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Video Excerpts: Kennedy-Romney Debate 1994

As part of a video tribute to the late Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., Democrats showed this 18-year-old debate excerpt at their convention in Charlotte, N.C. on Tuesday.  In 1994, Mitt Romney was the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate from Massachusetts, challenging Kennedy, the incumbent at that time.

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A transcript follows.

MITT ROMNEY: I believe that abortion should be safe and legal in this country. I believe that since Roe v. Wade has been the law for 20 years, that we should sustain and support it. And I sustain and support that law and the right of a woman to make that choice.

EDWARD KENNEDY: On the question of the choice issue: I have supported the Roe v. Wade. I am pro-choice. My opponent is multiple choice.

EDWARD KENNEDY: When, Mr. Romney, are you going to tell the people of Massachusetts which health care program you favor?

MITT ROMNEY: I have a plan. I have a position paper on health care. I am happy to show it to you, Senator, any time you’d like.

EDWARD KENNEDY: Mr. Romney, it isn’t a question of showing me your paper. It’s a question of showing all the people in here that are watching this program the paper.

MITT ROMNEY: … well they can get …

EDWARD KENNEDY: They ought to have an opportunity to know.

MITT ROMNEY: I think it’s a wonderful idea to take it through piece by piece and …

EDWARD KENNEDY: That’s what you have to do as a legislator.

MITT ROMNEY: I understand …

EDWARD KENNEDY: That’s exactly what you have to do as a legislator.

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