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Debate Puts Steele on Defense
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Cardin responded that the vote "would do nothing at all to advance embryonic stem cell research," and that the Senate backed it as part of a compromise bill.
On the same topic, Russert asked Steele whether his opposition to destroying embryos for research would extend to fertility clinics that routinely discard embryos not used in pregnancies.
"I won't close down the fertility clinics," Steele said, but would "pursue options that would allow us to look at adoption."
Among the most jarring moments came when Russert confronted Steele on contradictions from past statements.
For instance, Russert asked Steele whether he still considers Clarence Thomas a hero. Steele replied that he has disagreed with the black Supreme Court justice on a number of issues, including affirmative action.
"I strongly support affirmative action," Steele said, an assertion Russert quickly disputed.
"No, I've always supported affirmative action," Steele said sternly.
"Well, if we go back in 1991, we've got a program here called 'Affirmative Action That Doesn't Work,' 'Affirmative Action's Become a Race-Based Quota Formula,' " Russert said.
"That's -- but that's not the same as saying, 'I don't support it," Steele responded.
Russert also pressed Steele on whether he would support a constitutional amendment to outlaw abortion. At first, Steele said, "I don't think that's been proposed."
When Russert corrected him, Steele said he would not and believes laws on abortions should be left to the states.
After the debate, Steele said, "Everyone knows I'm a pro-life Roman Catholic. The idea of tinkering with the constitution goes against my sensibilities."
