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McCain's pitch to the FRC is not that dissimilar from Thompson and is designed to say "at least you know what you get." AP quotes him as saying: "I know you might not always agree with me on every issue, but I hope you know I'm not going to con you." The article continues: "'I have been pro-life my entire public career,' he says, drawing a contrast with Giuliani, who backs abortion rights, and Romney, who now opposes such rights after once supporting them. 'I won't ever change my position to fit the politics of the day.'" Thompson (a very effective interview is here) and McCain are in essence making both a tempermental appeal (we are mature, not cloying, not grasping) and substantive (solidly pro-life). Neither has accomodated themselves to the demands of most social conservative leaders for a consititutional amendment with an outright ban on gay marriage. Although certain leaders may find Thompson and McCain lacking it may resonate with average voters.

UPDATE: RedState liked his speech. And true to his "I'm not going to tell you everything you want to hear" approach he tells them "don't federalize issues not in the constitution" (that's marriage, of course).

topics:
Abortion, Constitution