Is John McCain truly moderate in his views toward social issues? Well, according to a newsletter from NARL Pro-Choice America President, Nancy Keenan, he may be more right winged. In the online newsletter it says “since 1983 John McCain has cast 125 anti-choice votes out of 130 opportunities.”This should be great news to Republicans that are unsure of his loyalties to traditional platform issues. On the other hand, for some moderates and Democrats it could be a bad sign for their point of view concerning the ability to choose. The newsletter continues to state that Sen. McCain has never cosponsored or supported legislation that would prevent unintended pregnancy or reduce the need for abortion. Therefore, this means that probably the use of birth control as a preventive method is not on his agenda to uphold either.
This could mean that if elected, he could select more conservative Supreme Court Justices that will officially overturn Roe v. Wade. However, he does give exceptions to the rule for incest, rape, and endangering the life of the mother. These are well and good, but he needs to probably say more about his platform to prevent teen pregnancy. Statistics indicate that it is on the rise, so the abstinence talks are not solid. In the past, he has said what he hopes for in the future in regards to abortion. For instance a quote used from the Washington Post, “I'd love to see a point where it is irrelevant, and could be repealed because abortion is no longer necessary,” McCain told the Chronicle in an article. “But certainly in the short term, or even the long term, I would not support repeal of Roe v. Wade, which would then force X number of women in America to [undergo] illegal and dangerous operations.” This sounds a bit contradictory to a statement back in 2000. 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.”
Sometimes, Sen. McCain is portrayed as an almost independent, so this abortion perspective could tilt this idea. It will be interesting to see how the youth vote will react to his position that typically influences their lives. There is a chance that Sen. McCain may be moderate on the issue, but it sounds like in order to keep his base it will be difficult. Although, he does seem to be the type willing to cross party lines and he has done it in the past on different issues. Only time will tell, if this issue of women's rights will ruin his chances with women and the youth vote that may favor options.
Sen. McCain's stance on the war and abortion may seal his fate for the upcoming election. Unless, there are many people out there that agree with his positions. Also, his economic solution thus far says little to working class people that tend to like one or both of the Democrats. I feel that Sen. McCain has been given a distorted view as a moderate, and it is time to accept him as a conservative Republican. If you want a liberal Democrat, you should look at Sen. Barack Obama or Sen. Hillary Clinton. There is a contrast, and people should not think that they will be able to vote haphazardly without having drastically different results in the future administration. Knowledge about this candidate and the rest will serve this country better. Research before you vote!
