ABORTION QUESTION: I think Kerry’s answer here is very good — I won’t legislate what’s a matter of faith for me. As a President I have to represent all the people. You can take that position and not be pro-abortion.

I think this is Kerry’s best answer so far.

Bush: A shorter and simpler answer: We’re not going to spend taxpayer money on abortion. Moves to partial-birth abortion ban, and parental notification, “unborn victims of violence act.” “Every child protected by law and welcomed in life.” This sounds focus-group-tested.

Kerry: It’s not that simple.

I think this is a place where nuance will play well, actually, and I think he handles it well.

Bush: It’s pretty simple. You vote yes or no on banning partial-birth abortion, you voted no. You can run but you can’t hide.

UPDATE: Reader Kevin Menand says that as a pro-choice “secularist” I just “don’t get it” on the abortion issue, or I wouldn’t like Kerry’s answer so much.

Could be, but I call ’em as I see ’em. Your results, as always, may differ.