Denver, Colo., Aug 27, 2008 / 19:05 pm
Sixteen years after his father was denied a place on the podium of the Democratic National Convention, pro-life Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania addressed delegates in Boston, and, in an address on the economy, referred to his opposition to abortion—the very position the elder Casey says got him barred from speaking in 1992.
“I’m proud to stand before you as Governor Casey’s son,” Casey began his remarks, immediately evoking the tension between the Democratic Party’s leadership and it’s pro-life minority.
In the summer of 1992, Pennsylvania Governor Robert Casey had his name in the headlines, as he was at the losing end of Planned Parenthood v. Casey, the decision that upheld most of Roe and instituted the “undue burden,” test for restrictions on abortion. As a Democratic governor of a swing state, he expected and requested a speaking slot at that summer’s convention, but he was turned down. Casey said it was because of his pro-life views. Operatives for Bill Clinton say it was because Casey would not campaign for Clinton.
In 1992 and since then, other pro-life Democrats have spoken from the podium, but never about abortion. Tuesday, Sen. Casey made only a passing reference to his pro-life stance. “Barack Obama and I have an honest disagreement on the issue of abortion. But the fact that I’m speaking here tonight is testament to Barack's ability to show respect for the views of people who may disagree with him.” This received quiet applause from Pennsylvania’s delegates, and Casey then returned to economic issues.