I need help from both sides understanding Sen. Kerry's position.

[jgillott]

During Friday evening's debate, Sen. Kerry was asked a specific question concerning his position on abortion. During his answer, he made a statement that made me think. Please help me try and understand what he is trying to tell us.

Sen. Kerry began his answer by first saying that "I am a Catholic". Then he went on explaining his position which is obviously Pro-Choice. Now understand that my intention here is not to argue the abortion issue, but rather, understand where Sen. Kerry truly stands, and his motivation for that position.

Assuming that Sen. Kerry understands that abortion is against the basic teachings of the Catholic faith, wouldn't it be unwise to first claim "I am a Catholic" and then admit support for something contrary to the faith that he claims? Would this not tend to drive away potential Catholic voters?

On the other side of the argument, from a Pro-Choice perspective, would a feeling of comfort be held with a candidate that begins the answer to a question on abortion by saying "I am a Catholic"? Does that not imply to the potential voter that his core values on this issue are from a Catholic perspective, which by definition, is anti-abortion? Again, wouldn't this statement lead to some uneasyness among potential voters who may be interested in this issue?

I realize that, during this particular election, abortion is not a paramount issue. Please help me understand the specifics of Sen. Kerry's statement. I'm sure that he is just trying to appeal to as many segments of the voting public as possible during such a close race. But, I really find this an interesting position that he has taken.

Justin