Obama says pointed abortion query “above his pay grade”

In my opinion, McCain alienated many women voters last night by poking out his chest at the idea that he is pro life.

At least he told the truth.  Obama would not answer.  Which one is qualified to lead?  The one who answers the question in truth.

"Wow, I guess Senator Obama has no opinion about such a fundamental question as to when a person becomes a person. Doesn't that strike you as odd?"

No, that strikes me as eminently sensible. He's saying that he's not qualified scientifically or theologically to give a definitive answer as to when personhood begins. That shows me that he understands the dificult nature of the issue (experts in both the religious and the scientific spheres don't have a clear consensus), and that he understands the role of a leader is to recognise complex issues as being complex, not to paint them as simple because it's politically convenient to do so.

McCain's position is fine, if it's what he truly believes and not what some pollster has told him to say. But personally I doubt it's anything more than a vote-getting ploy.

Obama's answer is no more or less starange than asking George Bush how old the universe is.  Just because someone has an opinion does not make that opinion correct or honest.  But I guess my question is why is this question relevent to a Presidential election?  I am not a US citizen but isn't this a question for clergy and the Supreme Court?  Such a focus on religious questions just makes the US look more like a religious state rather than the Republic the Founding Fathers created.

> isn't this a question for clergy and the Supreme Court? 

The original question on abortion was decided at he USSC, but the question of when human life begins is legislated in Congress, which is where the Pres candidate works his day job. 

Is it just me or is the odd thing about this story, how it's kind of written in a disjointed way?

Life apparently begins for John McCain when you go before an army of bikers and offer up your wife to the "Miss Buffalo Chip" topless "beauty pageant".

So, let me get this straight. McCain gets knocked by you because his answer was, in your opinion, a "vote-getting ploy" that was probably driven by polls. Obama is applauded by you because there is no clear cut consensus when a poll is taken of theologians and scientists.

A leader is supposed to lead. He's suppose to take in information and come out with an opinion. It's not like the beginning of life is some new issue like net neutrality.

Furthermore, there is never consensus on anything. How will Senator Obama be able to navigate the murky waters of international politics? Some policy makers think Russia is trouble, some don't. Some think Iran can be reasoned with, some don't.

One last thing. Obama can make decisions when there isn't a total consensus. He just didn't want to answer this question directly because of his audience. It's called pandering.

Eastvanray, if this decision should be left to the decision of clergy and the supreme court why don't we just cut out all the other stuff and just let the supreme court decide these issues since they are the only ones with legal authority (the clergy has none in the United States). Why not let the supreme court decide when a person becomes a person, whom you can marry, what you can smoke, where you can live, what you can own, what you can read or watch, and every other ethics based decision.

The original intent of having a supreme court was:

One last thing. Obama can make decisions when there isn't a total consensus. He just didn't want to answer this question directly because of his audience. It's called pandering.

As opposed to John McCain taking a strong, solid view (at least that night), ane stating that he now is totally anti-abortion, when he used to be sort of anti-abortion - except when he was pro choice?

Wildly hilarious and wildly off point.

But, hey, if that's the major "scandal" of the McCain campaign then I think he will do just fine.

It certainly reflects his "respect" toward women - no to mention his "family values". 

McCain's major problem is getting his lobbyist handlers to agree on what he believes in and when he believes it.

McCain was never pro-choice (like Bill Clinton, Al Gore and other democrats were once pro-life). To get a little fairer view of McCain's view on this issue go HERE.

Basically, he is personally against abortion. He thinks that incest, rape, and when the health of the mother is on the line there should be an exception made. McCain has said that he doesn't think Roe v Wade should be overturned.

Dunkelberg, you're awesome. Only you could make McCain out to be the slick politician in this case. Only you.

So Obama doesn't get money from any lobbyist or has hundreds of "advisers"? My God man! This is politics, tell me of a candidate who didn't have lobbyists on speed dial.

And, since we're talking about respect, I guess those unborn babies don't deserve any. Heck, they don't even deserve life, do they dunkelberg?

I've got a question: How does supporting abortion give "respect" to women? This has to be one of the most seriously convoluted stances in history.

One last thing, Obama's major problem is that he cannot always have a teleprompter telling him what to say.

So, you've noticed that problem with McCain's campaign too, eh?

[chuckle]

[chuckle]

[chuckle]

You haven't noticed that problem with Obama's campaign though?

[chuckle]

Maybe Obama is going to take on the job pro-bono.