This started as a comment for NeoPolitics II but I think it qualifies as an independent article.

Postie, Tuppence -

McCain_Tight_Tie

I didn’t watch the showdown at the church Saturday night so I can't give you a first-hand impression, but everything I've read, aside from the accusation that McCain cheated (see the KO on McCain - Again), says that McCain acquitted himself better than Obama.

Most reporters say Obama came across as bright, thoughtful, interesting, even admirable - but in many cases his answers were inconclusive. McCain is reported to have been just the opposite - direct, peremptory, energetic, impatient to take charge.

When you guys finish wetting yourselves over that, let’s take a look at the abortion issue in the context of Saturday night - and beyond.

We can argue the issue until the cows come home and get nowhere because everyone’s mind is already made up - and there’s no question where the Saturday night evangelical crowd stood.

Ditto the candidates. No question, Obama’s “above my pay grade” was a dodge - an obvious dodge. Because I’m pro-choice, I wonder how I’d have answered that question. But then, McCain smacked the "when does life begin" question outta the church!

But, so what?

Do you think that was enough to earn him a broad backing of evangelicals? Going in, everyone knew McCain had the lowest possible rating NARAL bestows on legislators - and THAT wasn't enough to swing the evangelical vote. Do you think his swift, pat answer gained him converts?

I realize this may be a too-heavy dose of political reality for you but McCain’s answer has implications that he’s simply ignoring:

o What about the 60% of Americans who want to see Roe v Wade preserved? What did McCain’s snappy answer do for their vote?

o What message does it send to the evangelical base, the GOP, in general, and the rest of us when McCain continues to float the prospect of a Pro-Choice running mate?

Seems loud and clear to me - McCain will say anything to get your vote!

So what’s new?

In 1999, AP reported: McCain said, “I’d love to see a point where Roe vs. Wade is irrelevant, and could be repealed because abortion is no longer necessary. But certainly in the short term, or even the long term, I would not support repeal of Roe vs. Wade, which would then force women in America to [undergo] illegal and dangerous operations.”

A spokesman said that McCain “has a 17-year voting record of supporting efforts to overturn Roe vs. Wade. He does that currently, and will continue to do that as president.”