MEMPHIS, Tenn. — You may not agree with Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves’ political views, and I do not, but you have to give him credit for not dodging the tough questions from the national media.
Mississippi is currently at the center of the divisive battle over abortion. The state’s ban on abortion after 15 weeks is now before the U.S. Supreme Court, and a leaked draft of the court’s ruling indicates that a majority of justices will vote to overturn the longstanding Roe v. Wade decision – that made abortions legal nationwide.
If that happens, Mississippi – along with Tennessee and other states – have trigger laws that will automatically go into effect to ban abortions with few exceptions.
On Sunday, Reeves appeared on national news shows beyond Fox – to defend his views against abortion.
His responses were part condescending and part nonsensical. He had no good answers for how his state has failed to provide adequate healthcare for poor children, push for livable wages for many adults – or work to reduce the state’s massive poverty rate.
But at least he did what other staunch conservative governors are unwilling to do – face more than softball questions.
Without a doubt, the abortion debate inflames passions. Is it a matter of protecting life? Or is it a case of depriving women of their right to make healthcare decisions that are best for them? Looks like the high court is about to decide… I’m Otis Sanford, and that’s my point of view.