Democrats Open Door to Abortion Foes
Aug. 17 -- Democrats who oppose abortion rights say they are often pushed to the far reaches of their own party.
That happened in 1992 to Gov. Robert Casey of Pennsylvania, who was kept off the podium at the convention that would kick off Bill Clinton’s run for the presidency. They turned him down again in 1996. Casey, though a well-respected Democrat, was against abortion rights.
Tonight, however, two of the the governor’s sons, Robert Jr., the auditor general of Pennsylvania, and Patrick, a candidate for Congress, spoke before the Democratic National Convention to introduce a video honoring their father, who died in May at the age of 68. Both sons share their father’s views on abortion.
Some say the tribute — even though the sons never mentioned the subject of abortion — is a sign that Democrats are opening their ranks to a segment of the party that does not embrace its stance on abortion rights.
“It seems to be a very quiet attempt to try to reach out to those people who disagree with them on this issue,” said Carol Tobias, political director at the National Right to Life Committee.
Diversity: ‘A Source of Strength’
Indeed, calling itself a “party of inclusion,” the Democrats have written language into the party platform that recognizes that some members of the party oppose abortion rights. “We view this diversity of views as a source of strength, not a sign of weakness…” the platform reads.
The party, however, clearly supports abortion rights. Vice President Al Gore says he will “always, always defend a women’s right to choose.” And his running mate, Sen. Joseph Lieberman is also “pro-choice,” though he has expressed support for requiring minors to notify their parents before seeking an abortion.
With the new language in the party platform and the invitation of Robert Casey’s sons, the Gore campaign feels that it is making a clear effort to open the party doors to people on all sides of the controversial issue.
Related Stories
ABC News Live