I don't know what to make of this... It seems too good to believe... 51% of Americans oppose abortion {HALLELUKAH!}
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0509/22582.htmlAbortion opponents find rallying point
By: Andy Barr
May 15, 2009 06:17 PM EST
A new Gallup Poll showing that for the first time a majority of Americans identify themselves as "pro-life" is providing a shot in the arm to abortion-rights opponents rallying against a new president and preparing for a coming Supreme Court nomination fight.
The percentage of Americans who identify as "pro-life" jumped from 44 percent to 51 percent in the last year, according to the poll. Those who identify as "pro-choice" fell from 50 percent to 42 percent over the same period.
"This is promising news," Gov. Sarah Palin (R-Alaska) told POLITICO through a spokeswoman. "Every life is precious and has purpose."
For some strong opponents of abortion rights, the poll is seen as a mandate for the Republican Party to recommit to social conservatism.
"The American people are saying loud and clear they want leaders who believe in the sanctity of life and cherish it even at the earliest stage," former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee said in a statement to POLITICO.
"Over the last few months, Republicans have been trying to rebrand themselves," he said. "This is a clear indication that we do not need to rebrand by moving left toward the middle but instead remain steadfast in our commitment to human life."
Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the Susan B. Anthony List, agreed with Huckabee, saying the poll shows "that those who blame pro-lifers first when the party loses need to throw out that idea."
"For the Republican Party, it's the independents and the moderate Republicans that are trending pro-life," she said.
Obama "has gone way too far in a direction that people don't want to go on this issue," added Dannenfelser. "Obama's policies and his nominees are running in the exact opposite direction of the polls.
Gallup's Lydia Saad wrote in her explanation of the poll that it is "possible that, through his abortion policies, Obama has pushed the public's understanding of what it means to be 'pro-choice' slightly to the left, politically."
"While Democrats may support that, as they generally support everything Obama is doing as president, it may be driving others in the opposite direction," she continued.
Not all Republicans were jumping in celebration at the poll.
Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele told POLITICO through a spokeswoman that "we have a long way to go, but will continue to work to promote pro-life values."
Both Dannenfelser and David O'Steen, executive director of National Right to Life, said that the poll suggests that the "pro-choice" brand has been weakened in the past year.
"The pro-choice label may be breaking down," O'Steen said. "People are learning that pro-choice is pro-abortion."
But Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, disagreed that the "pro-choice" label has been damaged, or that the electorate has changed its mind much on abortion rights in the past year.
"The findings in this Gallup Poll don't square with the voting patterns of the last two elections," Keenan said. "We have a president that ran as a pro-choice candidate and was elected in part because he was pro-choice."
"It's one poll, and I look at more than just one poll," she added.
But, Keenen said, "you don't take anything for granted, and it is never wise to rest on our laurels."
Topic: Great New! - Pro-Life opinion 51% for first time (Read 462 times)