Obama and McCain compete for the central 50% of the American electorate – abortion rights take center stage
Shekhar Pundit
Aug. 16, 2008

In what is known as the race to the center, Democrats and Republicans are eager to capture the maximum of the central 50% of the American electorate. But that is not so easy. Take for example, the issue of abortion. Both McCain and Obama are planning to move to the center on the issue. But they cannot lose the base, which is vehemently for or against 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."

The whole trick in the November election is to be able to keep the base intact and attract as many voters from the other side. American electorates are divided as follows. 25% are hardened Republicans and social conservative. Another 25% is progressive democrats. What is left in the middle is that 50% electorate that will determine the outcome. Out of that 50%, 30% lean towards the Democrats and the other 20% tend to support the Republicans.

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