I had a good talk with a woman while phone banking.

[madaboutharry]

I was making calls today at the Obama office and I heard something interesting from a woman I called. She was voting for Obama, but didn't like his support of abortion rights. She also said she doesn't like the position taken by republicans that could threaten a woman's right to an abortion if the mother's health is in danger. This was the third or fourth time someone has said this to me. They identified themselves as being pro-life but having decided to vote for Obama anyway because everything else is so awful in this country or that the republican position on abortion is actually too extreme.

I know that I personally have only encountered a few of these voters, but I wonder if this is something bigger. I think the republicans may be actually be losing their grip on a segment of the pro-life vote.

[gateley]

1. Obama also stresses education so there are fewer unwanted pregnancies.

Novody 'likes' abortion, but he's fighting for the right of the mother to make her own decision.

Am I right in thinking he's against late-term abortion? That's important for these people to know, too - it might make it a little easier for them.

[Kerrytravelers]

2. I'm wondering if the simple, and correct, argument that by supporting policies that will reduce the

number of abortions is actually a "pro-life" stance. I'm referring to policies such as sensible sex education in school, a social safety net for economically challenged women and families, and a comprehensive health care program that supports women and families. These three simple things would bring down the number of abortions exponentially.

[Quantess]

3. How reassuring to hear that some people have their priorities in order.

[Booster]

4. Republicans always vote their pocketbook, and some Dems too.

They're hurting money wise so that trumps all other beliefs they have. Simple, really.

[madaboutharry]

6. These people have been identified as

independents and swing voters. I have a much more charitable opinion of them after several months of working at the phone bank. There are some good people out there.

[Booster]

7. I agree. Years ago, when Republicans were REAL Republicans

I probably would have counted myself with them, but over the years the party has let the extreme right-wing hate mongers take over their party and they have abandoned their core values. Now, they are all just full of hate for everyone, including themselves.

[Skidmore]

5. I would believe it is safe to say that many DUers think in this way also.

There was a day or two in my life when I was young having an abortion crossed my mind. I was very young and very scared but I decided that it just wasn't something I could do after all. It was just not right for me. But I had the right to make that choice about my own body and my own needs and that of the child in life. Not everything is so clear cut and most of us are savvy enough to realize this. There are fetusus which will never be viable out side of the womb. Women have severe and chronic health problems which can potentially be of great harm to themselves and the fetus. The mechanics of gestation can go very wrong and the health and life of both mother and fetus can be in jeopardy. It is not my right to make the choice for another woman. The right wing position is extreme and is wilfully blind to the fact that, even in cultures where abortion is punishable by death, women still find ways to end unwanted or dangerous pregnancies. That is a fact. We do have duty as citizens to create an environment so that every child born into it is safe, welcomed, and cared for. That is being pro-life, in my opinion.

[Emit]

8. One of my closest family friends is a pro life Democrat

She called me after the debate last night and said she absolutely loved Obama's remarks regarding abortion, and she felt he really wasn't 'pro-abortion', and respected his explanation about his stance on Roe v. Wade. She said she had considered changing her registration to Non-Partisan at some point because of the heavy Pro-choice movement in the Dem party over the years. She said now, she's a 'solid Dem' and was so impressed with what Obama explained about the Democratic Party's platform on the subject of abortion. She also told me that she is repulsed by McCain's comments during the debate, and was horrified to learn that Palin required rape victims to pay for their rape kits.

Democrats are such thinking, caring people. :)