CNN

Common ground?On killing babies?Really Obama,what are you smoking?

We will never agree on this issue. But our fundamental differences on abortion have gotten in the way of cooperating with eachother on other issues where we share at least some common ground. This is a dangerous position for a democracy to be in. The split on this issue does not give anyone licence to character assasination and to practice such assasination is an obstruction of democracy and an attack on the American Dream.

President Obama makes me proud. The hypocrisy of the Catholic leaders is absolutely amazing. Don't abort, better to send the women to butchers instead. I have never had an abortion and have chosen to have 4 children. I also know not everyone has the same options or support in their life. Only the judgmental people who have never walked in another's shoes evidently "talk for God." They certainly have no problem forgiving themselves.

President Obama with wisdom and grace shames them.

I think women should have the right to choose, not a bunch of suits. who don't have a problem killing innocent people in a war that should not have been started by BUSH.

The President gave a great speach for all americans. Just listen, go thru his words, and try to learn something. And, I am american muslim, previous republican, now independent!
Thank you, Mr. President!!!!!!

I will not defend or propose abortion. It is up to the individual. Religions my say one thing, others thing other things. It is a horrendous insult what they tried to do to the President. So what? Bush was there too and no one complained. He even got a degree given to a twit and no one complained. Hypocrisy to the max. President Obama was not here to promote abortion, but to give homage to those graduating. Obama has a real degree that he earned. He does not need a fake stroke degree to make himself feel important. No one thinks about those people graduating. It is all about them. Go pray some more rosaries, please.

Support my God, or I'll kill you !
Oh, sorry, that was the Catholic Corp. slogan for the first 20 centuries.
Guess the new logo with the baby feet is enough to remind all the rest of us that they are still "in charge" of every facet of your daily life, so they don't need any slogans. Wonder how many babies the poop's pointy hat would have fed ?
They are as bankrupt as the Flat Eart Republicans.

@gary davis Harbor Oregon – You state he says with truth and really wants our country to move forward in a positive and equal rights and ability of fairness for all the people.

I would say all people includes the many unborn children who never get to see the light of day because their parents could not handle the responsibility of raising a child instead opting to have the child destroyed in the womb. You have no personal responsibility for your actions. While I do support forms of birth control, you are still making a decision that you must live with those consequences.

The only side to the argument is cases of rape and medical issues. This is a really gray area.

Now, I am more convinced than even that I voted for the right man. He makes me so proud to be an American. He is so intelligent, eloquent and holds his audiences captive. We are sooooo lucky America.

What is this debate all about anyway?are prolifers suggesting that abortion is an immoral act so it is a sin in the eyes of God?if that is so on what ground are they formulating their so called abortion is a sin against God argument?if abortion is a sin against God then let that be a question between the person who committed that sin and God. The legal question on abortion has been determined in Roe v Wade. It is simply a woman's right to privacy so let us live it at that. If abortion is taking the life of a child who cannot defend s/he own life why do we sanction that it is alright to wait until they are in their late teens and twentiees before we take their life in the field of battle. How does the catholic church and all pro-lifers make a moral distinction between the two?

Killing is wrong and is a sin... this is a very sad and scary day. This president is going to take us not only to a bad place in our economy, he is going to take us straight to hell. God does not care about our politics he knows that those who follow him will be against society and that is how it should be. Having so many "split off" christian faiths is what is causing our problems. The Catholic faith has been around for 2000 years. You can not pick and choose what you want to agree with and not.

TO: Liberal Democrats are Pathetic
Yes, Democrats are liberal and Republicans are conservative, but is it really necessary to denigrate and malign members of either party for having their own personal views? To call people you don't even know "pathetic", "obamabot", and "un-thinking" is totally non-constructive and child-like. Get a grip!

Women should make the decisions concerning women, not men.

This was to be a commencement CELEBRATION. Celebrating the educational achievement of these young adults from an outstanding university.. The right AND the media hi-jacked these kids's day. Shame.

What should have been a focus on highlighting THEIR moment, THEIR transition to the harsh realities of the adult world, THEIR reflection of the journey they just completed and thoughts on THEIR futures....

was stolen from them for a stinking political game.

Yes it is so odd that bush could kill hundred of thousands of innocent civilians and thousands of our troops in a criminal war and yet there was no issue with him speaking. The religious zealots that want state ownership of women are truly vile and their extremism is dangerous – we live in a democracy not the theocracy they seek. Go to a fundamentalist Islamic state if you want that. Otherwise live your life as you want and don't force your perverted sense of morals on the rest of us.

And each side has an equal right to be heard.

Dumb speech. People who are against abortion thinks it's murder. Does he think that murder is a matter for compromise?

Typical empty rhetoric from the empty suit.

People have a right to their own personal beliefs... the problem with people who use religion as their "guiding light" seem to think they have a monopoly on morality and values, when both morality and valies transcend religious faith and affiliation.

Christians in the United States of America seem to think that it's only THEIR faith, THEIR anger, THEIR outrage, that's more important than everyone else's and if you disagree you're told you're going to hell or are going to reap the wrath of God. A contradiction in terms...

"Twenty-seven people were arrested prior to Obama's speech, according to a spokeswoman for the St. Joseph County, Indiana, jail. Norma McCorvey, the plaintiff identified as "Roe" in the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, was among those arrested."

I'm suprised CNN didn't mention that she has since changed her stance and was arrested because she's looking to reverse Roe v. Wade.

My mother wanted to abort me,but I jumped out early and became a republican instead.I love Rush Limbaugh too.

I firmly believe in a womans right to choose. The only person, I have to answer to, is My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Whenever I watch our President, Barack Obama. It isnt with Rose colored glasses. It is with the fresh eye sight and hearing of someone who actually SPEAKS to me. Who answers where/when he can. I do not expect to know everything that goes on in the White House for security reasons. The bottom line is this, It is "MY" Body and "MY" sole I will answer to. NOT YOURS!

God Bless the USA and God Bless and Continue to protect, our 44th President of the United States. Barack Obama

I do agree with abortion because no man, no government is going to tell me what I can or cannot do with my own body and whatever is inside of it. The people heckling the President are ridiculous and should find something better to do with their time. Do you know how many unwanted children there are in this world? How many of these pro-life people give to adoptive families or have adopted children of their own? How many give to charities that help adopted kids and poor families? My guess is NONE. They have their own agenda and think that an unwanted child is a good idea.

This is the 21st century people. Lets not reverse history and make the worst decision ever.

I wish that everyone would just do like they did with President Bush. Sit back, don't say anything, and just enjoy the ride. Only this time the ride will not be into the ground, but a ride that will take this country into a better direction than the past eight year downward spiraling roller coaster ride.

I am a Christian woman, the daughter of a Baptist Minster. One of the principles of the Bible is DO NOT JUDGE LEST YE BE JUDGED! As reglious minded individuals we can not for get this simple rule. I am prochoice not becausenI condone abortion, acutally I think it's a tradgedy. However, it is not my place to judge. The one thing the Lord said he would never take from man is free choice. If God does not take our free chyoice away how can man. Just as God deplores abortion so do I but I believe in everyone ability to choose for themselves. The reason organized religion is often mocked is that is to exclusive. My church welcomes all people regardless of belief in hopes that they will find the way of Christ. Stop judging and being hateful and start looking in the mirror, I am sure their are plenty of things in all of our lives that could be protested. God bless Obama and God bless ALL AMERICANS!

Obama's speech was transcendant, symbolic, a lesson in humanity 101. He had the crowd suspended, hanging on every word and he did not disappoint. I was extremely proud of him; if you watch the speech, you will understand why he is beloved by so many. Bravo, President Obama!!! This blog shows that what you said about how "It won't be easy," is so true.

what an intelligent man he is...

This is why I cannot accept Obama's rhetoric. He asks for civility...what? What is civil about defaming the Notre Dame graduation ceremony with a pro abortion speaker??? He should have the respect to honor the belief system (Catholic – anti-abortion) and not feed his ego. Just because he is president, does not mean we can ignore he is the biggest pro abortion advocate in the White House this country has ever seen, and then says he his a christian. He believes his lies....and so the lie feeds itself. Aborting life is far from civil!

I love Barack Obama and everything he stands for shame on those that oppose this commencement ceremony....

very proud of my President

Congratulations to Mr. Obama. He's had a good week. He did not skirt the subject with the usual political rhetoric. He spoke directly to the extreme positions squarely from the center. He was eloquent and inspiring. I hate it when he does that.

Total class, every step of the way. Yes, CNN and Fox blew the protests out of proportion–it was clear from the moment Obama walked into the Joyce that the crowd respected him as a man and as the POTUS. I feel sorry for the students who skipped their graduation, because they missed what could have been a real highpoint of their lives. But it's so much easier to just block out the voices of those who disagree with you, rather than come up with a rational, respectful response. Jenkins said it beautifully, "We do not agree with you," but Notre Dame honored Obama for what he's done that's good–and that's a lot, IMHO.

It is a shame that the good students of Notre Dame were USED by the far right of the GOP in their little hate-campaign against Obama. C'mon, Alan Keyes?? How right wing can you get? This political bimbo only shows up when the far far right surfaces. This was more a cse of political science class at N.D. than anything else.....a nice lesson in how a political party can twist a message and try and turn an honorable occasion into a circus that not only makes the GOP look bad, it also makes the Catholic church look bad. I AM a
Catholic, and totally agree with Obama that the sides (esp the right) is demonizing the other side. It is funny we never see Notre Dame have demonstrations against anything else! All of the sudden they are conscious of their religion? I don't think so......

Awesome and well said Mr. President. Great job.

So here we have Harvard graduates acting like children. I am disappointed in those who will allow Bush/Cheney murders in wars but disallow Obama being the President with respect for all points of view. And, due to all the trouble on college campuses these days, for students' protections...protesters shouldn't haven't been allowed on campus grounds anyway. The media has also overblown the story...as usual. Notre Dame invited Obama, so protest the school administration, not the President of the United States. Dumb...glad my degree didn't come from Notre Dame

What an inspirational and eloquent speech. The class of 2009 of Notre Dame was truly fortunate to have had such a gifted speaker. Obama speaks with intelligence and conviction. He speaks from the heart and from his core principles. His message is one that speaks to every graduating class this year. I believe his words touched many graduates today. Our country has a true leader.

Has the Catholics cleaned up the pedofie priest situation yet?

Every president since Eisenhower has been invited to speak at Notre Dame's commencement. I seem to recall that Bill Clinton was pro-choice. Where was all of this outrage when he was invited to speak? If there was no objection then, it logically follows that the current protests are lies. Obviously the current protests have nothing to do with abortion and everything to do with Obama. It's just people who want to protest his presidency, for whatever reason, and they're using abortion as an excuse. This is truly shameful, because whichever side of the abortion issue you are on, it is far too serious an issue to be made light of. It's really too bad that people are being dishonest about their reasons for protest. When people use their first amendment rights to spread lies and discord, it's an insult to the people who fought for and founded our country.

what don't people get?? it's such BASIC differences.

Pro-choice people disagree with idiots like the Catholic bishop who think's "obama doesn't value the right of human life".

HELLO..
before a baby is delivered, it's NOT a HUMAN life.
it's a FETUS. a FETUS is not a HUMAN.

that's the fundamental debate and we'll never agree.
get a life and get on with it.

Obama's speech was his purest form of two-faced idiocy. He speechifies brilliantly and then works his evil ways in midnight meetings and executive orders which do not correlate at all to what he says. He should remember his own words about understanding all sides of an issue when it comes to support for Israel, also.

The resident of Kenya gets a GED. Change, Hope, bull crap....

How can a President, any President, stand up and give permission to kill another American? Think about it folks. Is this what we want from our leader?

The selfish pro-lifers put their own interests over the Notre Dame graduates. You should all be ashamed of yourselves for making a spectacle of Notre Dame graduation. A graduation ceremony is not for making political statements.

Another bunch of religious hypocrites selectively choosing policies that our against their religion to criticize a president they don't like. Notre Dame would have no commencement speakers if they applied catholic values across the board, including most Catholic priests.

A fetus has a separate heart beat. A fetus has separate DNA.
Scientifically speaking it is a separate organism that is dependant on mom as the host. I don't know if abortion should be outlawed but maybe we could all agree that if the baby can be taken out of the mother safely and put in an incubator and survive then mom has the right to do this and society should make sure the child is taken care of. Even some of my most liberal friends get pregnant and they talk about the "baby" on the ultra sound. They find out the sex and name him/her. If they have a miscarriage they morn. Regardless of where you stand on this issue, clearly a fetus is not just another organ in mom's body. An appendix doesn't have it's own DNA, sex, name etc. and I don't really know anyone who has morned the loss of their appendix. Late term abortion maybe one of the compromises that both sides can agree on.

Let the conversation go on, but one thing for sure, freedom of choice is a gift from our Creator and no state or church can take that away.

The biggest protest today was that President Obama was given a degree from the university...can you honestly tell me that EVERY student who received a degree from Notre Dame is anti abortion....I didn't think so, therefore this should not be the important subject of this graduation. The determination of the President of the United States and the President of the university to promote dialogue and encourage a better way to bring this Country together is the idea that got across. Congratulations to the students and their families.

Pres "O", Women not childern or a MAN on get a vote! ND is a school, NOT the Vatican! Again, Thank You!

We have to put up with some Republicans going off half-cocked. Now a few Catholics think they speak for all Americans. What next? I am all for freedom of speech and the rights of people, but noone has the right to force their one-sided closed minded views on all the rest of us. State your objection and be done with it. We should also have the right to free choice, whether it be our political stance or religious beliefs. Thank God that America is a country where we have these rights – all Americans have these rights, not just Catholics.

I'd just like to say "amen" to arthur. Right to life includes MUCH more than a 9 month commitment. You can't force those views and yet take no responsibility for people who desperately need health care, food, and basic needs. When you address those issues, I'll gladly be right to life. This is precisely why I can never be a Republican. This entire policy is a contradiction of itself.

I really don't think it's an appropriate commencement speech, but I guess he had no choice. Obama knew that neither the university, nor the media will listen to anything in the speech until he addresses the one controversy the media was shoving down people's throats about this commencement.

I apologize for the misspelling in my blog regarding the speech
given by President Obama for the Notre Dame graduates! I'm normal-
ly a good speller. This is what you get, when you are in a hurry!

Thank you, for your forebearence......

What I never will understand is the same people who protest abortion are the same ones that. 1. Stand for smaller government, but they want the government to tell a women what she can do with her body. 2. Are against most social programs that a mother who can't afford her children would use. To me it's very simple you don't like abortion and think it's wrong then don't get one. Ur against gay marriage don't marry a gay person. I mind my own business cause I have my own problems. If everyone lived by this motto I think the world would indeed be a better place.

I really enjoyed President Obama's speech and wish many of the protesters would stop and listen and may be learn something about Obama's position instead of pre judging. The best lesson these graduates could get of the speech is that in life you will meet people you don't agree with but that does not mean you should not engage in conversation..............These protesters showed a lack of regard for dialogue and a poverty of knowledge.

I watched the speech, and I agree with comments of several others about your coverage. You call that a "divided audience" but what I saw was one cheering standing ovation after another – and audience anger at the two jerks that tried to interrupt the President's speech.

I thought President Obama and Father Jenkins both gave wonderful speeches – their critics were way out of their league today! Unifying speeches that encourage dialogue among those who disagree will always trump one-issue "I'm so sure I'm right I won't even listen to you" diatribes. Those Catholics – not a majority of Catholics, even among the bishops, apparently – who tried to keep Obama from speaking only hurt their church and their own political cause.

How many football and basketball players believe the same as Obama. So should ND protest and refuse to let them play for the Golden Dome? I am sure that would be the accepted exception. Heaven forbid we give up the games and "touchdown Jesus" for a simple thing like Christian Values ", Thanks President Obama for being gracious in the face of protest.

In the end it does not so much matter what he said - what I hear is the basic rights of infants in the womb -( they were not "soldiers "or any adult in an unfortuanate circumstance) - but infants killed in abortions or in Human Embryonic experimentation– they had nor have NO advocate for the basic civil right to life from our present president.

Tom May 17th, 2009 4:37 pm ET

"Otherwise Irrespnsible women who creat life should have their life creating equipment removed permanently. They don't deserve it."

Does that statement apply to men who use their "life creating equipment" irresponsibly too? There would be far fewer abortions if a lot more men didn't leave birth control only up to the women. It's a far less invasive procedure (just a little "snip" – really!) and just as effective.

Addressing a sharply divided audience at the storied Catholic university–The Catholics are NOT sharply divided–killing the unborn is killing the unborn.Having Obama there,who is for abortion, was the issue.

I agree with Rachel. I am sick of looking at the Obamas every time I turn the TV on. Why is CNN so obsessed with them?

Obama has a right to his own conviction but Norte Dame has no business inviting him because of the tenets of the university. It is hypocrisy for them to do that. If this was a Islamic school,today will not happen.You cant eat your cake at the same time have it.

Bush haters, Americans voted and supported the wars,so when has the wars become Bush.It is an insult to say Bush lied and convinence 300,000 000 people,are you saying AMericans a retards...think on this.

Obama is bombing and killing innocent women and children in Parki and Afgha..oh sorry I guess Bush asked him to do that.

@ arthur! . . . well said!! All these haters of Obama claim to have a problem with the obortion issue. . . . but, . . once the child is born and in FOSTER CARE and dealing with all kinds of problems. Such as, being molested, homeless, drug addicts etc. These Haters of Obama, are the same people who call these children names (Bastards) because they have no family to care or norture them. Shameful. . . just. . . Shameful.

Notre Dame is disgusting. I will never support an institution that disrespects the POTUS! Complete madness.

" and unbiased rationality mark him as one of the most brilliant and decent presidents in the history of the Republic"

One of the most brilliant and decent -speakers-... maybe. Presidents? He has said much,but done nothing positive that I can see as of yet. Let's not be so easily blinded simply because someone speaks well.

Put a muzzle on the idiot, people are tired of seeing and hearing him, nothing changes, same lies same garbadge out of his mouth.

We must recognize that it is not the State's role to enforce the Church's moral agenda. If this were the case then it would be State policy to recognize the existence of the Soul, a viewpoint which is not held by all religions.

The Church should stay within its' own "box". It has the right to instruct its' own adherants. However it does not have the right to impose its' footprint on others. This goes for all religious organizations, including the conservative Christian denominations. The State should not act as the bully pulpit for the Church.

It seems that Notre Dame has an identity crisis. Do they offer a secular education or only a religious education?

@Tom: Otherwise Irrespnsible women who creat life should have their life creating equipment removed permanently. They don't deserve it.

Tom, for your information..women do not create life..Men do. Do maybe the above ignorant comments should be directed at men.

I am Catholic and a supporter of The University of Notre Dame. Notre
Dame is more than just a football team. I am proud to support Notre Dame and President Obama. Some of the people that make comments know nothing about being Catholic or about Notre Dame. I was so proud of how President Obama handled the situation. His speech was so inspiring. The graduates of Notre Dame have the same qualities as President Obama, that is dignity and intelligence.

The President asusual did an excellent job of handling the Notre Dame situation with tact, diplomacy and his customary wit and disarmament. We should ask him to begin nuclear elimination talks!!!

" Several Hecklers?" It was two. Come on CNN are you trying for 5th place in the ratings?

How many Catholics over the age of 18, unmarried is still a virgin? That what I thought! How can they judge.

@ jk- I rather have Obama out and mingling with the people than a republican like Bush who stayed up in the White House without a clue.

Could Obama be any more disrespectful. To speak at a Roman Catholic school promoting HIS agenda. I find it apalling.

And to all the liberals who are so proud of the president right now, and think this speech was awesome. When can we expect NOW to invite a Pro Life speaker to a NOW function??

It'll never happen. Liberal hypocrites would never allow it and would behave in a classless and disgusting manner toward anyone if they did.

Must be nice to be so PROUD that you support babies being killed, because that is what ABORTION IS. Sugarcoat it with the "Pro Choice" stance and you can all feel good eh.

Sad day in America.

CNN spent 95% of it's coverage on what amounts to a relative handful of people protesting and those were mostly adults that were not even part of the University community.

I am pro life.

We had a Republican president for 8 years and Republican Congress for 6 years, yet nothing happened.

For any sensible person who truly wants to see an end to abortion, how can you fault what the president said? He said
1. Accept that nobody is pro-death.
2. Accept that this is an agonizing decision.
3. Prevent pregnancy.
4. For those who get pregnant, encourage them to carry the baby full term.
5. Make adoption easier.
6. Make it easier for health providers to refuse to treat abortion related cases.

If you cannot come up with better solutions, please put a sock in it.

We want problem solvers, not divisiveness.

God Bless Us All.

What ever happened to the very wise advice: "If you don't believe in abortion, then don't have one". (This doesn't apply to men, of course)

[...] 30,000 flee fighting in Somalia's capital Abortion in spotlight as Obama receives honorary degree LTTE calls for an end of fighting Mexican jailbreak WHO reports that key info-sharing elements [...]

Unbelievable hypocrisy. The Catholic Church is also opposed to the death penalty. Where were these church leaders when President Bush was invited to receive an honor? Did they boycott because ND or any other Catholic university honored others who opposed other church teachings such as opposition to the death penalty. Are these leaders of a Christian Church implying that they or God hold abortion as a more abhorrent sin than other sins?

I read the speech on MSNBC, once again President speaks truth inspite of adversitiy.

To: Tonm @4:37

And what do you propose should happen to the males who had 50% of the "irresponsibility" of creating life?? Lorena Bobbit knows!!!

Cnn, What was all the hype about? After seeing the huge crowd of
Obama supporters of Notre Dame Who actually INVITED him to come , it only confirms that the Catholic church and university has been highjacked by a few zealots, bigots,racists, and just plain idiots who don't speak for the vast majority of catholics at Notre Dame.

I guess the devil needs somewhere to hide. The catholic church is as
good as any place to them.

I choose the side addressing a common ground of understanding that education and planning is key, not the side that uses people for elections and then didn't deliver while controlling all three branches of government.

In fact, God bless President Obama for having the intelligence and diplomacy to address our issues in a pragmatic manner for all Americans.

It's very simple.....If you are against abortion, DON'T HAVE ONE. Laws in the U.S. protect your rights. That's it. Discussion over. Go do something else.

Are sexual abuse and rape of alter servants also positions that are anathema to traditional Catholic teachings. As they say, let he/she who is without sin be the first to cast a stone.

Pro-life is not just about abortion. it's about every part of life from conception to death, both human and nature. It's about social and economic justice. It's about being against capital punishment and wars. Pro-life means that you're pro-envirnoment.

Well, Bush had one out of six. President Obama is more pro-life than Bush ever was.

Another excellent example of how the dems just love someone that can bs the masses with his mellifluous "intelligence". At least with Bush there was no mistaking when he was trying fool people he was such a crappy public speaker. The sheople apparently like the melodious fecal sandwich rather than recognize one is headed their way.

On another note, could it be the catholic church has been so beat up by the press (and their own shortcomings) that having the popular Shepherd come speak might ingratiate themselves with the anti-bible thumpers. I mean what are the bible thumpers gonna do, excommunicate the church?? lol

Organized religion is dangerous. Throughout history, the only purpose religion ever had was to control people. They made up rules, called them commandments, and told people they came straight from God. The Vatican involves itself in politics. At times throughout history, countries could not wage war without the Vatican's approval. The Catholic church still tries to control people today. They tell you how much money to donate and how to live your life. Throughout history, more people have died in the name of God, or a god, than for any other reason. Not that I don't believe is a god or a creator, but I don't subscribe to how all organized religion, including the Catholic Church, uses it to control people. One need only to look to the countries we are now fighting every day to see the power of religion, and the insanity of it as well.

I don't like abortion, but I can't see my morality and ethics overriding someone who has to make the choice about whether to bring a life into this world. As far as Obama's speech – its a free country and like the man or woman in the street he has a right to speak his mind.

It is extremely ironic (I am controlling myself here) that many of the pro-life activivists in this country are also social conservatives who oppose additional spenditures toward public education and universal health care. It seems as if all their concerns are centerend on forcing women to carry their pregnancies to term and then they wash their hands of any committment toward the future of children. Every baby for him/herself!!

Life may begin in the womb but it does not end in the delivery room; there is a termendous amount of effort in raising a child as every parent knows. Where is the committment of these "pro-lifers" after birth? I don't see them demonstrating to demand good schools or access to post-natal care.They are instead the advocates of cutting social and health programs to pay for tax cuts for the upper class. What a bunch of hypocrites!!!

I am waiting for one brave reporter to explicitly state what punishment the Prochoice people would inflict on a woman who has an abortion or a doctor who performs one...a scarlet letter, stoning to death. If the Catholics who profess to their church's doctrines, why is it they are not producers of huge families??

Tom: Quite a litany of sexist rants you have itemized. What about irresponsible men? Or did you forget that it takes two to tango???

these people or so up in arms with this abortion issue but the question is all of those who are making the argument how much of them will actually adopt a black, Mexican, or any other interracial child?

A grown woman may choose to get an abortion. That's a privacy issue. A woman may or may not need counciling. That's a privacy issue. If she can or cannot pay for it, that's another privacy issue. The woman who feels she needs to get an abortion should pay for it herself.

The government should insist on giving her the privacy she wants and keep their money out this business.

But: the pro-life crowd should understand that her life is important, too. They should try to understand her hardship. They should come along side to uplift her and guide her– and forgive her if it comes to that.

This is the common ground.

I totally agree with CNN"s pathetic coverage of the socalled "turmoil" at Notre Dame. Your "overview" even contradicts what your onsight reporters were saying. Three people were taken out due to protests and some "family" members walked out. Thirty grads attended an alternative ceremony. The protestors were the typical ones who show up all the time at every event.

Your constant media created controversies make a mockery of the role of journalism in a democracy: to provide objective, investigative reports on what is going on. The only person on CNN who actually does this is Fareed and you give him one lousy hour a week!!

Why not just vote on if abortion should be legal? Everyone calls Obama the people's president so he should do what the people want. I won't hold my breath though.

That forever shrinking base of 25% of Americans that are divided by our current president are getting smaller by the minute...America is becoming the country of people that think for them selves...I for one am tired of religion and the GOP trying to tell me what to think.

Another outstanding and refreshing speech from President Obama at Notre Dame today! What I don't understand about the abortion discussions is that abortion is LEGAL in this country. If you disagree, work to change the law; don't just continue the on-going argument. When Republicans have been in power in Washington, I don't remember any movement to change the abortion laws. It seems to only be a "talking point" to continue the "convenience" of bepartisan argument. Many, many people, including Presdient Obama, I believe, do not approve of abortion, but do believe in a woman's right to choose - there is a clear distinction between the two. Pro-choice does not equal pro-abortion, just as pro-life does not necessarily equal anti-capital punishment or anti-war where many lives are lost. There is common ground and we must find it.

Bravo, Obama!

Can you even IAMGINE Bush steeping into this type of situation? He would have had the room cleared and then filled with supporters and then played to the TV cameras.

Obama has guts and a brain! Suck on that, Bush and Cheney!

Catholics who voted for Obama should acknowledge their insincerity over abortion. If it were Bush who was pro-abortion, he would have been booed for it, by the same so-called Catholics who adore Obama.

Every Catholic woman should take hard look at their self in in mirror tomorrow morning if they are against abortion and don't have at least 25 children by time they are 35. Every egg they let pass each month is a lost potential life. They are just a guilty for preventing a life as a woman who aborts through a doctor.

Obama is a great man and a great president. We are lucky to have him as our leader, though I am not sure we deserve him!

Beautiful speech by our President. I love the fact that he believes in opposing sides coming together instead of one side sticking their beliefs down everyones throats (take notes Republicans). The crowd LOVED the President and it must make all those conservative right-wing nuts who orchestrated this 'event' so mad. Good job Mr. President. The majority of Catholics and Americans support you!

Here's the thing: If abortion is legal, pro-choice people can have the option available and pro-life people can still choose to not have abortions.

If abortion is illegal, pro-choice people will not have the option available and will seek other means of terminating an unwanted pregnancy, just as people have been terminating pregnancies for thousands of years. Pro-life people can continue to not have abortions.

I'm pro-choice but I'm not pro-abortion. I think abortions should have restrictions and should be the option of last resort. Intensive education about pregnancy prevention, including abstinence and birth control, would be a much more efficient means of reducing abortions than outlawing the practice outright.

Mary Clark, you can't believe in abortion rights and be a "devout" Catholic. You either believe in all the tenets, be it against abortion, war, the death penalty or none of them. You don't get to cherry-pick the issues to believe in and still consider yourself "devout". That being said, I have no issue with Notre Dame inviting the President to speak. Open debate and hearing opposing views is a hallmark of our democracy. I do have a problem with the honorary degree. It almost suggests agreement with his positions.

To reduce the number of abortions you could have early sex education and freely available contraceptives including the morning after pill. But the anti-abortion crowd would be opposed to these solutions as well because they are not just anti abortion but anti contraception and anti sex as well.

Always they use the example of late term abortions (which account for less than .1 % of all abortions) to try to ban even the morning after pill when what is being terminated is a few dozen cells. Come clean and let us know that your real belief is that human life occurs at conception but is only blessed if that is within marriage. Stop the "killing babies" nonsense. Then let us see where the majority of sensible people's opinion lies.

I believe Emily Toates learned the most important lesson of her life today
in denying herself the opportunity to attend her own graduation. Did she
actually think she was hurting President Obama or the vast majority of
student body who gave him a standing ovation by her not attending?

That lesson is "never cut off your nose to spite your face".

Good Grief people – It's not like somebody is going to FORCE your daughter to abort your brother's child.

Conservatives...... such hypocrites

The true message that the president gave to the graduates, wAS priceless! Remember the "lighthouse and the crossroads," Everyone iN this world have different views and ideas, and just because you have a certain value of religion that you were instilled with, works for you, and not everyone else. There's another side to this issue and not just yours! Very well said!

There were hecklers on many occasions when George Bush spoke – how ofter were they arrested. This appears to be just another time when free speech is only allowed to liberal voices?

I am a catholic. However, we need to get off our self-righteous horse and start listening to and be accepting off people with opposing views, and more importantly, remember what Jesus said, "those of you without sin, cast the first stone." Catholics need to stop judging!!! Just this morning at mass, the cardinal spoke to the confirmation class telling them about judgment day. He did not sent them out to be judges of other, but shepherd to find lost sheep. A shepherd will not abandon a lost sheep; he will look until he finds it.

With that said, that was a fantastic speech from both the Priest and President Obama.

Very good speech. Touching and thoughtful. Too bad so many Americans will totally ignore it or twist it to say things that it didn't.

War aborts life
Executions abort life
Torture aborts life
Annullments abort life
Pedophilia aborts life
All of which are condoned by members of the Catholic faith.....many of whom could never stand the scrutiny they exact on women.
In the case of abortion, how much press is given to the impregnator?
When the Keyes and Randalls push strollers with baby dolls and fake blood as they did at Notre Dame, do they also show photos or mimic violent rape scenes? History also depicts the horrible treatment of "unwed" mothers who were under the care of the Catholic clergy not too many years agol.

I thought that President Obama addressed his differences with the Church in a most civilized manner, we as mature humans should be able to discuss each others point of view and listen to them, knowing that we agree on more things and should dwell on those things while paying attention to the others point of views and see what we can do to prevent things such as abortions from happening, sex education, adoptions, safe sex, etc. I also believe that Catholics should not try to push their religion on others who do not agree with them, religion should be a private thing. I was very proud of both the Father's and Obama's speech, they are sensible in a world of hostile differences.

My question to the protestors: Where and when did you protest the sex abuse scandals that so many of your beloved priests were accused of? I'll wait for your replies.

All of you buffaloed by Obama's words are as aimlessly blind to reality as those who, in the name of loyalty to their vote and to a party, believed everything Bush said. Obama has waffled on anything that requires moral certainty, conviction, and staying true to his word. It is so easy to sound like the point of reason when you never have to take a stand. Keep your ears closed to really listening and one day Obama will really shock all of you who hear but aren't listening.

president was great, proud to be an american with a pres. like, obama.

well again her is a man that can give a speech and mean everything he says with truth and really wants our country to move forward in a posative and equal rights and ability of fareness for all the people . not the chosen few ...for the people by the people.
and the students sounded like they really like having him speak

what a refreshing thing a president that can speak woooooo what a deal ..makes me proud to be an american. and good luck to all who graduates in this time of trouble .. and to all of america and the world . it is like this president was supposed to be elected to save our country from greed and threats of war and stop our government from taking us down .

the group of ney sayers is getting smaller .. because they are getting louder and louder about the loss of the republican base and people have finnally woke up from the eight years of mind control .

thank GOD

One more time, everyone. Notre Dame INVITED OUR President to speak. Some of you posters are acting as if the President just walked in one day and told Notre Dame he was going to speak at commencement and demanded a degree for himself. Some of you blasting off at Obama are totally out of line, in this case. You are free to speak stupidly, alas, however, I am also free to tell you it is out of line.

No white man have the right to tell me what I can and can not due with my body. If I want the get an aboration I will and ain't no law going to stop me but GOD BOTTOM LINE. AND FOR YOU Bible want to be, you can not pick parts of the Bible you just want to follow like Miss Californa the striper. She think it is okay to take nude pictures while being a christian. She is a big fake under cover striper.

jk May 17th, 2009 4:13 pm ET

What in the hell are you talking about? I am so tired of the hateful buffoonery that flows from the lips of the ignorant. Discuss the issue at hand and not how much Obama appears to rub you the wrong way!!! Idiot!!!

This is the fakest controversy ever.........

Reagan: believed in death penalty

Bush: FRIED HANDICAPPED people in Texas, Lied about Iraq......

Seriously, this is the fakest controversy ever..........

Even though I admire President Obama, I have a problem with abortion, and I hope that he would revese it by increasing adoption for unwanted children. With that said,even though some catholics are protesting and angry about Obama and the abortion situation, they need to clean up their "yard" before they criticize other peoples "crabgrass"; by this I mean that don't get angry about abortion when you have some of the sinful priests that were/are molesting boys, but nothing is said about that too much anymore. So people ,warn your little sons not to bend down and pick up X-Box games from the floor in front of some of these hypocritical,lying priests out there. There are some great priests in the catholic community, but the ones that are guilty know who they are!!!!

It is being said that abortion is murder. So is the killing in war, and so is the death penalty, and so is the killing of any sentient creature. And just as bad is the lack of caring for the unwanted children who are brought into this world and suffer. There is so much suffering and there are so many out there that just ignore it and latch onto a single issue and just go nuts over it. If there was just a little bit more compassion there might not be so many unwanted babies and there would be less abortions and less crime and people locked away in prisons and institutions. I too do not agree with abortion but I have also witnessed what happens to unwanted children.

These people are a JOKE! I can't believe they are protesting our President and yet the sit quietly by while their wives, sons and daughters are being rapped! My sister goes to ND (YUCK!) and talks about all of the ANTI-VIRGINS there...Can we say HYPOCRITES!

NOTRE DAME...We HATE our President. BUT, we LOVE CHILD MOLESTERS and RAPISTS!

NOTRE DAME is a JOKE!

The President gave an important and inspiring speech today. His respect for differing views is the reason I voted for him. My favorite part of the speech was this:

"In this world of competing claims about what is right and what is true, have confidence in the values with which you've been raised and educated. Be unafraid to speak your mind when those values are at stake. Hold firm to your faith and allow it to guide you on your journey. Stand as a lighthouse."

The Catholic Church and their so-called social values are the main reason for the abortion problems of today. Afterall, if you were well-to-do in the 60's and early 70's as many of these socialites were, they could go off and abort their child so they wouldn't be seen carrying what their communities called "bastards". How soon they forget that they created this monster and now wants to somehow blame everyone else when it was they that let the cat out of the bag. But there are hypocrites everywhere. It's time to discuss abortion and find common ground towards solving this dilemna instead of playing the blame game! Then, we can solve the major issues facing this country, including abortion, drugs, crime, illegal immigrants, and yes, torturers!

@Theresa

You are laughable because you have no idea what you are talking about because of your goo goo eyes over Obama. There was no outrage because there is nothing to outraged over, unless you need to come up with something for elections like Pelosi did. All of a sudden, when election time comes around, the "harsh techniques" are called torture for political gain. The "unnecessary war" you speak of was supported unanimously by both parties, until the election came around and dumbocrats needed something to oppose Bush on. So, I really laugh when you try to re-shape history to fill in the holes in you line of thinking... oh wait you aren't thinking. You are merely an obamabot, following without questioning.

As a devout Catholic – and a supporter of abortion rights for women – and a strong Obama supporter – I am appalled at the hypocrisy of some who protested this speech & honorary degree. I don't remember anyone protesting the former president's address even though he was and still is a strong supporter of capital punishment, also a practice not supported by the "official" Catholic Church. What many do not understand is that the overwhelming majority of American Catholics think for themselves, do not necessarily "revere" the Pope, and still consider themselves "good" Catholics. The irony is the Catholic Church will never call them on it because of the financial support we give the Church! And by the way – I lived overseas in a predominately Catholic country for 10 years (during the 1980s) and found that women there routinely seek and have abortions, albeit illegal ones..... all because they don't have easy access to birth control.

I am sort of sick of the 24 hour coverage of Obama(both of them) .Yes they are the president and first lady but errh enough is enough. I would have liked to see some coverage of Hillary's NYU commencent speech, and didn't VP Biden give one too? At this point I'd rather hear more about the Obama children or Bo Obama than Mr and Mrs Obama with all due respect.

The President's address at the Notre Dame commencement was simply brilliant – eloquent, reasoned, generous, worthy of careful study and consideration. His nuanced positions, his careful distinctions, and unbiased rationality mark him as one of the most brilliant and decent presidents in the history of the Republic.
Many will applaud gratefully. And many more will mindlessly demonize his refusal to embrace simple answers to complex questions. You know who you are.

can't we all just get along?

Phenomenal speech as usual.

BTW...what happen to all the "so call protestors"?

Bonnie, I sooo agree w/U!!! Read her comment...

"Where were these protestors when our precious babies were being abused within the Catholic Church. Where are your priorities, do not abuse while in the womb, but wait until after birth".

The hypocricy of those who claim to support life. I guess that "support" only lasts until the child comes down and out of the birth canal. Once they are in the world it's fair game to do whatever you want to and with them. Shame, shame, shame on those hypocrites!!!!

It is so interesting listening and reading from highly educated and highly respected people making a big deal out of something simple. And to them with all due respect I would ask is their case really about abortion or simply because they have problems living with the difference. I am not pro-choice. I am not pro-life. I am pro-human. Now where does that put me? I say that only because I do not want to live by neither one of these political slogan: "Pro-life, Pro-choice".

I think it is fine to protest against abortion but I do not think simply that would change much. I think these positions should follow by the foundation of organizations and services available to those mostly who are forced by circumstances to abort. I think these protesters should start communicating with these women who consider abortion as their best option. All also not forget to sit with other women who carry their children to term only because they could not afford abortion or because they did not have a choice.

I overhead a man said no to abortion only because his women are his property. Their job is have children and they cannot say no. Now, how many of us men are thinking, feeling, and treating women the same. Is it really about the unborn? If it is really about the unborn, let's really starting talking and doing things for those millions abandoned, homeless children who wake up this morning hungry, thirsty, dirty, humiliated, sick, forgotten and who are going to bed tonight hungrier, thirstier, dirtier, more humiliated, more sick, more forgotten by the rest of the world.

The pro-life message should not stop at a protest in front of an abortion clinic, a political rally, or commencement ceremony. It should sharing a piece of bread, a cup of clean water, a home, a hospital bed, and hope with these millions needy children living right here, in the United States of America.

Beautiful speech.

The CNN coverage of this event seemed incessently pre-occupied with magnified coverage of every possible dissent, counting every protestor, examining whether the protestor was a graduate, undergraduate or just a person...who left the assembly...etc. etc.

You gave many minutes to the most unyielding "analyst" available matched him with a reasonable priest of good will and tolerance... for seemingly indefinite reprise and reptition of the obvious... One was stuck permanenty in his idololgy and dissent, the other pointed to ways that even Catholics can co-exist in a pluralistic society. Perhaps anti-abortion protests were at the core of this story...but the spirit and success of the encounter and presentations, I thought, were much more about the need for tolerance, respect, and seeking ways for cooperation between people in our democracy.

I guess we are SICK AND TIRED OF talking heads screaming at each other...for years and years now on CNN.

Many cheered and applauded Obama, apparently hearing his message of hope and reason. .

CNN seems to go out of its way to create a drama when there is none. Obama got a wonderful warm welcome and standing ovation and so he should.. He gave a wonderful speech.. I like the points he raised about doubt..

Afterwards, I like how the Jesuit priest who was on your show, commented with a humility that reflected Obama's own words that are attempting to bridge the divide of a very controversial subject.

Bravo President Obama, Bravo Notre Dame for standing up to some of the Catholic Bishops and Priests who tried to scuttle this most important speech today..

.

If a fetus is a human being, does it have a right to own a firearm?

I would like politicians to call on science to create an artifical womb.

It removes all arguments from the pro-choice side.

It would give women a real choice.

Murder has never been a legitimate choice and it should never be chosen.

Irresponsible women who create life should be given a choice to allow that life to grow in an alternative environment where it could become the person that it was meant to be.

Otherwise Irrespnsible women who creat life should have their life creating equipment removed permanently. They don't deserve it.

It's sad in this day and age of liberation for women in this United States, there are still those who would stone a woman to death, if they had the chance, because the woman has chosen NOT to be a mother or to limit her family. Ladies lets face it. WE are still treated as third class citizens by mostly men. When will the courts finally take our side and let us decide the fate of our own body.. The answer? When the Supreme Court is an all female body of power.. Think about it.

All these self-righteous Catholic clergy and congregation members need to take a long, hard look at their practice of re-assigning and covering up for priests who were/are pedophiles.

How many lives has the Catholic Church destroyed over the centuries in this way?

And what about all the lives lost during the Holocaust because of the complicity of the Catholic Church?

And shall we get into the Inquisition, the Crusades and the "tactics" used by the Catholic Church throughout its history to convert people to its faith?

The Catholic Church has an awful lot of blood on its hands.

My house welcomes everyone who comes as friend regardless of their beliefs, but no solicitors, religious, or missionaries. The solicitors, religious, and missionaries have the same purpose … ‘psychologically making others to blindly agree with them’ …

Birth Control over Abortion!

Good old catholics (one I have not been since as far as I can remember) living in ancient times still.
It's about time that your religion gets a life (no pun intended).
Nothing says stupid than making a statement and missing your graduation. Good luck in the real world. It's not pretty and abortion is the last thing that will be on your mind as you look for a job and try to keep one.

I am pro choice female. I understand the argument on both sides but I believe it is horrible that the Notre Dame students graduated in the midst of all of this political chaos. In my opinion, the pro life protestors ruined their graduation which should have been a celebratory event. I believe we should discuss the issues, debate the issues, but the forum the pro lifers used was inexcusable. I am also glad President Obama addressed it head on. I still believe abortion should not be linked to politics. It is a woman's individual choice, not something that should be determined by potical vote, especially when some people choose to only vote Republican solely because of the life issue.

I can't add more to what has been eloquently worded by the POTUS and president of Notre Dame. These are the kind of leaders we need in this world.

Now lets see...they had a philosophical problem giving President Obama an honorary degree here at Arizona State...located in the Mormon capital of the southwest, and now they have that same philosophical problem at Notre Dame, the bastion of Catholicism in Indiana... what do they both have in common...
I hope each new football prospect is questioned before given a scholarship, and those who are pro choice are turned away... to go play in the SEC.

I was very glad to hear Obama's inspiring speech at Notre Dame talking about all sides of an issue being brought to the table and listened to with respect.

I was very disappointed in the coverage that your producers and anchors provided before and after the speech. They made it sound as though the campus was in turmoil and there would be a no-holds-barred battle between the people who were FOR LIFE and AGAINST LIFE. What a contrast to what was really going on there and in the actual speech.

Please tell your producers and anchors that there must be a better way to sell advertising than to hype every issue into a potential disaster.

Now, there's a President you can be proud of! A man who can enumerate his own beliefs without taking anything away from someone holding a very differing opinion. It will be interesting to hear what the folks over at Fox have to say. We'll see.

Our country is in the midst of an economic melt-down. Each day brings news about layoffs. Our nations first black president keeps running around the country like a movie star. Keep your honorary degree and stay home Obama!

I dont believe in abortion but i do believe in people making there own decision. We can not make anyone do what we want without Love and that in itself is a hugh thing. Love doesnt force or shovel its oppinion on someone else. We all fall short of RIGHT we all do wrong, We need to fix ourselves first then maybe then we can fix other. Making someone do as we think they should never works. But showing them love llike the bible says makes the different we seek. I just pray for us all, to be more giving and not condemning but showing the right way.

I appears that a number of students from Notre Dame skipped the religion class the day they were talking about Jesus and tolerance.

We watched our CIC's speech, and saw again why he is our President. The way he handled the hecklers was with class. They way he spoke on abortion was with class. The way he told the Class of 09 just how important they are to our economic crises, world crises, was with class.

Obama will always be welcomed at Lutheran Colleges. Lutherans are, after all, the true catholics.

Why was this president even allowed to speak at notre dame??.and of his saying that healthcare for women who have their children should be affordable smacks of pure politics..america does not want socialized medicine..the taxpayers are already saddled with chrysler..soon also general motors..the notre dame administration should be embarrased and censured by the catholic church..for this president to pontificate about the murdering of unborn children is disgusting

I watched the speech with my family today and I was so impressed (once again) with President Obama's intelligence and presence. He is a man who can bring together people of all voices and colors and I am so proud of my country (yes, for the first time in my adult life). Notre Dame was the perfect place for his voice to be heard and I am honored to be a catholic who supports the choice to invite him.

I am very proud of both fathers, Notre Dame School of '09 students, and Obama. It is very interesting that the majority of the protesters were not students of the school. It is a shame what elderly people have to do for publicity and attention!

For the students who protested silently with the cross and baby feet on your head....I respect you! The 2 attention needy (non graduating trespassers) folks that interrupted the ceremony with your noise...shame on you! You only got 1/2 a minute – LOL!

I simply cannot tolerate this subject (from either side) any more.

Stop abortion – Use morning after pill if necessary. Will stop the political fighting on this issue all together.

Where were these protestors when our precious babies were being abused within the Catholic Church. Where are your priorities, do not abuse while in the womb, but wait until after birth.

Lets all remember that the Catholics only hold life sacred when it's unborn.

After that they are more than happy to send that life they fought so hard to protect to their grave by sending them to senseless wars.

Just like Jesus wanted!

Superb Ceremony.

. . . I'll bet Emily Coates is feeling pretty dumb right now, missing her
own graduation ceremony, and all. All the better for a lesson learned
I guess. That being "one monkey don't stop no show".

Obama is right, parts of the two sides of the abortion issue are irreconcilable. Now, let's move forward on deal with the dozens of other issues that are more important to the future of this country ... the economy, jobs, taxes, the deficit, the environment, energy policy, health care, national security, nuclear prolifiration, terrorism, two wars, education, transportation, infrastructure, entitlements, global warming, etc., etc.

Those sanctamonous, self-rightuous, holier-than-thou "pro-lifers" are nothing more than womens "choice abortionists".
They are control freaks who are using so-called "innocent life" as a means to an end in controlling a woman's body for her.

Where were these people when they invited past presidents Bush and Reagan who both support capital punishment? Where were these catholics when they supported Bush policies destroy the ecology of our earth? Where were these catholics when Bush supported a baseless war, even though the pope objected ? The anti-female bias of the catholic church unfortunately continues on. I can assure you that those people who believe that abortion should be safe and available are also pro-life. Lets all work together to make abortion less necessary, not to ridiculously pick and choose which parts of the theology to support.

Now is not the time for Democrats to start backing off the postions that got them elected. One of the reasons I vote democratic is the right to chose. I'll make my own choices (I have four children) and thank the government for keeping their hands and beliefs off my and other women's bodies, unless of course they are willing to support any children born to women who can't afford them!!!

Where were these people when their concupiscent priests were indulged in sexual behavior with minors and, dare I say likely amongst each other, across the US ?!? Catholics should be mute on The Abortion topic. Judgement by our Lord always begins with those who are believers first before none believers. The Catholic Church is out of order. The Catholic Church needs to check itself or forever be seen as Lost – Hypocrites – Judaizers.

abortion is murder down right. every being has a right at life

Any college or university that can book the President of the U.S. as graduation speaker ought to be thrilled. This isn't just any VIP, people. Can you move beyond one-issue thinking long enough to appreciate a HUGE honor?

president obama was fantastic...god bless him, the graduates and the faculty of Notre Dame. Well done

President Obama and the rest of the Notre Dame speakers did a wonderful job. The speeches were heartfelt and really, it made me almost cry.

Corny, but true. There is so much hope for the future. Divisiveness and accentuating our differences is not the answer to what faces these new graduates. Kudos to President Obama, the Notre Dame administration and those fine graduates who attended.

Once again, it's outsiders who were the cause of the minor flareup today-same ridiculous crowd that got all worked up over Terry Schiavo. Don't these people have jobs or lives or families to attend to? When you actually see what they look like, no explanation for their beliefs is needed; their appearance says it all.

media spin begins in 3,2,1

Obama should have stayed home and let the graduates have their day. What an ass.

Cool, Calm and Collected....

President Obama is always on his game...

A Great representation for the United States...

Go Obama Go!!!!!!!

to someone who promotes the murder of fetuses???

As always, President Obama handles these situations with grace, dignity and intelligence. What a fine and inspirational speech! I am struck by how so many significant moments in his career always harken back to signficant historical moments, as is the case with Father Ted and his work to craft future civil rights legislation. The Catholic church should be proud. Congratulations, Class of 2009!!

Lets be clear everyone who makes a comment here has an oponion and not everyone is going to agree.

I don't think this issue is going to be settled on a cnn web site!

As much as I am against abortion, I don't think that it should be banned. If abortion is banned, people will find other hazerdous ways to have an abortion. I do think that there should be more money for stem cell research.

And Republicans will continue to stir the pot....it's what they do best.

Listening to Obama–I know why I did not vote for him. He is so full of himself,you need an emesis basin to listen.I think he agreed to this speech purposely to thumb his noses at people against abortion and pro saving babies lives.Again I am reminded of his statement–"we won". I have lost respect for the catholic church for embracing this man and honoring him. He is no uniter, but very devisive.

Great speech by the Father and President Obama !

The problem is that the church age has come to an end..

Where was all of this "outrage" when George W Bush, a torturer, liar, death penalty supporter, who started an unnecessary war based on cooked up evidence that has killed hundreds of thousands of living breathing thinking human beings gave the commencement address at Notre Dame? The hypocrisy is disgusting and makes any "debate" about this issue by the very people who supported the 43rd "President" laughable.

When you have a dad. You can't??? Who decides? You!!!!!

When you have a Mother, then you can abort.