Out of bounds! Obama falsely accuses McCain of blocking stem-cell research

Two points of clarification necessary before proceeding:

First, I completely disagree with John McCain stance on embryonic stem-cell research, but that doesn't give Obama the right to lie about McCain's record.

Second, we need to get people discussing what is really the controversy when it comes to this issue. Conservatives are not against stem-cell research. Stem- cell research has shown great promise to cure a great many ailments. However, we are against EMBRYONIC stem-cell research which creates and destroys human life for the purpose of medical research. There are many other sources of stem-cells for this research that don't require the killing of a baby to complete.

Now, off my my soapbox and on with the story...

By Steven Thomma, McClatchy Newspapers Tue Sep 23

Throw the flag on: Barack Obama .

Call: Pulling opponent by the face mask.

What happened: Obama is accusing John McCain of blocking stem-cell research, using a charged appeal from the mother of a diabetic child to slam McCain falsely as someone who’s blocking a cure.

“Stem-cell research could unlock cures for diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer’s, too,” says an Obama radio ad that’s airing in selected states. “But John McCain has stood in the way. He’s opposed stem-cell research. Picked a running mate who’s against it. And he’s running on a platform even more extreme than George Bush’s on this vital research. John McCain doesn’t understand that medical research benefiting millions shouldn’t be held hostage by the political views of a few.”

The ad then hits home with an emotionally charged appeal from a woman who’s identified as the mother of a child with diabetes.

“For Maddy and millions of others, stem-cell research can unlock cures,” the woman says in the ad. ” Barack Obama understands that. But John McCain just doesn’t.”

Why that’s wrong: McCain doesn’t oppose stem-cell research. He supports it.

He’s voted to lift President Bush’s restrictions on federal financing and to expand federal financing of stem-cell research. At some political peril, he stood by that stand during the Republican presidential primaries, when it threatened to cost him support from social conservatives.

“Stem-cell research has the potential to give us a better understanding of deadly diseases and spinal cord injuries affecting millions of Americans,” McCain said in April 2007 as he voted to support federal financing...