this is just bizarre

Both parties reach for center on abortion debate

ASPEN, Colo. - As Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain compete for centrist voters in their presidential race, both parties have made intriguing nods to the political center on the emotional issue of abortion.

McCain startled conservatives this week, and pleased some moderates, by suggesting he might pick a running mate who supports abortion rights, such as former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge.

Democrats, meanwhile, had it both ways in revising their party platform ahead of this month's nominating convention in Denver. Platform-writers said the party "unequivocally" supports legalized abortion, a stronger phrase than the 2004 platform contained.

But they also bolstered the section on reducing the need for abortions. The version awaiting approval in Denver says the party "strongly supports access to comprehensive affordable family planning services and age-appropriate sex education." It says the party "strongly supports a woman's decision to have a child by ensuring access to and availability of programs for pre- and postnatal health care, parenting skills, income support and caring adoption programs."

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So, McCain is actually flip-flopping yet again on abortion, but the Dems want to keep it legal yet reduce the need for it - as they always have - and somehow this is seen as a compromise or something?

WTF?

Of course no one wants more abortions - we want to avoid the need for them. This has always been the Democratic platform (for as long as I can remember anyway). Why is this seen as constrasting?