http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/07/opinion/07douthat.html?_r=1&scp=10&sq=abortion&st=cse
Ross Douthat, senior editor of The Atlantic and Republican strategist, rejects “the iron law” that Republican political losses are blamed on the Party’s pro-life position. He suggests that during the 2008 presidential campaign, abortion was hardly brought up by the Republican Party, and yet, the loss will be blamed on abortion. Douthat acknowledges that the pro-life movement is being pressed to focus its energies on a “compromise” rather than “absolutist” position but he believes that in developing a grassroots movement, pro-lifers have compromised. He states that the movement is focused on establishing crisis pregnancy centers, outlawing only what they “see as the grisliest form of abortion,” etc. Part of the “compromise,” is that the movement is emphasizing other life issues, as well. Douthat wants to end the stereotype that everyone in the pro-life movement is apathetic to science. He suggests that the pro-life movement is becoming increasingly aware of science; for example, they suggested that in place of embryonic stem cell research, scientists carry out the same research with different cells. To further underscore the changing tide of the pro-life movement, Douthat suggests that Sarah Palin was a reflection of a “post-feminist” reality in the US. In conclusion, Douthat states that it is the pro-choice movement that has become absolutist and uncompromising after Roe v. Wade. The historical context for this argument is that abortion has been a compelling social and political issue in every election at least since the 1973 Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade, which struck down most laws restricting abortion.
I am not convinced that the Republican loss in 2008 will be blamed on abortion. So far, it has been blamed more on public discontent with the Bush administration’s handling of domestic and international terrorism. Some of Douthat’s other suggestions were also stretches to me. For example, the fact that the pro-life movement suggested that the scientific community carry out research with cells other than embryonic stem cells does not signal to me that the movement is becoming better versed in science – it simply signals acknowledgment of basic science. I do, however, think that it is an important point that not everyone in the pro-life community believes in creationism and has an antipathy for science – that there are a variety of views within the movement is very important to take into consideration.
Will the Republican loss in 2008 be blamed on the issue of abortion? Has the pro-life movement compromised?
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I think this article points out some interesting considerations that the pro-life coalition should take note of. While it is almost out of the question to hang the cause of the GOP's loss in 2008 on the issue of abortion, examining the strategy and milestones the movement advocates can still lead to future gains for the agenda. I think it's also important to note that compromise can be a valuable tool-while advocating absolute positions may not. I remember a section from William Martin's description of the White House Conference on the Family in which he mentions a liberal gay-rights advocate who was completely turned off by the religious right's mode of argumentation, which he described as "a venomous kind of spitting and shouting and red-faced yelling". Arguing with valid points and calm tones for compromise will likely yield much more promising results, if for no other reason than because the other side is more likely to actually listen. And, as is possible with any compromise, the pro-life movement can begin with such a decision and move towards more restrictive points once their milestones have been achieved.
I'd be interested to here whether you think the pro-life movement has already taken a compromising position, though, Andrew. It's certainly something for them to consider in a time where many are saying that the pro-life movement has 'lost.' But I think this author was suggesting that the pro-lifers have already scrapped their original goals to pursue a compromise. Whether this proves effective, only time will tell.
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