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Transcript of Mondale-Coleman debate (Associated Press, Nov. 4, 2002)

MONDALE: You have been an arbitrary right-to-lifer. I am not, and that's one of the big, many issues that divide us ...

COLEMAN: Let me just ...

MONDALE: And it's not tone ...

COLEMAN: Let me just finish off on that issue, if I may, Mr. Vice President. And I would take exception, I'll use a kind word, to the description of an arbitrary.

My wife and I have had two children who were born, first son and the last daughter. They died at very young ages. I have a deep and profound respect for the value of life; it's not arbitrary.

But even on that issue, I think we can and should look to find common ground, but please, don't describe it as arbitrary.

MONDALE: I say that I respect you. I am sorry about the tragedy in your family. I know that life should be sacred.

But where we don't agree is your idea that we should go in and prohibit, through constitutional changes, the freedom of choice that people have. That is wrong. I disagree with it.

This was one of the ugliest moments you'll ever see in a political debate. Mr. Mondale looked like he'd been hit by a 2-X-4. How he didn't know about Mr. Coleman's personal losses is beyond comprehension. But to then follow up the blunder by saying that life is sacred and the government has no role in protecting it was just bizarre. Posted by Orrin Judd at November 5, 2002 8:28 AM