Abortion At The Forum

Given the particular interest of most white evangelical Christians, it would be inexcusable to let pass comment on the presidential forum staged by Saddleback Church's Rick Warren on August 16 without commenting on the treatment of abortion rights. Warren asked Obama two questions (McCain, only the first) on the topic:

Now, let’s deal with abortion; 40 million abortions since Roe v. Wade. As a pastor, I have to deal with this all of the time, all of the pain and all of the conflicts. I know this is a very complex issue. Forty million abortions, at what point does a baby get human rights, in your view?

Have you ever voted to limit or reduce abortions?

Put aside Warren's remark that there have been "40 million abortions since Roe v. Wade." Assuming that is accurate, it implies that there would have been no abortions had not the Supreme Court in 1973 decided in favor of a woman's right to choose, and that prior to the decision no abortions had taken place. More critically, Rev. Warren asked the emotionally-charged question "at what point does a baby get human rights?" and conveniently- despite invoking the court ruling- neglected to ask either candidate about whether Roe v. Wade was properly decided or should be overturned.

Reverend Warren managed to put Democrat Obama on the spot: how does someone pro-choice answer such a question without sounding somewhat harsh while noting that until the age of majority no young person enjoys full human rights? Even at age 17, in many states an individual cannot drive; drink alcohol; vote; sign most legal contracts; or have an operation without parental consent.

John McCain similarly could have been put on the spot- by being asked about Roe v. Wade, a subject from which conservative Repubs understandably flee. While it's hard to discern a pro-choice or pro-life majority in this country, there clearly is support for Roe v. Wade itself. When the subject is mentioned, Republicans frequently deflect attention from the inquiry; Democrats usually welcome it, especially because it serves as a catalyst for arguing the importance of electing a Democrat so the Court does not overturn its famous ruling.

Initially, I found this lack of balance disappointing. However, now that we learn that John McCain may (contrary to the assurance of Reverend Warren) learned of the questions during Obama's appearance and prior to his own, it is clearly not disappointing, but, instead, predictable.