The response to Abortion is simply not irrational, nor is it "Talibanist," nor is it religous saber rattling for personal self-aggrandizements.
The issue is huge, and not going away, but merely increasing in its adherents. For the GOP to build a history of burnning bridges with Pro-lifer's on this, especially when they have a very real shot of at least mitigating it, would be very ill advised.
You: "The issue is huge, and not going away, but merely increasing in its adherents. For the GOP to build a history of burnning bridges with Pro-lifer's on this, especially when they have a very real shot of at least mitigating it, would be very ill advised."
That's it. That hits the nail on the head.
Fortunately, the GOP hasn't actually made any mistakes yet. President Bush and Vice President Cheney have clearly and strongly stated the pro-life position of the party. The Republican Party holds itself out as a pro-life party, and as far as we know, it IS a pro-life party.
Arlen Specter put his foot in it. He made the mistake. The party can correct that mistake by preventing him from getting a powerful post where he will have the ability to frustrate the pro-life agenda of the party.
That's why he should be blocked by the party.
If the party does NOT block that nomination, it will be alarming. Why would the party alienate a core constituency over a guy who was clearly out of line, but who clearly will use his power against the policies of the party?
Are we pro-lifers just chumps? Are we dopes who've been roped?
If Specter doesn't get the job, the answer will clearly be no, the party is pro-life. Things are as they seem. If Specter does get the job, everyone will be on his guard and watching to see what happens. If then the pro-life strict constructionist judges are not forthcoming, that sick feeling in the pit of your stomach that maybe we're the Republicans' "Black Bloc" will be the dawning of truth.
As of right now, with Specter still not holding the gavel, there's no reason to expect the Republican Party to do the wrong thing. Trust them. Trust Bush and Cheney, Frist and the rest of the Republican leadership to not cut the ground out from under us and betray us. Why would they?