Democratic vice-presidential nominee Sen. Tim Kaine (D., Va.) said Friday that he is still for the Hyde amendment, which bans the use of taxpayer money to fund abortions, conflicting with reports that he privately told running mate Hillary Clinton he would support her opposition.
On CNN's New Day, host Alisyn Camerota pressed Kaine to clarify his stance.
"The Hyde amendment that bans taxpayer funding for abortion. For or against it?" Camerota asked.
"I have been for the Hyde amendment," Kaine said. "I haven't changed my position on that."
"You're still for it?" Camerota asked. "You're still for the banning?
"I have not changed my position on that," Kaine said.
"Thank you for that clarity," Camerota said.
Clinton and the Democratic platform she helped write are against the rider, which is 40 years old.
Kaine, however, told The Weekly Standard earlier this month he had traditionally been a supporter of the Hyde amendment. He has been hit by progressives since his selection as Clinton's running mate for his past conservative-leaning social views, such as his 2005 gubernatorial run in Virginia where he touted being conservative on issues of personal responsibility.
Yet, on CNN's State Of The Union on Sunday, Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook said Kaine was with Clinton on the issue.
"He has said that he will stand with Secretary Clinton to defend a woman's right to choose, to repeal the Hyde amendment," he said. "So, you know, voters can be 100 percent confident that Tim Kaine is going to fight to protect a woman's right to choose."