Tim Ryan defends shift to supporting abortion rights

[DonViejo]

BY MARINA PITOFSKY - 06/25/19 01:02 PM EDT

2020 presidential hopeful Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) is defending the shift in his views on abortion, saying in a Tuesday interview that progressive voters will appreciate that he "evaluated new information."

Ryan was previously anti-abortion rights but he announced in 2015 that he had switched position after listening to the stories of women who sought abortions. He also formerly held an “A” rating from the National Rifle Association, but he broke with the organization after announcing he supported expanded background checks in the wake of the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

“My positions evolved over my 17 years in Congress based on evidence and information and experience around these school shootings, around actually meeting women who I talked with and sat with and heard their stories about abortions they’ve had and complicated pregnancies they’ve had, and that’s what influenced my decision to change on those really, really important issues” Ryan said on “CNN Newsroom” Tuesday.

“I think Democrats, and especially progressive Democrats, appreciate someone who takes in new information, who has new experiences, and then evaluates their position based on that new information and new experiences,” the lawmaker continued.

[Ohiogal]

1. He is my Congressman

and boy did he get vilified by the mouth breathers around here over changing these views!

[shotten99]

2. I've always liked him, especially for his willingness to challenge Pelosi

Not that I always have agreed with him, but he does bring a lot of passion with him