Campaign 2004 semi-officially began this week as all the announced Democratic candidates showed up on one stage. But the place they chose for the big kickoff – an abortion rights event – could be a problem for the Democrats down the road. It’s a good example of how the battle for the nomination makes the fight for the presidency much tougher.

Abortion has become a litmus test of candidates in both political parties. Hardly any voters tell pollsters that they cast their ballots for president because of a candidate’s stand on abortion. But pro-life Republicans and pro-choice Democrats form such a core of activists in each party that candidates do their best to please them. And pleasing the activists means displeasing the majority of voters.