In 1984, Mario Cuomo pioneered the argument that one may be “personally opposed” to abortion while supporting abortion rights.
Ever since, this convenient locution has become a staple for countless Democratic politicians, particularly Catholic ones. It is Vice President Joe Biden’s view and was Senator John Kerry’s stance when he ran for president in 2004.
Cuomo’s argument was a mess. For instance, in order to buttress his argument, he touted the (alleged) refusal of American Catholic bishops to forcefully denounce slavery. The bishops “weren’t hypocrites; they were realists,” Cuomo explained. They offered a “measured attempt to balance moral truths against political realities.”
So, ultimately, we have Mario Cuomo to thank, in part, for the rationale many catholics use when they vote for the democrats.
Oh, Mario, with whom I am well acquainted, is as scandalous and heretical as any of these dopey non practicing Catholic politicians is much at fault, but by now at least people should be thinking about things, considering whether a politician is the one to follow or th Catechism.
I am sure you do this.
Just saying.