Presidential rivals woo 'faith' voters

US presidential contenders Barack Obama and John McCain differed on abortion today, with Mr McCain saying a baby’s human rights begin “at conception,” while Mr Obama restated his support for legal abortion.

Appearing on the same stage for the first time in months, although they overlapped only briefly, the two men shared their views on a range of moral, foreign and domestic issues.

Mr Obama said he would limit abortions in the late stages of pregnancy if there are exceptions for the mother’s health.

He said he knew that people who consider themselves pro-life will find his stance “inadequate”.

He said the government should do more to prevent unwanted pregnancies and to help women who give birth, such as provide needed resources to the poor, as well as better adoption services.

Mr McCain expressed his anti-abortion stand simply and quickly, saying human rights begin the instant that a human egg is fertilised.

Mr McCain, who adopted a daughter from Bangladesh, also called for making adoption easier.

Their comments came at a two-hour forum on faith hosted by the minister Rick Warren at his megachurch in Orange County, California.

Mr Obama joined Mr Warren for the first hour, and Mr Obama for the second. The two men briefly shook hands and hugged each other during the switch.

Mr Warren asked both men the same questions. Mr McCain said he did not see or hear Mr Obama’s session, which might have given him an advantage.

Mr Obama said America’s greatest moral failure is its insufficient help to the disadvantaged. He noted that the Bible quotes Jesus as saying “whatever you do for the least of my brothers, you do for me.” He said the maxim should apply to victims of poverty, sexism and racism.

Mr McCain said the nation’s greatest moral shortcoming is its failure to “devote ourselves to causes greater than our self-interests”.

After the September 2001 terrorist attacks, Mr McCain said, there should have been a national push for joining the Peace Corps and other volunteer organisations.

His comment seemed an indirect criticism of President George Bush, who had urged tax cuts and more shopping to stimulate the economy at the time.

He also said he would pursue Osama bin Laden “to the gates of Hell,” another goal that might be seen as a swipe at Mr Bush’s administration.

Both men said marriage is a union between a man and a woman. Mr Obama added that he supports civil unions for gay partners, giving them rights such as hospital visits with one another.