Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sparked outrage from Democrat colleagues after his remarks Sunday on abortion restrictions, The Hill reported.
At the Iowa State Fair, Kennedy told a reporter with NBC News that women should have the right to have an abortion during the first three months of pregnancy. After that, "the state has an interest" in deciding if abortions should be restricted, he said.
His response indicated he would support a federal ban on abortion after the first three months.
Kennedy's campaign quickly issued a statement on kennedy24.com to clarify his position.
"Today, Mr. Kennedy misunderstood a question posed to him by an NBC reporter in a crowded, noisy exhibit hall at the Iowa State Fair," the statement said. "Mr. Kennedy's position on abortion is that it is always the woman's right to choose. He does not support legislation banning abortion."
The clarification did not satisfy some Democrats, according to The Hill.
"The questions posed to him by NBC were clear; he wasn't confused. A transcript has been released," said Ameshia Cross, a Democratic strategist and commentator. "He was offered ample opportunity to clarify his statements, especially in light of the growing outcry for more access to abortion rights and women's reproductive health, not less.
"RFK Jr. has never tried to appeal to Democrats or the party's primary voters. His stance on abortion access runs an affront to not only the Democratic Party but the majority of Americans regardless of partisan stripe."
Michael Starr Hopkins, a Democrat operative and campaign veteran, added: "RFK Jr.'s comments are further proof that he doesn't represent the views of Democratic voters. An anti-vax, COVID-denying, anti-choice candidate like Kennedy should find himself right at home with his pals in the Republican Party.
"Republicans can attempt to dress Kennedy up as a Democrat but it's still just lipstick on a pig."