The people for whom abortion is a litmus test are going to have to accept the fact that many people currently registered as GOP are really "small gov't" proponents. Many of them would probably register as Independent if so many states didn't bar Independents from voting in either major party primary.
I think Condi is in the majority by saying that she is against abortion, but doesn't think the Fed'l gov't should be making laws on that issue, except in narrow areas like late term abortions or parental notification.
The real issue is how much of your life should the Fed'l Gov't be able to control? Remember, when you decide that, you also have to accept the results when they decide in a way you don't like.
I think Condi is in the majority by saying that she is against abortion, but doesn't think the Fed'l gov't should be making laws on that issue, except in narrow areas like late term abortions or parental notification.
Condoleezza Rice never said she was against abortion. In fact, when asked on Meet the Press if she thought abortion should be illegal, she said "no". Coupled with her calling pro-life Republicans "the other side" (WashTimes), it's clear she simply does not agree that Roe v. Wade should be overturned.
It is true the latest Quinnipiac poll shows you are right about the majority (if you believe the results were not biased). But
at least 40% of Americans believe abortion should be illegal in most or all cases. Given that most of these are GOP voters, around 80% of Republicans disagree with Condoleezza Rice. She cannot win the nomination for President.
The real issue is how much of your life should the Fed'l Gov't be able to control?
The federal government overruled state laws on the abortion issue with Roe v. Wade. Pro-life Republicans know that decision was wrong and should be overturned. These voters represent a solid majority of the Republican base. Since Roe v. Wade, the only Republicans ever elected President were pro-life (more Americans are pro-life than the polls show). That is not going to change by 2008. So, unless we want to see another President Clinton, the GOP needs to nominate a pro-life ticket in 2008.