Don't Be Fooled

So, I'm not going to lie: This article concerns me. It concerns me because the author, Froma Harrop, makes the assertion that Sen. McCain's history - which includes OVER TWENTY-FIVE YEARS of anti-choice votes and quotes - somehow shows that, "while McCain has positioned himself as "pro-life" during this campaign, his statements over the years show considerable latitude on the issue."

With all due respect, I simply have to disagree. "Considerable latitude?" No way.

Let's look at the facts behind McCain and reproductive rights, with a focus on preserving Roe v. Wade:

1. McCain voted in favor of four anti-choice U.S. Supreme Court nominees: Alito, Roberts, Thomas, and Bork.

2. McCain voted in favor of six anti-choice lower-court nominees.

3. McCain voted against a resolution in support of Roe v. Wade and a woman's constitutional right to safe and legal abortion services.

4. McCain has repeatedly voted for (and cosponsored) the Federal Abortion Ban, a law that criminalizes some abortion services, with no exception to protect a woman's health, and carries up to a two-year prison sentence for doctors.

5. McCain said, "If I am fortunate enough to be elected as the next President of the United States, I pledge to you to be a loyal and unswerving friend of the right to life movement."

6. Last, but by no means least (his record goes on forever!), Sen. McCain has never cosponsored or supported legislation that would prevent unintended pregnancy or reduce the need for abortion.

You can read Sen. McCain's key votes and a selection of his public statements on reproductive-health issues here, and you can spread the word about his anti-choice background at Meet The Real McCain.

Just please - whatever you do - do not make the mistake of thinking that McCain is not fully anti-choice or that he would put forth a "cipher" to the Supreme Court, as Harrop suggests. We have a pro-choice candidate, and his name is Barack Obama. And he is the only candidate for president that is fully pro-choice.