McCain Supports Embryonic Stem Cell Research

By Cernig

There's a few people talking today about John McCain's assertion that, although he now idetifies himself as a Baptist, he says "The most important thing is that I am a Christian."

Fair enough, if you happen to think being a Christian is an important qualification in running for President. I don't myself. I'd rather have a competent of any stripe rather than a faith-based idiot.

But what was interesting to me was the bit buried all the way down at the bottom of the AP's story:

McCain reaffirmed his support for embryonic stem cell research, which he said has split abortion foes.

``It's very tough for those of us in the pro-life community,'' McCain told reporters. ``I've come down on the side of support for embryonic stem cell research.''

It's interesting because it gives further impetus to the thesis that the current crop of Republican activists have become a one-issue mob. On the need for continued U.S. military intervention in Iraq and the wider Middle East they are united in one great big "victory" caucus and they are willing to overlook any given Republican candidates shortcomings on what they say are the essentials of social and fiscal conservativism as long as the candidate supports their line on that single issue.