NationStates Jolt Archive

Today, Senate Majority Leader, Bill Frist, openly supported the funding for more research of embryonic stem cells, parting ways with mainstream Republicans. Why is he knowingly accepting fire from his own party? During the past several years, Frist had left his scientific side, and now, with the stunning flip flop from traditional Republican values, he is revisiting Dr. Frist. Why this sudden change in his views? Could he be eyeing the Presidency in 2008? If so, do you think he could have a chance at winning the Republican nominee? Or do you think he will abandon the Republican party?

WASHINGTON Jul 29, 2005 — Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist endorsed government-funded research on human embryonic stem cells Friday, breaking with President Bush and the religious conservatives he's been courting for a 2008 presidential bid. He drew praise from former first lady Nancy Reagan.

"It isn't just a matter of faith, it's a matter of science," Frist, a heart-lung transplant surgeon, said in a Senate speech. "The president's policy should be modified."

Bush remained intent on vetoing the House-passed bill that would loosen his 2001 restrictions on funding of research using stem cells from days-old embryos in a search for cures to spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's and other diseases. Frist, a Tennessee Republican, called Bush around dinnertime Thursday to tell him of his decision.

What are your thoughts on this?

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=991610

He is playing the same game of power politics that Hillary Clinton is. He is attempting to appear more centrist for a presidential run in 08, despite what his true views may be.

Am I wrong in applauding his decision?

Am I wrong in applauding his decision?
Why would you be wrong?

My guess is that he got a little tired of looking completely like a chump shilling for the far-right and he figured he might be able to slip this one by them. He wasn't counting on Tom DeLay and James Dobson being there to knock him silly when he waffled, and he caught a big boot to the ass today as a result.

the dude is a whore - he's selling out his values to be electable, if was looking iffy after he let the dems get away with being able to fillabuster but now there is no way he could win a republican primary

on the other hand, we now know that Tom Delay is the man

the dude is a whore - he's selling out his values to be electable, if was looking iffy after he let the dems get away with being able to fillabuster but now there is no way he could win a republican primary

on the other hand, we now know that Tom Delay is the man
Well, I figured DeLay was the man long ago, but I'm happy to have someone confirm it. I never figured Frist for a keeper in the Republican primary to begin with--the Republicans seemed to learn, with the Dole exception, that Senators don't make good presidential candidates (something the Dems could learn in my opinion). Far as I can tell--and it's a long ways off--the early money has to be on Jeb! (though I'll admit to a feeling that Jeb! is to the left what Hillary is to the right).

Far as I can tell--and it's a long ways off--the early money has to be on Jeb! (though I'll admit to a feeling that Jeb! is to the left what Hillary is to the right).

so far as I know he seems like a good guy who would stand up for the right thing but I'd worry about skeletons in the closet (both figuritively and literaly)

the dude is a whore - he's selling out his values to be electable, if was looking iffy after he let the dems get away with being able to fillabuster but now there is no way he could win a republican primary

on the other hand, we now know that Tom Delay is the man
I wouldn't be surprised if there was money changing hands somewhere either, although that is more of a comment on the very nature of congress than Frist in particular.

My views? I'd prefer it to be on a topic I've got a view on, like gay rights. I haven't managed to decide which of the two options in stem cell research is more immoral.