How is possible for Sarah Palin appealing to the Christian Right and independent voters at the same time?

Check out the final installment of her Charlie Gibson interview.

GIBSON: Roe v. Wade, do you think it should be reversed?

PALIN: I think it should and I think that states should be able to decide that issue… I am pro-life. I do respect other people’s opinion on this, also, and I think that a culture of life is best for America… What I want to do, when elected vice president, with John McCain, hopefully, be able to reach out and work with those who are on the other side of this issue, because I know that we can all agree on the need for and the desire for fewer abortions in America and greater support for adoption, for other alternatives that women can and should be empowered to embrace, to allow that culture of life. That’s my personal opinion on this, Charlie.

GIBSON: John McCain would allow abortion in cases of rape and incest. Do you believe in it only in the case where the life of the mother is in danger?

PALIN: That is my personal opinion.

GIBSON: Would you change and accept it in rape and incest?

PALIN: My personal opinion is that abortion allowed if the life of the mother is endangered. Please understand me on this. I do understand McCain’s position on this. I do understand others who are very passionate about this issue who have a differing.

In Palin’s first response, she reaches out to abortion rights proponents who nonetheless think reducing the number of abortions is a worthy goal. That’s what the Democrats have been trying to do with their new platform language on abortion. Rather than pouncing on a Roe question to beat the drum for a Right to Life Amendment to the constitution, Palin takes a much softer line: the issue should be decided by the states.

In her second answer, she reiterates her hard-line view that abortion should be available only when the mother’s life is at risk, getting well to the right of George W. Bush.

There, that’s how Palin appeals to the Christian Right and to independent women at the same time.

She makes it look easy.

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