Since I have strongly focused on personality based topics in past blogs, I want to take a deeper look at the current candidates' standings on real world issues. I realize that I have been complaining about the lack of coverage of real issues in the news, but I have made an effort to look up such coverage, and I think the most comprehensive guide is in The New York Times. By pooling together information from this site, and others, I am able to cite my opinions on the issue of abortion, which was the subject matter of my choice for this week.
I like the fact that the NY Times uses direct quotes in relation to the candidates' thoughts. Rudy Giuliani, for example, stated that he believes in a woman's right to chose in one instance, but was quoted at a later time, saying "I hate abortion." He then supported public funding of abortion. If it is the job of the President to act as a moral authority, it is interesting that he would contradict himself so greatly. Mitt Romney made a similar choice. A once declared pro-choice person, he then admitted, "I change my mind...I won't apologize to anybody for becoming pro-life."
Democrats have made similar shifts. John Edwards "tip-toed" around the issue by saying that he realizes that the subject is sensitive, and that America must be "respectful" of both view points. Dennis Kucinich also claims that he changed his mind after speaking with women who had dealt with the abortion issue. He is now pro-choice.
If nothing else, the example of the issue of abortion serves as a dispute for the widely held claim of a polar division between Democrats and Republicans. Both sides sway on issues and may lean toward the opposite of what their "party" would strictly adhere to. It is important for the public to be aware of this, especially on an issue as divisive as abortion.
I like the fact that the NY Times uses direct quotes in relation to the candidates' thoughts. Rudy Giuliani, for example, stated that he believes in a woman's right to chose in one instance, but was quoted at a later time, saying "I hate abortion." He then supported public funding of abortion. If it is the job of the President to act as a moral authority, it is interesting that he would contradict himself so greatly. Mitt Romney made a similar choice. A once declared pro-choice person, he then admitted, "I change my mind...I won't apologize to anybody for becoming pro-life."
Democrats have made similar shifts. John Edwards "tip-toed" around the issue by saying that he realizes that the subject is sensitive, and that America must be "respectful" of both view points. Dennis Kucinich also claims that he changed his mind after speaking with women who had dealt with the abortion issue. He is now pro-choice.
If nothing else, the example of the issue of abortion serves as a dispute for the widely held claim of a polar division between Democrats and Republicans. Both sides sway on issues and may lean toward the opposite of what their "party" would strictly adhere to. It is important for the public to be aware of this, especially on an issue as divisive as abortion.
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