Conservatives agree: Frist "Flip-Flopped" on Funding Stem Cell Research

[JABBS]

After posting about Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist's "flip-flop" on federal funding of stem cell research, I got a lot of grief from conservatives.

Just to set the record straight -- for those conservatives who say that it's "liberal hatemongering" to use the term "flip-flop" to describe Frist's change of heart, I offer you this:

Frist's Embryonic Stem Cell Research Flip-Flop Hurts Prez Chances

by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
July 29, 2005

Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Last month, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist indicated he did not favor overturning President Bush's position against expanded embryonic stem cell research funding "at this juncture." Frist's flip-flop today could drastically affect his chances of securing the Republican presidential nomination in 2008.

Not to be outdone was this posting:

Frist's Flip-Flop; CWA Severely Disappointed By Sen. Frist's Decision to Support Funding for Embryonic Stem-Cell Research

WASHINGTON, July 29 /Christian Wire Service/ -- Concerned Women for America (CWA) expressed disappointment in Majority Leader William Frist's (R-Tennessee) recent decision to go public with his support of embryonic stem-cell research (ESCR). While he had previously claimed to support the President's policy, today Sen. Frist flip-flopped on federal funding of ESCR. He spoke at length on the Senate floor this morning about his concerns with the current policy that restricts the federal funding of ESCR, a failed science that is structured around the destruction of human life.

***

Others asked whether it's relevant that Frist flip-flopped, since the more important thing is that he supports federal funding of stem cell research.

I argue it is. Frist is setting himself up to be a presidential candidate in 2008. It's important to know what our leaders -- Democrat and Republican -- believe. When do they spin their resumes, and when do they back their words with actions?

Frist has changed sides on this issue at least twice, seemingly for political convenience. It made sense to ride Bush's religious right coattails back in 2001, and it makes sense for him now to move to the center, as he keeps an eye on 2008.

[jim3775]

1. Fantastic

I hope he loses all of the fundie support and the '08 repug primaries devolve into an orgy of infighting and dirty tricks. Couldn't happen to a more deserving man.

[MercutioATC]

2. Yeah, he's an ass, but this time he's making the RIGHT decision.

We can at least give him credit for that, no?

[jim3775]

4. No he's still a scumbag...

He weighed which option was more politically advantageous to him and he took it. If opposing stem cell research was not a possible campaign killer he would have opposed it to pander to his base.

Besides he might only be supporting it on the condition that bush will veto it, therefore not actually supporting it at all.

[MercutioATC]

5. Well, I'm still glad he's doing it.

And I think we'd be better served to laud those who support our causes (regardless of party affiliation) than deride them.

[iconoclastic cat]

3. To quote Lemmy from Motorhead: "You're on the shelf; you eat yourself!"

[wildflower]

11. Please tell me they didn't actually put a kitty there next to him...

And that it's only a photoshop!

If so, LOL!

[iconoclastic cat]

12. Yes, yes, it's fake.

[wildflower]

13. That's what I was hoping...you just never know anymore

It wouldn't surprise me if something like that had really happened. :)

[union_maid]

6. a flip flop by any other name is a waffle

Hey, it was a good flip-flop, but Democrats can't be the only ones who are not allowed a change of mind or heart. Give him hell for it.

The lack of comment on the flip-flop wasn't the most amazing thing. Listening to C-Span for just few minutes each weekend morning I got to hear one caller say she agreed that there should be stem-cell research and that's why she agrees with PRESIDENT BUSH! The next day someone said that while it's true Frist had decided he was in favor of it, but in a Godly way and that makes all the difference.

I swear I think the Republicans are putting get stupid pills in the water supply.

[mikeytherat]

16. Never underestimate the power of denial

mikey_the_rat

[OhNoTheyDidNot]

7. He ONLY did this because the dillusional fuck is going to try to be the

Republican nominee for prez in 08. Polls are 80% want stem cell research so he's doing it for that reason. Glad he's doing it - but it's nothing he believes in - just something for political gain,

[geckosfeet]

8. Fr*st has openly supported *'s position on stem cell research for what,

5, 6 years now? For what? For party unity and to get shrubby elected.

Now that shrubbish is lamer than a two legged dog Fr*st he is dumping him. Fr*st is also taking a position on stem cell research that is supported by the polls and congress.

Of frickin' course he is doing this for the '08 election run ups. A more cynical and groveling change of heart you will not find. The dems better remind us about this over and over again during the campaign.

Fr*st is someone who will align his views with the polls and dump his "allies" when the wind shifts direction. It is a clear demonstrattion of no convictions and taking up the banners of convenience.

[JABBS]

10. frist has supported bush's position

since it took effect in 2001.

And let's not forget that the day before his big speech, Frist a) gave no indication of his change of heart as b) he squashed several related bills seeking funding for stem cell research, including ones sponsored by Republicans Hutchison and Coleman.

If he was breaking away from Bush, why not allow debate on the Senate floor, and/or votes on the various bills?

I think it was to grab the spotlight for himself. Why? Because he's going to run for president.

If he truly believed in the issue, he would have taken a back seat to Hutchison -- who essentially offered the same policy that Frist claims now to support. Or he would have taken a back seat to Coleman, who lost two children to genetic disorders, and could easily be the Republican face of the legislation. Or he could have taken a back seat to Arlen Specter, who is suffering from Hodgkin's and is another potential GOP face for this legislation.

[geckosfeet]

14. Yes and yes. This does provide opportunity for campaign rhetoric

though. Its important for any dem opponent to point up his two faced agenda and to question his real intentions. This is imperative if the dem platforms include stem cell research or any industrial/scientific research programs.

IMO Fr*st spouts rhetorical support for stem cell research issue only because it is widely supported by the public. It is important it note and to point up his political motivations for his support.

Dems need to make clear that after years of opposition he voiced support only after polls showed there may be political advantage. And if he is indeed opposing legislation while voicing support, well that smells to me like good old fashioned lying.

[bvar22]

9. Definately a Flip-Flop, but

he better get busy "a flippin and a floppin" if he hopes to compete with george bush* on Flip-Flops.

[Skidmore]

15. What is it going to take for them to admit * continually flip-flops

like a fish out of water?