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Only local candidates for county commission, mayor, or sheriff can avoid discussing this issue..and still be elected. It is nearly impossible to be elected to any state or federal office without taking sides. Name any Governor who claims not be pro-choice or pro-life. Name any successful candidate for Congress or President within the last decade who was neutral on this issue.
Even in 1976, both Carter and Ford treated Roe v. Wade as an untouchable issue. The first time I remember abortion becoming a national issue was when Reagan labeled liberals as amoral baby killers. Since then abortion has divided most voters into clearly defined camps. Unlike other issues, like healthcare or education, one cannot be elected without taking sides.
Most polls indicate the majority of Americans are pro-choice, while the fanatical Republican base is not. Why are those who are pro-choice willing to vote for candidates who are not, and why are voters who call themselves pro-life opposed to all pro-choice candidates?
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