From the Chicago Sun-Times — Originally published Monday, May 18

On Sunday, President Obama … [in] his powerful speech at the University of Notre Dame … warmly embraced our nation’s religious heritage, insisting that people of all faiths and no faith share a common ground …

But finding this common ground, he said, begins with a more respectful public debate …

… This was a speech the president could have ducked. He could have declined the invitation, as every president must do hundreds of times each year. …

But to his credit, Obama came to Notre Dame and addressed the abortion controversy head-on. …

… His strategy is not to co-opt opponents, but to find a middle ground.

It’s about talking to each other, not about shouting each other down …

Respect can lead to cooperation, which is the only road to real progress. …