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Pro-Choicers Feel Backlash for Backing Obama

Analysts say timing could alienate donors

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted May 17, 2008 1:50 PM CDT
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(Newser) – NARAL’s state affiliates are blasting the abortion-rights group’s decision to back Barack Obama, fearing the move could alienate donors loyal to Hillary Clinton. “It’s created a firestorm,” said the president of the group’s New York branch. “Everyone was mystified.” That includes Obama supporters, Politico reports. A Clinton ally said some of NARAL’s Obama backers thought the endorsement “ill-timed and ill-advised.”

Citing the history and intensity of Clinton’s pro-choice support, analysts called her record stronger than Obama’s, and critics flooded NARAL’s website with negative feedback. One source said feminist donors were outraged: “Without exception, the response was, ‘It’s a really stupid thing to do.’” But NARAL’s national president predicted the controversy would subside, insisting people would get over their “broken hearts.”

Many abortion rights activists have slammed NARAL for endorsing Barack Obama.
Many abortion rights activists have slammed NARAL for endorsing Barack Obama.   (AP Photo/Lauren Victoria Burke)
Some critics have called NARAL's Obama endorsement a slap in the face to Hillary Clinton.
Some critics have called NARAL's Obama endorsement a slap in the face to Hillary Clinton.   (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)
Some critics have called NARAL's Obama endorsement a slap in the face to Hillary Clinton.
Some critics have called NARAL's Obama endorsement a slap in the face to Hillary Clinton.   (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
NARAL President Nancy Keenan says people will get over their broken hearts after the group endorsed Barack Obama.
NARAL President Nancy Keenan says people will get over their "broken hearts" after the group endorsed Barack Obama.   (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
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Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton • abortion rights • endorsement • NARAL

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