Lincoln Blog

August 22, 2008:

The ongoing discussion and debate as to whether or not John McCain could nominate a pro-abortion running mate, such as Senator Joe Lieberman or former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge is in and of itself proof that he cannot.

McCain is at this point, the eve of the national conventions, tied or leading Barack Obama in most national polls. Convention wisdom held he would be far behind at this point. But McCain's experience and Obama's inexperience have combined to make the GOP nominee-apparent highly competitive. Right now, it is McCain's race to lose.

And lose it he will if he nominates a pro-abortion candidate for Vice President. One of the reasons for McCain's success is the fact the conservative base of the party has recoiled in horror at the thought of an Obama Presidency and come on board for McCain. It has been an uneasy alliance that is in need of further cultivation, not alienation.

Were McCain to chose either Lieberman or Ridge he would shatter the growing confidence of the party's conservative base in his candidacy. McCain delivered a masterful performance at the Saddleback Civil Forum last weekend, in the process creating for the first time some real enthusiasm among conservatives for his candidacy. The choice of a pro-abortion running mate would undo all of the progress he has made thus far.

And what is to be gained? Abortion advocates will not come on board for McCain because he selects a pro-abortion running mate. Obama has him beat cold among that sub-set of voters. Therefore, a Ridge or Lieberman selection will not attract voters to the GOP ticket, only repel them.

Ever since it became apparent last winter that McCain would be the GOP nominee the selection of a Vice Presidential candidate has been seen as key to shoring up the conservative base. McCain has several excellent potential candidates who would do just that.

The old saying "if it ain't broke don't fix it" applies to the current circumstance. McCain and his campaign are doing well and making progress. This is not the time to upset the old apple cart; rather it is a time to consolidate gains. There is no need to ignite an intra-party war over abortion. The convention is a time to unify the party behind its nominee and move forward into the General Election campaign. That is a path McCain should follow.

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