Tale of the Tape: Rudy Vs. Himself Video clips of what Rudy's said, then and now
Rudy on taxpayer funding for abortion
1989
"There must be public funding for poor women for abortions." The above clip, which is longer than the one that was initially posted on YouTube, includes Giuliani referencing cases of rape and incest specifically, keeping him in line with a constitutional amendment that's more palatable to conservatives, the so-called Hyde Amendment, which prohibits public funding for abortion except for in rare cases.
April 2007
CNN asks Giuliani about the '89 YouTube clip. Giuliani mentions that the speech "was a long time ago" but that it represented his position "generally." The reporter follows-up: "So you support taxpayer money, or public funding, for abortion?" Giuliani: "If it would deprive someone of a constitutional right, yes. If that's the status of the law, then I would, yes."
May 2007
He's opposed to abortion again. Well, but, wait, not really. In this clip from last week's debate, Giuliani is asked straight up: "Why do you support the use of public funds for abortion?" He answers: "I don't. I support the Hyde Amendment. I hate abortion. I wish people didn't have abortions." When pressed, however, Giuliani says he supports New York's decision to provide public funding for abortions.
