Republicans are masters at framing the issues. It's why they win. We have the moral and logical superiority on essentially every issue, but perception trumps substance in presidential elections, and we fail to properly appeal to the average American voter (part of this problem is that we suck at media manipulation, but that's a diary unto itself.)
We cannot pander to the right, go against our principles, or do any of that crap that the status quo Democratic strategists (who have lost 3 election cycles and counting) tell us. What we can do is present our issues in ways that appeal to swing voters as well as logical and reasonable GOP moderates (an endangered species). We can't just say "I'm for choice," we have to give a good reason for it that average Americans understand.
I'm writing a series of diaries on how we can reframe these issues. My case for being pro-choice, written as a candidate's speech, starts below the fold...
From my new
blog:
Abortion is an issue that has divided our nation for far too long. I believe a woman has the right to choose. However, I am also committed to reducing the number of abortions. There are certain circumstances: poverty, substance abuse, lack of a father, and many others, under which a mother may have to choose not to raise a child. By reducing these problems in society, we can greatly reduce the number of abortions. The last Democratic president did this. President Clinton presided over some of the lowest abortion and teen preganacy rates in modern history, and yet these rates have skyrocketed under President Bush. We have to promote a society of understanding and knowledge, so that people will use contraception and prevent unwanted pregnancies. But if it comes down to it, we must have safe, legal abortions. It is important to understand that overturning Roe vs. Wade would not stop abortion. Before Roe vs. Wade, women got illegal abortions, risking their lives. Attempting a prohibition on abortion may reduce abortion rates, yes. But it would dramatically increase illegal, unsafe abortions. It would risk the lives of hundreds of thousands of women. I am not willing to do that. For the safety of our citizens and the progress of society, I believe that abortions should be safe, legal, and rare. If elected, I will promote policies that will reduce the number of abortions while also keeping a woman's right to choose uninhibited.