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Speech Analysis:

A transcript of Obama’s commencement speech can be seen here.

Arguably the most controversial commencement address in the history of American higher education, President Barack Obama challenged Notre Dame’s class of 2009, and the entire country, to engage in a for a fair and respectful conversation about abortion.

The original announcement earlier this year that Obama would be the featured speaker at the University of Notre Dame’s 2009 commencement ceremony was met with outrage from much of the Catholic community, and his speech yesterday was interrupted by hecklers crying “baby killer” among other things on multiple occasions.

Yet Obama refused to allow protest to silence the very stance that initially instigated the opposition to his appearance: his history as a pro-choice politician.

“We’re not going to shy away from things that are uncomfortable sometimes,” Obama declared after the first heckler was escorted from the crowd.

“Maybe we won’t agree on abortion but we can still agree that this heart-wrenching decision for any woman is not made casually. It has both moral and spiritual dimension.” Obama said.

Consistent with months of campaign speeches, Obama called from dialogue, from both sides of the ever-contentious abortion issue– in order to find ways to respect one another and collaborate to reduce unwanted pregnancies.

“Let us work together to reduce the number of women seeking abortions. Let’s reduce unintended pregnancies. Let’s make adoption more available. Let’s provide care and support for women who do carry their children to term.”

And though his message was unsurprisingly populist, the eager audience embraced the cry for a conversation on abortion, and shunned those attempting to interrupt the address.

Hecklers screaming “baby killer,” and stop killing our children,” were immediately consumed by chants of “Yes we can” and “We are N.D.”

And while these chants maybe seen by some as the instinctive defense by the soon-to-be graduates of their president, the overwhelming support for his message shows that the abortion may not be nearly as black and white as many pro-life and pro-choice activists would have us believe.

Obama is the sixth president in history to speak at Notre Dame’s commencement, but none of the previous appearances were so vitally important to the national dialogue about one of the most pressing domestic issues. While Obama could have easily ignored critics, he choose to dive head first into a conversation about abortion, exhibiting courage while setting an example.

As Obama spoke, dozens of protesters rallied outside. The over 100 protesters, 40 of whom were arrested, included Norma McCorvey, the plaintiff in the landmark  Roe v. Wade , which legalized abortion.

It’s unfortunate. Because had McCorvey and the others put down thier signs and posters and momentarily silenced thier hateful chants they would have heard the wise words of a man not bent on pushing a liberal agenda, rather a leader working to unite a country.

“Each side will continue to make its case to the public with passion and conviction, but surely we can do so without reducing those with differing views to caricature.” Obama said.

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