So how would you define being "Pro-Life", in this context (other than the circular definition of "identifying with that particular label")?

Would you vote in favor of an initiative to have abortion be classified as second-degree murder in New York (i.e. premeditated)?

No, I wouldn't. Look, I was pro-choice for most of my life. It's because I just didn't know enough about the science of life. After reading a whole lot, I came to believe that life begins at conception and that snuffing out that life is wrong. I just feel like people are similiarly misinformed so no, of course it's not murder. I don't think pro-choicers are evil. They just don't know any better. Would I support pro-life politicians who would seek to ban abortion? Yes. Would I support pro-choice politicians who like things they way they are? Yes, too.

All the abortion stuff aside (I agree that Roe v. Wade has turned it into a bigger issue than it should be), I still think Giuliani's problem isn't any specific policy issue but just an inability to connect with voters. He can make a compelling intellectual case as well as anyone, but I think he lacks the charisma that makes people feel like they know him personally. It's hard for him to disguise that inner, dare I say, viciousness, however much he smiles these days.

I don't think pro-choicers are evil. They just don't know any better.

A preference and a stance does not equal a higher level of understanding.

is this post inspired by our little talk ;)

Note: An egg is not an embryo is not a fetus is not a baby.

If the Republican Party could just deal with that reality (i.e. acknowledge that abortion is a complex issue that probably doesn't have a single solution) I would be comfortable calling myself a Republican.

Also, we might now have a Rudy/Palin ticket, which would TOTALLY rock my world. (And Yaron, you speak like you think an inner viciousness is a bad thing in a President...)

Hey, I'm just the messenger.

Would I support pro-life politicians who would seek to ban abortion? Yes. These are the politicians that have already banned the death penalty, right? Or does life end at a crime? I would love to read those science books.

nds, don't you feel "innocence" and "guilt" have a role to play there, making those two issues fundamentally different? As in, some guy knocks over a liquor store and kills the clerk vs. a baby that hasn't done anything?

Mark, so why not overturn Roe and let the states deal with it? Prior to Roe abortion was legal (with varying restrictions) in 70% of the states.

I'm all for the repeal of Roe and the implementation of some (non-Constitutional) rational legislation on abortion. Partial-birth abortion? Sounds a lot like murder to me. First trimester abortion? Ick, but go ahead if you must.

Drawing the lines won't be easy, but that's why legislators get the big bucks. (Of course, it's a shame most of those are delivered under-the-table....)

I agree with Mark's first statement (er, but not his second). I am surprised that you see Rudy's stance as a weakness, he would have had such broader appeal than McCain for that one reason alone. I know many women who this is their top issue when it comes to their vote, and while the two sides remain diametrically opposed there will be no concessions on either side. Do you seriously think Roe V. Wade could be overturned without a sh--storm of gigantic preportions? And as Jon Stewart rightly pointed out, Sarah Palin should NEVER have referred to her daughter's "decision", immediately pointing out that there was CHOICE involved, something she is so adamantly against. According to her there is no decision making process allowed, it was an odd slant for her to take.

Well, she could have given the baby up for adoption.