Mccain/Obama Comparison One Ethical Issue

McCain/Obama Comparison

One ethical issue that separates Barack Obama and John McCain is the matter of abortion. This is probably one of the most divisive ethical and political issues in the country. Some votes feel so strongly about the pro-life pro-choice matter that they will vote solely on this issue. The issue has undergone a rejuvenation of sorts with the selection of Sarah Palin as John McCain's Republican running mate for the presidential election.

The history of this issue goes back to the early nineteenth century. Abortions were not criminal offenses "before the 'quickening' of the fetus" (Bardes 128). During the last part of the century, however, abortions were considered illegal with severe punishment. By 1973, abortions were illegal in most states. However, with the issue of an individual's right to privacy, the Supreme Court accepted the argument in favor of Jane Roe, who claimed it was her right to privacy to have an abortion. The court did not address the issue of when life begins they only agreed that a woman has the right to choose. In 1973, the court decided that privacy is a broad enough term to include pregnant women. Since then, the issue is debated fiercely.

Abortion is usually one of the main issues that divide liberals and conservatives. Liberals tend to favor freedom and choice and conservatives tend to favor life. As it might be guessed, candidates usually stand divided on this issue. According to his website, Barack Obama understands that "abortion is a divisive issue, and... has been a consistent champion of reproductive choice and will make preserving women's rights under Roe v. Wade a priority as President" (barackobama.com). McCain's website illustrates a very different view of choice. According to his website, he believes "Roe v. Wade is a flawed decision that must be overturned, and as president he will nominate judges who understand that courts should not be in the business of legislating from the bench" (johnmccain.com). There is a difference between these candidates. When we hear that people are voting issues instead of people, this is one of the issues for which they will vote.

This issue is relevant during election cycles because the president has the power to nominate Supreme Court judges. This selection could affect the future of the country many years down the line considering that judges can serve life terms. Voters that are passionate about this issue will consider this fact when they vote. A more liberal president can nominate liberal judges that can vote liberally for decades if they become a Supreme Court justice just like a conservative president can do just the opposite. Many voters see this issue as one that hangs in the balance and will cast their votes for the man or woman that believers the way they do.

Both sides of this issue have equally powerful interest group representation. Liberals have many feminists and others that believe it should be a woman's right to choose. Those on this side of the issue believe that the government has no right to tell an individual what they can or cannot do with their body. An example of a powerful group that supports abortion is the National Organization of Women. They do not see a fetus as a life and do not define it as such. Conservatives have many supporters that respect life and believe that it begins at conception. Many religious organizations support those that are pro-life. Pro-life supporters often come to this conclusion because of their moral convictions. They cannot justify taking a life and many believe that life begins at conception. Many would only believe that abortion is acceptable only if the mother's life is in danger or in severe cases of rape.