Michelman correctly argues that it was difficult to mobilize abortion supporters while Bill Clinton was in the White House, since they knew that the president would always defend their interests. But she goes even further. This, no doubt, can be explained in part by the strong religious subtext that motivates many abortion opponents, which has translated to a zeal that is equaled only by the most politically active in the women's and abortion-rights community. However, this emotional-political advantage could change significantly next year. Supporters of legal abortion can already point to steps taken by the Bush administration that, in various ways, circumscribe legal abortion and family planning, and those efforts could change the priority that abortion supporters give to that issue.
Fear is a strong motivator in politics as well as in life.
If defenders of legal abortion believe that their rights are under attack, they will be more likely to flock to the polls. That could change the electorate's mix in a lower turnout midterm election. And that could help pro-abortion candidates, most of whom are likely to be Democrats.