Not a message conservatives are in the mood for today, especially with opposition to abortion surging in Republican ranks. Even so, think of this as a counterpoint to The One’s treacle at Notre Dame. Graham’s not keeping an “open mind” on the subject and neither is anyone else; rather, he wants to set it aside completely and find common ground with pro-choice Republicans on issues like fiscal responsibility. A baby step towards remaking the GOP not as a party without social conservatives but with social conservatism as a lower priority than the economy and national defense.

You’ll be pleased to know the Paulnuts were there to greet him.

“You’re a hypocrite!” one man yelled.

“I’m a winner, pal,” Graham shot back. “Winning matters to me. If it doesn’t matter to you, there’s the exit sign.”

“Ron Paul is not the leader of this party,” Graham said, prompting a few jeers. Some people yelled, “Yes, he is!”

“I’m not going to give this party over to people who can’t win,” Graham finished, drawing most of the crowd to its feet.

Needless to say, opinions differ about which people can and can’t win. Nice tribute to Jim DeMint near the end, though.