Self-described Socialist Democrat presidential candidate Bernie Sanders is attempting to make amends with Planned Parenthood just days after criticizing the abortion giant as part of the “political establishment” for endorsing his primary rival Hillary Clinton.
Sanders backpedaled, telling NBC News that he did not intend to insult Planned Parenthood, and even took back the accusation that they were part of the establishment: “No. They aren’t. They’re standing up and fighting the important fights that have to be fought.”
The Senator from Vermont then released a statement to commemorate the 43rd anniversary of Roe v. Wade in which he said, “I join with Planned Parenthood, NARAL and all Americans who have been fighting the never-ending attacks on women’s right to choose.” At a campaign rally on Friday, Sanders added that he was “a very strong supporter of Planned Parenthood.”
As Live Action News reported last week, Sanders’ original comment was meant to explain why Planned Parenthood endorsed Clinton instead of him, casting them as part of the “establishment” his candidacy was challenging. The remarks set off an uproar of pro-choice criticism of both candidates, with Planned Parenthood, Clinton, and NARAL all chastising Sanders.
However, the conflict is not indicative of actual policy differences between the two, as Clinton and Sanders both have 100% pro-abortion voting records according to Planned Parenthood and NARAL. On his campaign website, Sanders pledges that he would not only maintain but increase Planned Parenthood’s federal funding, and would only appoint judicial nominees supportive of Roe.
