Obama's Chance for Greatness

Barrack Obama is being advised to issue an executive order to expand federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. Such morally questionable research is almost wholly unnecessary now, as advances in science have discovered ways of creating the same type of cells without the destruction of embryos. Little scientific gain will result from changing the current policy, and such a change should be viewed as completely political. The question is, is it in Obama's interest to play wedge politics with pro-life, social conservatives, or is it in his interest to expand his appeal by being magnanimous in victory?

His decision here will be telling. He may take a step toward greatness by explaining that it is pointless to alienate millions of Americans who find this research to be morally suspect, since advances in science have rendered the point moot. He could take the high road, and say that he has studied the question and, while in the past, before the advances in science found ways to create the needed cells without destroying embryos, it would have been justified to change the policy, but now, there is no longer any need. If he is wise, he will throw this small bone to those who are rightly suspicious of his views on life issues. and show that he has an open mind. The added benefit will be that he will avoid a potentially nasty social issue debate, which could serve as a distraction to the other major objectives of his presidency. Bill Clinton made such a mistake when the first thing he did was change an executive order to allow gays in the military.

Mr. Obama has a chance to reach for greatness. Or, he can reach for petty partisanship and stick it to his presumed enemies. The people who disagree with him on life issues will never agree with Mr. Obama on abortion rights, but they would respect him for a thoughtful position on stem cell research, and would be much more likely to support him in the more important items on his agenda. His position here will set the tone for his presidency, one way or the other. I am hopeful he will reach for greatness.