People make decisions on which candidate to support based on many factors – their stand or record on abortion is only one of them. Perhaps, those UM clergy that support Obama believe that his other positions are more important than his support of partial-birth abortion. That is their right. We each make our decisions on whatever factors are the most important to us.

J. Abortion
The beginning of life and the ending of life are the God-given boundaries of human existence. While individuals have always had some degree of control over when they would die, they now have the awesome power to determine when and even whether new individuals will be born. Our belief in the sanctity of unborn human life makes us reluctant to approve abortion. But we are equally bound to respect the sacredness of the life and well-being of the mother, for whom devastating damage may result from an unacceptable pregnancy. In continuity with past Christian teaching, we recognize tragic conflicts of life with life that may justify abortion, and in such cases we support the legal option of abortion under proper medical procedures. We cannot affirm abortion as an acceptable means of birth control, and we unconditionally reject it as a means of gender selection. We oppose the use of late-term abortion known as dilation and extraction (partial-birth abortion) and call for the end of this practice except when the physical life of the mother is in danger and no other medical procedure is available, or in the case of severe fetal anomalies incompatible with life. We call all Christians to a searching and prayerful inquiry into the sorts of conditions that may warrant abortion. We commit our Church to continue to provide nurturing ministries to those who terminate a pregnancy, to those in the midst of a crisis pregnancy, and to those who give birth. We particularly encourage the Church, the government, and social service agencies to support and facilitate the option of adoption. (See ¶ 161.K.) Governmental laws and regulations do not provide all the guidance required by the informed Christian conscience. Therefore, a decision concerning abortion should be made only after thoughtful and prayerful consideration by the parties involved, with medical, pastoral, and other appropriate counsel.

Sorry to get so long winded, as a UM lay member and leader I am familiar with the subject.

He’ll try these things again as President and Republicans will have a hard time standing up to him. Republicans will stand up to Obama.

Reagan was a pragmatist and yet is a conservative icon. I’m trying to keep his 11th commandment here, despite grave differences with McCain. If Romney pulls it off, I’ll support him as well. If Thompson had managed it, I would have supported him.

I can’t vote for my perfect candidate, if such a thing even exists. But I can surely vote against one I think would be worse for the country. I always vote and I have no intention of failing to do so this year.

I am a 9/11 convert to Conservativism who began defending many of the social conservative issues but from a secular argument (I was once pro-choice but switched) however I have to say I am having a difficult time supporting anymore this ideal of ‘pro-choice’ vs pro-life’

From what I have observed since my conversion, when there are Methodist minsters for example supporting politicans (Obama) who voted for partial-birth practice what difference does it make that a poltiican be ‘pro-life’?

If the faithful inside the church are voting against their own issues why then should I bother with what they say or do.

I suppose government handouts, or Al Gore’s environmental movement or Hillary’s healthcare or Obama’s skin color is much more important to the faithful than is protecting life.

If something like 80% of Americans consider themselves faithful why are there so many pro-choice politicians elected into office?

You wouldn’t want to be responsible for ‘dividing the country’ or ‘ending the Conservative movement forever’.

McCain supporters (especially with regard to whom he nominates to be the next two nominated to the Supreme Courts)are putting a lot of faith into someone who has a record of being untrustworthy.

But I love our troops far more than I dislike McCain.

I hope that Bill’s right about McCain winning the general election against the media’s might.

I guess I don’t not understand if it’s just about Iraq, why isn’t the Republican establishment offering a better alternative who appeals to their party members, won’t moderates/independents vote for ‘anyone but Clinton or Obama’ with any Republican whose a War Hawk?

Walid Phares gave a every good argument for why he is supporing Romney as one who will be best to fight Jihad but I’ll pull McCain in the general based only on supporting the troops; on this issue McCain better deliver on his promise should he manage to win the general. If he reneges on our troops in the way he has reneged Conservatives he won’t have anyone to defend him against impeachment.

May I suggest (not that it matters anymore)McCain at the very least offering a decent and honest Conservative VP we all can get around. Since he already has social conservatives after Huckabee withdraws I hope it’s someone who appeals to the other people in the party.