyn Kelly, Michelle Fields, and, well, every female reporter), women remain deeply disinterested in Trump’s candidacy.
Image via AP.