After quite a buildup, everyone was eager to hear what Obama would say at Notre Dame's commencement today (watch the webcast). I've only quickly read over the text of his speech, but it seems he dedicated time to the tension in American culture over the abortion issue.
"Those who speak out against stem cell research may be rooted in admirable conviction about the sacredness of life, but so are the parents of a child with juvenile diabetes who are convinced that their son's or daughter's hardships can be relieved."
Obama said both sides of the abortion issue should agree on steps such as reducing the number of women seeking abortions, reducing unintended pregnancies, making adoption more available, and providing "care and support for women who do carry their children to term.''
He also indicated that he is open to "a sensible conscience clause" for health care workers, suggesting that he might be open to compromise on that front.
More speech coverage here: Catholic experts weigh in at USA Today, Amy Sullivan's take at Time and the race angle from Politico. Also, Mark Silk dissects the latest Gallup survey on abortion.
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