Obama says pointed abortion query “above his pay grade”
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DALLAS – U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama side-stepped a pointed query about abortion on Saturday by “mega-pastor” Rick Warren during a televised forum.
Asked at what point a baby gets “human rights,” Obama, who strongly supports abortion rights, said: “… whether you’re looking at it from a theological perspective or a scientific perspective, answering that question with specificity … is above my pay grade.”
He went on to reiterate his view that it was important to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies.
Republican presidential candidate John McCain, who followed Obama onto the stage of the nationally televised event, was more blunt and more emphatic.
He said a baby’s human rights began “at the moment of conception … I have a 25-year pro-life record.”
Both candidates were vying for the “faith vote,” in particular the one in four U.S. adults who count themselves as evangelical.
Obama took questions first from Warren and McCain followed. The two shared the stage together briefly.
Some centrist evangelicals have said they appreciate moves by the Democratic Party to “soften” the edges of its pro-choice stand by stressing the need to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies and abortions — and by also working harder in areas like adoption.
But for many conservative evangelicals — a key part of the evangelical base — life begins at conception and the argument ends there.
The issue remains one of the most divisive and partisan in America — as Obama and McCain highlighted on Warren’s stage.
(Additional reporting by Jeff Mason)
(Photo credit: REUTERS/Rebecca Cook, Files, USA)
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Could someone show me in the Bible where it in any way says that abortion would be acceptable? Animals and plants were provided a source of food but as for humans it clearly states that thou shall not commit murder. Would you be so bold as to stand in front of God and perform and abortion on his creation right at his feet? You need to take your faith to the polls, not leave it at the doorstep of the church. This country was founded on foundation of the church not as some, namely those who oppose the Christian faith, believe. This country allowed freedom OF religion, not freedom FROM religion.
None of us are going to agree over when life begins or whether abortion should be illegal. This debate has been going on for decades.
What we do all agree on is that no one WANTS abortions. We would all like to PREVENT them. So, why aren’t we finding common ground and moving past this bitter bickering? Why don’t we focus on education, birth control, adoption promotion, supporting pregnant women, etc??? It is a winning solution for all of us! Then we can end the bickering and focus on other issues that are important.
Pro-lifers keep backing presidents who pander to them on this issue, but then do nothing to actually help the “life” they claim to value once its alive. They cut programs for the poor, spend billions on wars, etc. If we all worked together to move past this abortion issue and just prevent abortions,t hen this could no longer be a wedge issue.
But, my guess is that it’s easier just to stick your guns and never win. And, millions of abortions will continue. And politicians will use this as a pandering issue over and over.
You get what you deserve. McCain=4 more years of Bush’s failed policies, yet not one baby was saved.
RobertNYC – got news for you, McCain hasn’t really done anything in eons. Several times this year he’s been the only senator not to show up for votes. That’s what happens when people are campaigning. McCain is no matter than any other. If you think differently, you are fooled.
Who wants to stop abortions?????
I bet you do.
So, let’s work together to prevent them. Stop bickering over something we’ll never agree on and instead work to prevent them.
Donate money to sex education programs, birth control programs, and organizations that provide health care and support to pregnant womena nd new mothers. Help women either learn not to become pregnant in the first place or have the resources to keep and care for their babies.
Stop bickering. Stop abortions.
I see that Reuters is doing their usual censorship of opinions which differ from their Leftist world views!
Comments like “above my pay grade” are prefectly Obama. On the surface witty & clever, but at it’s core absolutely hollow.
Yet another example of him not taking a stance other than peddling unspecific concepts of hope & change as a means to exploit the hopes and dreams frustrated Americans.
Republican or Democrat, liberal or conservative, I want a leader of the free world to stand for something. He needs to have purpose by knowing right from wrong, and good from bad.
This is more evidence that Obama just doesn’t have what it takes.
i agree, bush is bush, but if mccain was in office during this whole georgia thing, i guarantee we would all be losing sleep tonight because mccain would have escalated it to some absurd and dangerous level right now.
John McCain just played you all. He had a list of talking points and gave his stump speech….he threw in the terms you want to hear “life begins at conception” and “9/11″ and “I’ll get Osama” and “I was a prisoner of war”….
And, that’s just it. He says those things to get elected. It was a stump speech, not a converesation. Obama spoke from his heart. He could have said those things to win you over, but instead he gave thoughtful responses.
YOu’ve all been bought by McCain…and, you’ll all get another 4 years of failed Bush policies.
How sad that a man running for the office of President cannot make a simple decision about abortion. Men and women who go to war or who commit crimes have a choice, the unborn child does not and relies on the decency of the citizenship for protection. The choice should be simple, in my opinion.
Above his “pay-grade”? He will be the most powerful man in the world and is interviewing for that job. What he means is, he either doesn’t want to admit what he thinks, or just doesn’t want to answer.
Other people make more $$ than the president, but there is no higher pay-grade on Earth. We deserved an answer. Weak!
If Obama doesn’t have an opinion as to when life begins, why does he support abortion?
“I took Obama’s “above my paygrade” comment to mean that it is GOD who knows such a thing. Fair enough!”
If that is true, why does Obama support abortion?
I liked how he said that Clarence Thomas didn’t have enough experience (without actually using the word). Thomas was in law many years more than Obama was in ANY office.
Perhaps he knew not to use the word experience as he is also lacking.
Pretty funny how the least experienced candidate for a more powerful position says he would have rejected Thomas because of his lack of experience.
So… one of two things is true:
1. He, himself doesn’t have enough experience.
2. He used the ‘experience’ thing to discredit Thomas instead of saying he can’t stand a conservative black man.
So, he either shouldn’t be in office for lack of experience, or he shouldn’t bein office because he lied.
Strike one and two in one question.
He will not answer because there are only two logical answers:
1) at conception
2) at birth
Obama really thinks 2) but is being political by not saying what he thinks.
Obama is simply saying that he doesn’t know when life starts. A very humble answer. Here is a test:
1. When does life start?
2. Prove it.
Anyone who is looking for the government to make a call on this issue:
1. Doesn’t know what is right or wrong, and needs the government as a “parent” for them (bad).
2. Wants to use the government as a “parent” to jam their personal beliefs down others’ throat (worse).
By giving the government the power to make personal decisions for us we are ceding our freedoms to the government. We are turning ourselves into sheep.
His response to ‘when does life begin’ wasn’t a joke. It was simply a statement that said no one without a doubt can prove when life begins, except God. That’s what he meant folks. Not a joke, not ‘wimping out’ it’s a simple “I don’t know and it’s not my call to make, it’s God’s call.”
I’m so tired of my fellow Christians that ‘know’ the mind of God and are so darn sure of EVERYTHING.
Did Obama ever answer a single question at all? I mean, answered it yes or no, or at least answered enough that you knew exactly what he thought.
McCain was wishy-washy on a few questions, but I don’t remember Obama actually answering any. At all. And Pastor Rick never asked him to actually answer them, or at least say… “so, do you agree or disagree?”
Obama is just another politician that can’t answer in yes or no. You may not think McCain is any better, but at least we all know that Obama isn’t change, or a different kind of politician. He’s just the same as all the scumbags in Washington. He just says he’s different.
If Obama was an “old, wrinkly (white) dude” (thanks, Paris) and had the same exact views, and answered the questions the exact same way, he would never have made it past Iowa in the elections.
McCain says that an unborn baby’s rights began “at the moment of conception”. And yet he’s said previously that he thinks the decision on whether or not to allow abortions (and in what cases) is best left up to the states.
WTF?!?!?
So he thinks each individual state has the right to pass laws allowing its citizens to summarily terminate the lives of other citizens without due process, without a trial, without any repercussions?
Yeah, Obama’s comment was a bit of a dodge (even if it had a lot of truth in it).
But McCain’s answer was just insane.
Obama is neither a theologian nor a scientist, not God and not Einstein.. and has the humility to recognize this.
The key to preventing abortions is PREVENTION. No law will prevent them. Only easy confidential access to birth control will prevent abortions. There will always be abortions whether or not they are legal if pregnancy can’t be prevented.
The consequence of illegal abortions is the gruesome deaths of poor women. Rich women will always be able to have medically safe, confidential abortions.
It is obscene that we cannot provide better education and access for birth control than we do.
If this question is “above his pay grade”, then why did he vote against a bill in the Illinois legislature that would guarantee rights for babies born alive after failed abortions. Seems to me that he has made the decision that the baby has rights only when the mother deems them – regardless of the viability of the baby. The guy claims to be a “new” breed of politician, but he is nothing but an empty suit – who is beholden to the fringe left.
“Above my pay grade” is a well-worn expression that basically says, “That’s up to God to decide” for you functional illiterates out there.
The fact of the matter is that Americans get abortions. It is not a politician that chooses. It is our fellow citizens that choose. They choose in droves. They either don’t think that they are killing a baby or they don’t care. Neither Obama nor McCain can change that. The question then becomes do we use the power of the State to enforce the views of a segment of the society to control the behavior of another segment of the society. Obama thinks that we shouldn’t. McCain thinks that we should. As a child I was taught in church that life begins at the moment of conception. I don’t know if I would have had the same belief if someone hadn’t taught it to me when I was not mature enough to say “How do you know?”
Obama pretends to avoid making a judgment call on when life begins — but he does exactly that with his voting record and position. If he truly “didn’t know” when life began, he would completely be removed from the abortion discussion and take no position. But he does take a position — a very firm position — in favor of completely unrestricted abortion.
His response is pathetic pandering and spineless. And honestly, up until now, I had rather liked the guy.
Although I only saw extracts from this debate I was surprised and saddened to see that some of my Amerucan friends have been brought to a condition of near apoplexy by Mr. Obama’s observation that a conidered opinion about abortion was dependant upon his salary scale! Just remember American Guys what Sir Robert Walpole once said, “Every man has his price!”
If Obama doesn’t know when life begins, shouldn’t he error on the side of life?
BO was in desperate need of a teleprompter. He was unprepared for basic questions he should have known he was going to be asked. Obama is not ready to confront evil dictators. He is in over his head and is definitely above his pay grade. He said it himself.
“Class is IN” knows what he’s talking about, at least. Maybe my faith in humanity has been restored.
Keep in mind that it will be tax dollars from you and me that pay to raise and then in many cases jail all those unwanted children born to women who could not get an abortion! I can think of better uses for my money and doubtless you can for your’s too. Also realize that, under our present system, it is often the poor and minorities who can not afford the alternative and bear those children.
0bama has shown himself to be so radical. So out of touch with the feeling and thought of the vast middle of the country. So at odds with our self-image as a nation. We think we try to protect the vulnerable. We think we’re kind.
Democratic leaders like 0bama are radical on abortion because they live in fear of a pro-abortion lobby that has money, clout and workers, and that can kill the hopes of any Democratic aspirant who doesn’t toe the line. And that pro-abortion lobby is largely composed of the professionals, journalists, lawyers and operatives who long ago showed such contempt for America. And for Southie. And for taxpayers. And for those who hold to a spiritual or nonspiritual sense of right and wrong, good and evil, and who have a visceral sense that abortion is bad for our nation and its future.
The Democratic Party’s complete obeisance to this lobby makes Democrats look bought, frightened and craven. It also makes them look stone cold. You look that way when you back stone-cold policies.
0bama and Democrats are doing what they think they have to do to survive.
And there’s this. Deep down, in some still vital area of human knowledge within you, the place where you just know things, you have got to know that no political party primarily funded, supported and led by fierce pro-abortionists, by people whose great interest in life is seeing to it that the right to kill infants is retained, can long endure. Nothing can long stand on a foundation like that. Nothing.
Obama was stuttering and stammering over the life question, trying to think of a way to:
1–Fool the American people; and
2–Prevent Planned Parenthood from getting angry at anything incorrect he might say
It slays me how liberals think that:
1–because they don’t know when life begins
2–they try to transfer their ignorance to the people, the scientific and theological communities … even though embryology textbooks state life begins at conception
Obama fears truth and therefore refuses to speak truth. American’s expect – and must demand – that the President of the United States has no ‘above my pay-grade’ stands. We need a leaders who stands tall and secure in what is self-evident: Like it or not, life begins at conception.
Brian:
On this…
“But he does take a position — a very firm position — in favor of completely unrestricted abortion.”
Just not so.
He’s repeatedly said he’s OK with laws restricting access to abortion on the state level.
Surely, the respective positions of the Democratic Party and the Republican Party on abortion was well known by
everyone prior to the debate. so the question was unnecessary. Pastor Warren said he would not discuss Gay rights and abortion, then proceeded to do just that.
Obama is right. No one knows exactly when life begins.
Why didn’t the Pastor discuss adultery and get John McCain’s answer?
If Obama is unable to answer the question based on it being “above his pay grade”, does he have the smarts reuired to exercise judgement as president?? I look forward to a McCain – Obama debate with questions that demonstrates their leadership acumen, but it won’t happen because Obama is too big a coward…besides no teleprompters are permitted in a debate. Though I am not a big fan of McCain, the altrnative is unthinkable.
“He will not answer because there are only two logical answers:
1) at conception
2) at birth
Obama really thinks 2) but is being political by not saying what he thinks.”
Actually, there are several more possible answers, mostly based on the physiological develpoment of the fetus in the womb.
Reuters has censored me 3 times, is this going to be the 4th?
Reuters, why are you not posting my posts, “awaiting moderation”????????????????????????????? ?????
“Above my pay grade” is just another example of Obama’s elitism. He’s saying, “my opinion is above your reproach.” He’s also saying, “I’m not courageous enough to tell you the whole truth.” He knew he was in a forum where the attendees were most likely pro-life and he couldn’t be strong enough to give an honest answer. What a putz.
You people have entirely missed Obama’s point here. He’s only saying that if the question is theological, he isn’t a priest or pastor, and is therefore unable to answer the question as specifically as the questioner would like. If it is a scientific question, he is NOT a scientist or medical doctor and therefore also unable to answer completely. His job as president would be to ensure that we, Americans, have the ability and the RIGHT to use all the resources we have available to us to make that decision ourselves.
Wake up America! The presidency is above this empty suit’s pay grade.
If being President of the United States doesn’t have a high enough pay grade to come up with a definative answer then I do not know what dose…..
I find it strange that so many people were offended by the phrase, “Above my pay grade,” and thought that Obama was sidestepping the issue. I think he was saying, although maybe he should have done it more clearly, that none of us is in a position to make a determination about when life begins, not even a presidential candidate… only God can decide that… or each individual for herself. And historically, the beginning of life was usually seen as “the time of quickening,” that is, when the baby could be felt moving in the womb.
This is a VERY complex issue, and I’m offended by people who consider themselves morally superior by taking a black-and-white stance. Having known a young woman who died trying to do a self-abortion rather than face the social stigma of unwed pregnancy and the wrath of her family, I think maybe conservatives need to come to terms with the fact that not all young women have loving support, and in banning ALL abortions, they may start seeing the death of both unborn children AND their mothers.
I am not “in favor” of abortion, especially for that small group of women that thinks of it as a form of birth control after the fact. But Obama is right… his answer was far deeper… women do not make the decision easily. And why is it considered so moral and righteous to give up a child for adoption, and have that child spend its whole life wondering why mommy didn’t want him or her?
“Above my pay grade” is just another example of Obama’s elitism. He’s saying, “my opinion is above your reproach.”
This is silly… he’s saying the question is a very complicated one.
That’s proofs he wasn’t scripted or couched. A blunder happened, so what, it’s hard to say what a woman should or not do to do, let her faith and church decide, right or wrong. We’ll take care of the parking tickets, let the Almighty do it’s job.
I understand that Pastor Warren is a Republican, and
he undoubtedly favored John McCain. I wanted to know
whether McCain had advanced notice of the questions. I did not see the segment with McCain, but it showed that he had prior notice of the questions, or there was no sound proof room. Poor Obama he went from Hawaii to rallies and did not allow himself time for preparation, but he still did well. He was sincere.
On the subject of abortion. The positions of both
parties are well known. So what was the purpose of questioning Obama and McCain if not to give points to McCain. Obama is right, no one knows the exact time when
life begins.
***********************
this is not rocket science.
ONE IS PRO CHOICE FOR WOMEN
ONE IS PROLIFE = NO CHOICE FOR WOMEN.
so there you go, i dont know how any clearer anyone has to be . it was a dumb question to ask in the first place.
If I am to vote for Obama he must as a professed Christian support his belief. Not even the theologians know when the Spirit of God is bestowed upon us… When you do not know then a Christian must support the sacred aspects of his faith. To believe a doctor about human rights is like believing a lawyer about where to start brain surgery.
Wow – this has nothing to do with whether or not he’s pro-life or pro-choice. This has everything to do with him not willing to make a decision and stick to it, regardless of what some people might think of him. Sorry Mr. Obama, but REAL LEADERSHIP means that you actually have to MAKE A DECISION and stick with it. And you sir, obviously don’t have the ability to do so. Is this the kind of ‘answer’ we’ll get from you as President when you get that 3 a.m. call? Will that decision be above your pay grade as well?
Now it’s CLEAR why Obama’s ONLY noteworthy accomplishment is setting the record for voting “PRESENT” as an Illinois state legislator and US Senator.
Now, that’s the greatest mark of a much needed leader Ever, setting the record for voting “PRESENT” on important, consequential Congressional watershed legislation. SUCH LEADERSHIP!
When “President” Obama has minutes to decide how to repond to incoming North Korea Missiles, so glad he’s be able to do the executive equivalent of voting “PRESENT.” Our adversaries will be so impressed, and cower in fear!!