Off the Record

especially troublesome By Diogenes | August 29, 2008 1:56 PM

The National Abortion Rights Action League is spitting mad over McCain's pick of Sarah Palin as his running mate. The phrase "anti-choice" occurs eleven times in its heavy-breathing press release. Here's NARAL's Nancy Keenan: 

"John McCain's choice of Sarah Palin as his running mate proves just how rigid and extreme his administration would be when it comes to a woman's right to choose," Keenan said. "For 25 years, McCain has opposed a woman's right to choose, and we know that he will continue to push anti-choice policies in the White House. McCain's pick of anti-choice Sarah Palin is further evidence that his White House will be just another four years of Bush-style policies. Any remaining doubts about McCain's extreme anti-choice position should be put to rest when voters learn about the combined anti-choice records of Sarah Palin and John McCain." 

Sen. McCain's selection of Palin as his vice-presidential running mate is especially troublesome for the unique audience of women voters NARAL Pro-Choice America is targeting: Independent and Republican pro-choice women in suburban and exurban swing districts. These women play a pivotal role in the presidential election. Recent polling confirms how, once these voters know McCain's extreme opposition to a woman's right to choose and family planning, they will switch parties to support Sen. Barack Obama.  

Maybe. But I should think NARAL would be doing cartwheels in glee -- if they believed their own propaganda -- that McCain picked a running mate who takes a more hard-line position against abortion than he does himself. Their statement doesn't have a particularly gleeful ring, does it?

If you found this helpful, our bi-weekly Insights emails can notify you of key commentary items. Also, please support this apostolic work. Progress toward our February expenses ($12,051 to go): $17,000.00 $4,949.15 71% 29% Add Insights to your account. | Make a pledge or one-time donation.

It's Your Turn to Sound Off!

» To ensure well-meaning comments, only donors are allowed to Sound Off.
  If you're a donor, log in; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!

Sound Off! Comments

• Posted by: patriot6908 - Aug. 29, 2008 2:18 PM ET USA

  "But I should think NARAL would be doing cartwheels in glee -- if they believed their own propaganda." They were doing cartwheels until McCain pulled the rug out from under them with one masterful stroke--the ideal running mate. You can bet it's gloom city over where NARAL, Planned Parenthood and their progressive AmerCath allies are sitting and stewing. Let's pray for Gov. Palin--she's about to experience a two-month crucible -- the test of her mettle.