Bread & Circuses

AFTER a recent CNN Crossfire debate between the Feminist Majority’s Eleanor Smeal and me, a conservative activist called to say that for the first time in a year he felt his team was playing offense. A visibly uncomfortable Mrs. Smeal had been forced to attempt to justify partial-birth abortions. She was trapped in the spotlight, alone in the crossfire.

But she and her feminist allies insisted that President Clinton join her there. And despite strong bipartisan opposition to this gruesome procedure, they succeeded. Mr. Clinton vetoed legislation that would have banned such abortions. Not for the first time, feminist demands have made a weak man tremble.

About the Author

Kate O'Beirne

AFTER a recent CNN Crossfire debate between the Feminist Majority’s Eleanor Smeal and me, a conservative activist called to say that for the first time in a year he felt his team was playing offense. A visibly uncomfortable Mrs. Smeal had been forced to attempt to justify partial-birth abortions. She was trapped in the spotlight, alone in the crossfire.

But she and her feminist allies insisted that President Clinton join her there. And despite strong bipartisan opposition to this gruesome procedure, they succeeded. Mr. Clinton vetoed legislation that would have banned such abortions. Not for the first time, feminist demands have made a weak man tremble.