Abortion rights supporters and abortion opponents have both been waiting for a chance to hear candidates delve into their issue, and they got that moment tonight. A majority of voters typically say they believe abortion should be legal in at least some circumstances though core Republican constituencies typically believe it should be illegal in most circumstances. Meanwhile Mrs. Clinton expressed her concern about what she characterized as a growing number of state restrictions on abortion, an issue that rallies her base. Mrs. Clinton had clearly worked hard on confident messages about the complexity of the issue that abortion rights opponents have developed to try to address the matter. Mr. Trump used blunt language aimed at many Americans' gut feelings.

Source: Wall Street Journal October 19, 2016 19:48 UTC