Say the words “Santorum for President” to a pro-lifer. I dare you. Try it. Chances are they’ll say a few good things about the former Pennsylvania Senator about being a Catholic father of seven children or a strong defender of family values but then they’ll say the word no politician wants to hear.
“But…”
Many pro-lifers haven’t gotten over their disillusionment and disappointment of his 2004 endorsement of pro-choice Senator Arlen Specter over pro-life Pat Toomey in the 2004 Pennsylvania Republican primary.
It’s easy to look back on that decision now, especially since Specter’s party switch, and say Santorum did the wrong thing. I am one of them. I was bitterly disappointed in Santorum when I heard about the endorsement. I believe it was the wrong thing to do.
August 16, 2010 at 4:00 am
Politicians make mistakes. As a pro-lifer I can forgive him, but I hope that he remembers his bad decision the next time he is in a tough situation. I am hopeful, and believe that he will make a well-thought out decision the next time(if he re-enters the political sphere again).
August 16, 2010 at 9:28 am
We have to also remember part of the fallout of his endorsement is his loss 2 years later to "Pro-life" Democrat Bob Casey who turned out to be anything but pro-life.
August 16, 2010 at 10:53 am
Al's correct. People thought they were voting for a mirror image of Bob Casey's father, who did live out the pro-life principles, but instead Bob Casey Jr. turned out to be anything but a mirror image of his father.
August 16, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Politics is about winning. Winners get to make decisions. Losers whine about the decisions winners make. Santorum is a politician. He is not a crusader for life. If Pro-Life supporters are to advance the cause of Life against advocates of abortion, Pro-Life supporters will have to show they can deliver the votes politicians seek. Otherwise, the santorum and company will continue to smile at Pro-Life supporters, tell them how much they appreciate their support and then turn right around and give their vote for the opposition.
August 16, 2010 at 4:17 pm
It’s easy to look back on that decision now
It wasn't that hard to look ont he decision as bad back then either. Everyone knew what a two faced liar Specter was and is.
August 16, 2010 at 7:46 pm
As a pro-lifer and a Christian, I forgive him. But that does require me to trust him, much less vote for him.
After getting burned, I earned the right to wear asbestos. As the adage goes, “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.”