Posted by
Sanity 102 on Sunday, May 20, 2007 8:45:15 PM
There’s been a linking of the two hot button issues: Abortion and Illegal Immigration lately and while the talk is about not allowing either issue to become so absolute that the Independents are scared off and the Dems end up keeping Congress and gain the WH in 2008, I do believe that there are distinct differences in these two issues and how it will effect the voters.
The numbers:
Immigration affects 4 border states, leaving 46 that give it little more than lip service. At the very most, they represent 30% of the voters compared with the 70% that may be turned off by the seemingly lack of compassion and racist overtone.
Pro-lifers cross party lines. Beyond the 22% on the Right (some are apathetic or out and out pro-abortion), there is a huge Christian base in the Dem and Independent tent. Despite the downplay by the MSM, quite a number of people are anti-abortion. Notice I did not say “pro-life”…they may not be willing to overturn R v W but enough time has passed for most Americans to see the destruction this wanton disregard for life has caused.
The Right may be able to put aside the 30% border control issue absolutists, but it would be the end of the GOP if it turned it’s back on the C/PL group that is credited with giving Reagan and G.W. the presidency, because this voting block consist of MORE than 30% and cuts heavily into the Middle and some of the Dems.
Time:
For near 3 decades, the Christian Pro-lifers have been given promises by the Right to overturn Roe vs. Wade. They have been patient as all get out. As Sandra from “A Word to the Wise” and Steve from “Campaign2008 Victory” has written, other than the partial birth abortion bill that was upheld by the SCOTUS this year, very little has been accomplished.
Yet, the C/PL STILL dutifully vote GOP.
The illegal immigration issue gained importance AFTER the 2004 election even though the problem has been around for nearly as long as the abortion issue. Any effort to consider the opinions of the rest of America that does not share the absolutists’ concern gets an immediate threat to pull their GOP support and stay home.
Perception:
Illegal Immigration proponents come across as impatient, demanding, and racist. I am sorry but when all the talk is about the Hispanic South not the Liberal White North, people automatically question any claim of concern by the absolutes for National Security.
Pro-lifers have one huge perception advantage: they can be painted as against women’s rights but for the life of an innocent baby. The latter does not fly in the face of their Christian and moral values.
Making the Move:
After the only poll that really count, politicians ran for cover when it came to the illegal issue. It’s going to be a very long time before they will come out in the same way that the Left has on abortion.
Notice that Liberal politicians will almost proclaim being “pro-choice” as though they were saying they were for “racial equality” or “anti-slavery”…like it’s a done deal in public opinion. This is because the MSM has done a great job in selling the “woman’s right” angle.
The RINO press has failed miserably in doing the same not just for the Pro-life issue but for the border situation. For more than a quarter of a century, they’ve told their listeners/readers to be patient and to chip away at the edges…accept pro-life lite candidates like Reagan, Bush 1, and Dole. Now they are telling the pro-lifers to accept a pro-abortion supporter while other pro-lifer candidates are available.
The funny thing is that the C/PLrs will probably do it.
Because they have no where else to go and no hope other than the GOP.
Ironically, the SAME RINO press will not accept any “lite” illegal immigration bill or candidate. They will not be patient. They will not accept anything less than all.
And the border issue absolutist WILL stay home even if there have no where else to go.