Robin Toner pushes a 14 year old myth in the Sunday New York Times:
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"But Mr. Schumer, himself a stalwart supporter of abortion rights, argued, "Democrats have learned that when you have a good candidate, good in so many ways, that because he or she doesn't agree with the general Democratic Party position on every issue doesn't mean they should be kept outside the tent."
There is a novelistic twist here: Mr. Casey's father, Gov. Robert P. Casey, was also an outspoken opponent of abortion and was very much kept outside the tent 14 years ago at the Democratic National Convention -- seated near the rafters, denied an opportunity to speak."
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For more than twelve years, the mainstream media has repeated the FALSEHOOD that Bob Casey Sr. was denied a speaking role in the 1992 Democratic National Convention because of his pro-life views. Toner's article is deeply misleading. To find out why check things out after the flip.
Thankfully, Media Matters has weighed in on the issue and help debunk this myth for good. Apparently Toner missed the news as it has been repeatedly clarified by The New Republic and numerous bloggers. Make sure to check out their comprensive run-down of the story and the ill-natured spin that has forever accompanied the offical press acount.
As Media Matters points out, numerous Pro-Life Democrats were given speaking spots during the 1992 soiree. Bob Casey's position was relatively unique among them-- he refused to endorse the Clinton-Gore ticket. Seconldy, he wanted to give a speech about abortion. The issue is that Casey wanted to directly attack the Democratic platform. That type of attack is unheard of in modern political theatre.
While it is common for both parties to put on a show of diversity and moderation, these appearances are always defined by a call to unity and an emphasis on common ground. It's worth noting that while the GOP routinely trots out pro-choice members during their convention, none of these candidates have EVER given a speech about abortion.
Those who have read up on the elder Casey's career, it is most notable for the single-minded focus on abortion during his final years in public office. Casey Sr. went so far as to stiff Harris Wofford--a long-time friend and a person CASEY HAD APPOINTED--over Wofford's stance on abortion.
CONTACT THE NEW YORK TIMES AND DEMAND A CORRECTION NOW:
Byron Calame
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