The Susan B. Anthony List sponsors a pro-life pledge that they ask presidential candidates to sign. That’s fine, but in some cases, these sorts of pledges are political ploys. Point proven, here. Does anyone doubt that Herman Cain is pro-life, through and through? But he won’t sign the pledge:
I support right-to-life issues unequivocally and I adamantly support the first three aspects of the Susan B. Anthony pledge involving appointing pro-life judges, choosing pro-life cabinet members, and ending taxpayer-funded abortions,” Cain said in a statement. “However, the fourth requirement demands that I ‘advance’ the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. As president, I would sign it, but Congress must advance the legislation.”
“I have been a consistent and unwavering champion of pro life issues,” Cain added. “In no way does this singular instance of clarification denote an abandonment of the pro-life movement, but instead, is a testament to my respect for the balance of power and the role of the presidency.”
To this I say, way to go Herman. I’m not looking for people to sign on the dotted line, I’m looking for action, which speaks louder than words. Oftentimes the pro-life groups pushing the pledges get so caught up in the legalism of it all that they fail to see the forest for the trees. It’s not wise politics.
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If I were a candidate for president, I would not sign that pledge.
My main concern is the pledge to appoint pro-life candidates.
Sometimes you can’t. Sometimes your pool of talent is such that the only viabe choices are non-pro-lifers. That doesn’t mean I wouldn’t be keen to appoint pro-lifers, but you have to be pragmatic. Plus, I would not want to make a pledge I could not keep. I’d want everyone to know I had integrity.