This may be unpopular, but I'm ok with running anti-choice Dems if it will win elections. [View all]

[DanTex]

Obviously, this only goes for red states/districts where making concessions may be the only way to win, and a person who shares all my progressive views won't stand a chance.

And, this isn't particular to the issue of choice. Dems that want to repeal Obamacare? Fine. Deregulate Wall Street? No problem. Climate denial? Bring it on. Obviously somewhere there's a limit, but none of the major issues are litmus tests for red state Dems in my mind.

Before I get flamed, let me say that I find the anti-choice position morally abhorrent. I am not just pro-choice, I am pro-abortion, in the same way that I am pro-knee-surgery. It's a medical procedure, should be available to anyone without stigma or red tape or anything. And insurance plans should be required to cover it, as should Medicare and Medicaid.

BUT, if I were given the choice between running an anti-choice Dem who wins or a pro-choice Dem who loses, I would pick the former. Why? Because on the rest of the issues, the Dem will be better than the Rep. In fact, even on the very issue of choice, it's better to have an anti-choice Dem than a Republican, because it helps the Dems reach a majority, which means they can control the agenda, which means less anti-choice and more pro-choice legislation will even reach the floor.

Moreover, if a state/district is so red that only an anti-choice (or anti-environment or whatever) Dem can win it, the other option is not just going to be an average Republican, it's going to be a three headed monster.

Having said all that, I disagree strongly with singling out the issue of choice as one where we are willing to make concessions in order to win seats. All issues should be on the chopping block.

I also disagree with weakening the commitment the Democratic Party as a whole was made to reproductive rights in an attempt to win votes. The party should continue to stand strongly in favor of choice, and anti-choice Dems should not be elevated to leadership positions.

But at the end of the day, I'll take the D.