December 19, 2004
THE WORLD REAGAN MADE:
Democrats eye softer image on abortion: Leaders urge more welcome for opponents (Susan Milligan, December 19, 2004, Boston Globe)
Leading Democrats, stung by election losses, are signaling they want the party to embrace antiabortion voters and candidates, softening the image of the party from one fiercely defensive of abortion rights to one that acknowledges the moral and religious qualms some Americans have about the issue.House minority leader Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat who is one of the most ardent supporters of abortion rights in Congress, has encouraged Tim Roemer, a former representative with a strong voting record against abortion, to run for the chairmanship of the Democratic National Committee. The Democrats' new Senate minority leader, Harry Reid of Nevada, opposes abortion rights.
No prominent Democrat has suggested that the party change its long-held stance that a woman should have the right to an abortion if she chooses.
realistically the Democrats have to remain the pro-death party or face a challenge from another party on the Left, but the recognition that it hurts them nationally is a signal moment in our politics. 25 years ago, Ronald Reagan was considered positively bizarre for opposing abortion. Indeed, it was considered sufficient to doom his candidacy. Posted by Orrin Judd at December 19, 2004 9:24 AM
It's not going to change. The DemocRATS cannot change on abortion. State action to bend culture toward the pro-death side is much too central to the party of Communists, queers and schoolteachers. They may vainly attempt to change the meanings of words used in the abortion debate, but this will not work: it's just too--gay.
Posted by: Lou Gots at December 19, 2004 11:16 AMThe Democrats are not going to lose the bucks they get from Hollywood Trendnoids, and the loyalty of the MSM, both of which would happen if they ceased being the pro-choice party. They can't even oppose gay marriage as an institution, so there is no way they will budge an inch on abortion.
Posted by: Bart at December 19, 2004 11:26 AM