It’s a tough argument. The Al Smith dinner has traditionally invited all the important politicians of both parties.
Then, along came abortion. Virtually ALL of the politicians in New York State and New York City are pro-abortion. There are very few exceptions. And all of the Democrats on the national level have been pro-abortion since the passage of Roe v. Wade.
So, this is not a first.
I share the concern about sitting down next to a mass murderer and being polite all through dinner. Watching the videos of McCain’s speech, it was evident that Cardinal Egan was carefully remaining expressionless throughout the whole damned dinner, so as to avoid favoring one candidate over the other or taking political sides.
I don’t know what the answer is. Having dinner with the enemies of Christ is different from offering them Communion. But it remains an awkward business. Still, maybe it was best. I think McCain came out way ahead, and may have increased his lead among those who watched his speech. Obama gained nothing that I could see.
Without prejudice to the Cardinal's assumed good intentions, if he feels he has to appear neutral about abortion, then there is something very wrong with the situation in which he's put himself. A Bishop is to teach, exhort, and preach the Word "in season and out of season," not look blank because appearing Catholic would be tacky.
There, that's more accurate.