The NY Times website yesterday reported that Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tn) has done a 180 degree turnaround and now supports federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. As recently as a month ago Frist reiterated his position against such funding. He'll announce and explain his newfound love of science this morning. A cardiologist, I wonder what he now knows about the procedure/process that he didn't before. Seems quite politically motivated. Oddly though, in choosing to support federally-funded stem cell research he breaks ranks with President Bush, the GOP and the almighty evangelicals...all of whom whose support Frist desperately needs if he's going to run for prez in '08. So why the change of heart if it drains political capitol? What does Frist know that we don't? Is he sensing that America's tired of the religious right dictating how we live our lives? What we believe in? How we should view science and medicine? Is this move an early sign that Frist's going moderate to win over a broader base of voters? Does he view Bush as a low approval-ratings lame duck whose backing he no longer needs? It's all very interesting. Andy
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