On an Interview with Senator Bob Casey Jr.

Beliefnet asked: "Will your speech address the life issue, which is what many in the party identify you with?"

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Inside Catholic) - Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey Jr. is giving a primetime speech at the DNC this evening.

We've discussed here before whether Casey's appearance will make up for his father's snub at the '92 Convention in the eyes of Catholic voters, or if he'll take the opportunity to dissent from his Party's hardline pro-abortion stance.

Today, Beliefnet editor Dan Gilgoff has an interview with the senator about his appearance tonight, and what viewers might expect:

"Does your inclusion on tonight's speakers' lineup send a message that the Democratic Party has changed on abortion?

The fact that I'm speaking is really a testament to Senator Obama's willingness to reach out to people who disagree with him even on important issues. It's emblematic of his ability to put coalitions together on an issue and to bring all sides together. He's not just talking about that, but acting...

Will your speech address the life issue, which is what many in the party identify you with?

Yes, it will. But it's mostly a night and an opportunity when we've been invited to focus on the economy and frankly what a lot of folks are struggling with in Pennsylvania. But certainly not only that. There's been a lot of discussion about '92, but there is an obvious disagreement I have with Senator Obama and we want to make sure that people understand that difference of opinion.

One of the things that's missing in this important debate in American politics is candid and honest talk about disagreements and an honest effort to try to find common ground. It's much easier to say you don't agree with someone and to continue fighting and discontinue the dialogue. It's much harder but it's important to be honest and show respect for others that we disagree but to actually work to bring the sides together.

One way to do that, and neither party has done enough on this, is to be very supportive of pregnant women. And the Pregnant Women Support Act is the only vehicle and the best vehicle to do that. It's a challenge to the left and a challenge to the right and helps not only bring the sides together but provides affirmative options for women. When a woman becomes pregnant, for most women that's a time of happiness and joy and they look forward to bearing a child. But to some it's a crisis because they don't have the economic wherewithal and the support they need. And a lot of women feel all alone and we don't do enough to show solidarity with them. As Pope John Paul II said, we should show radically solidarity with the woman facing these challenges. This piece of legislation is the one vehicle in American government for bringing the sides together and for providing women with options.

But is Senator Obama supporting it?

He's spoken about it. I have gotten to know him on the campaign trail and he spoke about the concept when he was at Rick Warren's church. So I believe he will be supportive. We have not talked directly about the bill but it's something I will be discussing with people in both parties. It's going to take a lot of work."

Doesn't sound like he has any barnburner in store on the rights of the unborn child, but I'm curious about that one line -- "we want to make sure that people understand that difference of opinion" (between himself and the candidate on the abortion issue). Guess we'll have to tune in to see how this one plays out.

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