Does it Matter That Condi Rice Is 'Mildly Pro-Choice?' (POLL)

Last night, the media were buzzing over the claim that former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice might be on GOP presidential contender Mitt Romney's vice-presidential short list. While some have flatly rejected such a notion, others are very clearly entertaining it. In the end, the reaction -- even if the reports are baseless -- has been diverse and noteworthy.

As we've reported, in the past Rice has said that she will not be Romney's running mate. Furthermore, some journalists say that sources from within the campaign reject the notion that she's even being considered. Still, there's no shortage of buzz over the news. From radio host Rush Limbaugh to former vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin, it seems practically everyone has an opinion.

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Among the many issues, though, pending Rice truly is being considered, would be her views on abortion. Separating from the vast majority of conservatives, the former secretary of state has described herself as "mildly pro-choice." While this title certainly wouldn't be fervent enough to attract the praise of far-leftists, it serves as a potential turn-off to many on the right.

(Related: Report: Condoleezza Rice Near the Top of Romney’s VP Short List)

"I myself am someone who believes strongly in parental notification. … I’m against late-term abortion, which is, I think, really very cruel," Rice said in a 2008 interview with CBS News' "60 Minutes."

While this is certainly sentiment that conservative Republicans would embrace, Rice went on to say in that same interview that she does not support overturning Roe vs. Wade.

"I have not wanted to see the law changed because it’s an area that I worry about the government being involved in," she proclaimed.

Watch her make these comments, below:

In an election year between President Barack Obama, an incumbent candidate that many see as vastly liberal and Mitt Romney, an individual who has sometimes struggled to captivate conservative audiences, one wonders if Rice's abortion views would be problematic. After all, some would argue that Romney needs a running mate with solid right-of-center credentials. Not everyone shares these concerns, though.

Take, for instance, Palin, who held little praise back for Rice during an appearance on Fox News' "On the Record With Greta van Susteren" last night.

"I think that Condoleezza Rice would be a wonderful vice president, and she certainly has much more experience than our sitting president does today,” Palin said.

As for abortion, a hot-button issue for conservatives and liberals, alike, Palin showed very little concern over Rice's pro-choice views. While she said she'd prefer candidates who respect "all innocent, precious, purposeful human life," she said that legislating abortion is Congress' role -- not a vice-president's.

What do you think? Does it matter to you that Rice is "mildly pro-choice?" Would her views impact your vote? Take the poll, below: