During the GOP Debate, moderator Mary Katharine Ham asked Marco Rubio about social issues.
Rubio’s answer was unconventional and measured. While explaining his views, he made sure to discuss competing principles, and that people on both sides of each issue mean well.
On same-sex marriage, he said, “I don’t believe that believing in traditional marriage the way I do makes you a bigot or a hater.” Rubio continued, “It means that you believe that this institution that’s been around for millenia is an important cornerstone of society. I respect people who believe differently.”
Rubio’s answer on abortion was more interesting. He began by focusing on abortion as an issue of life and human rights. “On the issue of life, to me, the issue of life is not a political issue. It’s a human rights issue.”
Then, Rubio explained something politicians don’t often discuss—the competing rights that create a divide on the issue. “It puts in conflict two competing rights. On the one hand is the right of a woman to choose what to do with her body, which is a real right. And on the other hand is the right of an unborn human child to live. And they’re in conflict.”
In his answer, Rubio addressed his opponents’ values with respect. He explained how this issue of abortion puts him in a position where he has to choose between the right to life and right for a woman to control her body, and that he errs on the side of life.
Then Rubio explained how he could translate his pro-life position into something palatable beyond Republican voters in the general election, explaining the political left—not right—holds the extreme view on abortion.
Watch the full exchange here:
