People who want Dems to move to right - what issues do they have to drop?

[Frodo]

It's not so much about changing specific planks of the Democratic Party platform (although that too) as it is about changing perceptions. It would be a good start to let pro-life advocates speak at the Democratic National Convention with millions watching (i.e. Rev. Jim Wallis and others like him), and speak not just on issues pertaining to social and economic justice, but also on those moral issues like abortion and gay marriage, and prove that we really are a big-tent party as those here boast.  We Democrats have always prided ourselves on standing up for those unable to stand up for themselves -so why not the unborn?  It would be a gutsy move, and one which could make an enduring impression on those swing voters who may be watching. 

[Frodo]

It's not so much about changing specific planks of the Democratic Party platform (although that too) as it is about changing perceptions. It would be a good start to let pro-life advocates speak at the Democratic National Convention with millions watching (i.e. Rev. Jim Wallis and others like him), and speak not just on issues pertaining to social and economic justice, but also on those moral issues like abortion and gay marriage, and prove that we really are a big-tent party as those here boast.  We Democrats have always prided ourselves on standing up for those unable to stand up for themselves -so why not the unborn?  It would be a gutsy move, and one which could make an enduring impression on those swing voters who may be watching. 

As BRTD said, Senate Majority Leader Reid is fairly pro-life. However, 65% of Americans support Roe vs. Wade, so it would be dumb to side with the bigots on the other 35%. Do you really want to go back to bloody coathangers just to score some political points with a minority of the population?

It is true most Americans support Roe v Wade -however, most do not support abortion on demand, and (according to the same polls that you cite) they strongly support restrictions on its availability including -but not limited to- parental and spousal notification laws, as well as banning partial birth abortions.  That is also the position of Rev. Jim Wallis.  There is no reason not to move to the mainstream on hot-button issues like abortion, and to show that we share the same values as most Americans. 

[Frodo]

It's not so much about changing specific planks of the Democratic Party platform (although that too) as it is about changing perceptions. It would be a good start to let pro-life advocates speak at the Democratic National Convention with millions watching (i.e. Rev. Jim Wallis and others like him), and speak not just on issues pertaining to social and economic justice, but also on those moral issues like abortion and gay marriage, and prove that we really are a big-t
ent party as those here boast.  We Democrats have always prided ourselves on standing up for those unable to stand up for themselves -so why not the unborn?  It would be a gutsy move, and one which could make an enduring impression on those swing voters who may be watching. 

As BRTD said, Senate Majority Leader Reid is fairly pro-life. However, 65% of Americans support Roe vs. Wade, so it would be dumb to side with the bigots on the other 35%. Do you really want to go back to bloody coathangers just to score some political points with a minority of the population?

It is true most Americans support Roe v Wade -however, most do not support abortion on demand, and (according to the same polls that you cite) they strongly support restrictions on its availability including parental and spousal notification laws, as well as banning partial birth abortions.  That is also the position of Rev. Jim Wallis.  There is no reason not to move to the mainstream on hot-button issues like abortion, and to show that we share the same values as most Americans. 

The "partial-birth abortion" ban MADE NO EXCEPTION FOR THE HEALTH OF THE MOTHER, and so any reasonable person would oppose it.

I was speaking more broadly, and not specifically about the partial birth abortion ban passed three years ago.

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Clearly that isn't how most Americans perceive this party, though, if in fact you are correct on this point. 

So my point (as I elucidated in my original post) still stands.

[Frodo]

The Dems need to drop the abortion issue.

No, then about half of Democrats would stop voting for them.

No, we will gain more than we lose by becoming less doctrinaire and closer to where the vast mainstream of America is on this issue.  It may lose your vote, but that is what I would regard as a desirable outcome.