Romney Faces Backlash over Candidate’s Rape Gaffe
Romney faces backlash over candidate’s rape gaffe (via AFP)
White House hopeful Mitt Romney on Wednesday sought to distance himself from controversial remarks on rape made by a fellow Republican that drew fire less than two weeks ahead of election day. Anti-abortion Senate candidate Richard Mourdock’s statement that pregnancy caused by rape was “something God…
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Its true that Romney recently has approved of abortion in cases of rape and incest, but I wouldn’t doubt that his views on this subject have also changed. Paul Ryan, however, did co-sponsor many extreme pro-life bills with the likes of Todd Akin, and, HAS been on record as completely prohibiting abortions in any of these cases. Mourdock’s attempt to rationalize through the use of religious dogma, that even rapes are meant to happen–as part God’s will, doesn’t surprise me though. While some Congressmen like he and Akin may be entirely sincere about their beliefs, to me, such comments don’t speak highly of their intelligence, or of their judgement. But of course, the first thing Romney will point out is that, he does not share Mourdock’s views.
What troubles me is Romney’s strategy of accusing the President of criticizing him in ways that are unfair, every time Obama tries to point out some of his mistaken views or flip-flopping opinions. Although both candidates have already made the admission that their opponents are fine family men, and even though the very nature of political discourse involves criticizing an opponents beliefs, somehow Romney seems to be making definite headway by sticking to this tactic.
I believe it is something that he has used before whenever personally damaging criticisms are leveled at him.
If I were the President, I would preface his Romnesia comments by stating that in many ways, Romney is a fine man—just completely wrong in regards to women’s issues. He might also point out that criticism is a necessary part of politics and that, he has also been the brunt of many negative ads from Republicans— including Romney.
Although Romney has stayed away from the more lunatic fringe comments that are intended to portray Obama as a socialist or communist, or that he is not an American citizen etc.—He really doesn’t have to. The rest of the GOP and the Tea Party political machine is busy supplying these nastier forms of character defamation—constantly—even though they are blatant lies!
I think it is a mistake to portray the ignorance of the GOP as indicative of a hatred of women. Democrats would do better by merely saying that they remain ignorant of many of the contemporary issues of women. I also believe that for Murdock to make such an apparently ignorant comment, is more of a backwards step towards Victorian attitudes and religious ignorance.
I don’t think all Republicans really hate women or are anti-female misogynists, however, I do think they have many archaic , and unenlightened attitudes that need to be questioned.
If Democrats pointed to these flaws in the GOP’s policies, rather than making so many controversial accusations, they would undoubtedly do better! Many voters are turned off by extreme criticisms delivered by either party.
Religious Republican zombies are coming out of the woodwork — descending on America! Scary or what?
Romney; would be the equivalent to the Taliban — in his treatment of women’s rights and the gay community — with his extreme cultist attitude … if ever elected!
Religion; is the biggest bully on the block!
IRS codes prohibit churches from endorsing or opposing political candidates!
The IRS … should immediately tax churches — that break that rule!
Churches — are opposing gay rights — based on a cult! Tax them or shut them down!
Roman Catholic; Baptist & Mormon churches who were involved in Proposition 8; against the gay community – should be shut down immediately and/or have their tax exemption status revoked!
Church manses; mansions; corporate jets and Christian college campuses … should face taxes or be shut down — based on corruption and/or being involved in cultism!
Mormons are nothing more than homophobic bigots and lustful religious lunatics; who harvested women … attempting to scrutinize themselves; into eternity – without success!
Obama should be praised for standing up for human rights … by supporting the gay community! To see the religious lunatics try to manipulate government and our lives – is
shameful.
Romney as President; would mean the darkest & meanest period in the United States of America’s history. Homophobic — witchcraft would rule the government from Rome & Salt Lake City …!
Romney chose Ryan as a running mate…so that is the only real link to this pov. Considering that Romney chose Ryan because of his “economic” chops (which is complete bs), it is even harder to pin this pov on Romney.
The Republican party is a different story. The GOP…out of my pocket and into my body.
Remember, enough Republicans with influence agree with these kinds of beliefs that they are in the GOP platform.
In my Catholic upbringing I was taught that ,To abort was wrong in the Church, Law..Always. And I begin to change my views as I became of voting age, because I begin to see that the two parties bandie this important issue up every election year… The republicans make this their Center piece or so it seems.
This has gotton me pretty upset with the way God,laws are suddenly so important for one day,hours, minutes, seconds and when the day has ended and a new day begins ..life goes on, withoutany more issue with what should be done by ‘Man made laws regarding a woman,s body.
To me I think this should be a woman,s choice ..Alone, not the party in power or it becomes dangerous and takes away her dignity that belongs to her between her and her Maker, rather she is condemned to a grievious mortal sin by the Church,s Law. It is part of the human intellect and comprehension, of that moral fiber within that makes it each,s judgement for all eternity, not this short earthly life that a baby is considered a human being upon Conception.
But still I stand and hope I somehow make myself clear that [It is the Woman,s Choice and her,s alone depending how well she was brought up in her faith and adherence to her Moral Conscience instilled in every human being at birth.
Man should not make his law paramount to that gift from God.. a human life.
I don’t think this will make much difference. It’s not a gaffe, it what these people believe. People who think and vote for people like this are impervious to logic and reason. They are going vote for this dope and Romney no matter what. They represent a substantial portion of the electorate. Fortunately most of these folks are over 50 and will have declining influence in the coming years.
Yet another in a long line of shamefully backward and inhumane statements from a republican. Make no mistake, these are not isolated incidents, the problem is systemic and it is a republican problem. When will enough people wake up and smell the crazy???
When it’s too late Zephyr.
We’re talking Indiana, here, folks. 100% Romney according to Nate Silver.
From David Weigel at Slate
[Romney has said he disagrees with Mourdock. (About what? It's intentionally murky.) But if we're going to treat this logically, we should note that Rep. Joe Donnelly, the conservative Democrat challenging Mourdock, co-sponsored the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act of 2011. That was the bill that, in initial drafts, created a distinction between "rape" and "forcible rape." You've got a Republican candidate who believes that life starts at conception and won't make allowances for abortion, and a Democrat who believes that life starts at conception and HEY LOOK OVER THERE.]
Pov from a Catholic Apologist (not one who apologizes, one who explains):
I regard all abortions as killing. That said, I understand the arguments (from both sides) that occur in a debate on abortion. Here is what I do NOT understand: why do the Republicans keep getting people to vote for them almost exclusively due to their stand on abortion when the GOP has done virtually nothing to curb the quantity of abortions in the country? I mean, seriously, if a Major League Baseball manager had the same record of failure as the GOP has concerning abortion, he would go down in history as the most failed manager EVER!
Now for the counter argument (since I have not seen it displayed here) supporting the curbing of abortion to very small levels.
1) Most abortions are not performed on scared teens who “made a mistake” or whatever. They are obtained by women who are already mothers.
2) To suggest that the abortion issue is not a secular matter automatically assumes that the embryo/fetus/baby is not a live person. No one would support legislation to allow (or allow the courts to rule that) parents to kill their children simply because they no longer wish to have them. Thus, one has to assume that those who support the right to choose abortion do not accept the idea that the growing life in the mother’s womb is human OR that the mother’s rights trump that of the child.
3) I would really, really, really like to see fewer abortions. While there is a waiting list a mile long for parents who want to adopt, we are killing one million babies each year. That seems…well…stupid.
Now, please understand that abortion does not dictate my vote. Those politicians who claim to oppose abortion tend to be the same ones who cut all the programs that would allow the child to grow up with a decent standard of living. This is just as short-sighted (from a Catholic Christian point of view) as those who insist that every woman should be able to get an abortion on demand, whenever and wherever she chooses.
Just sayin’
Bottom line. It is the woman’s body, her decision. NOT the governments, NOT the church’s, NOT anyone elses. And rape is NOT a gift from god. Crazy is crazy.
@ the Ohioan:
To be sure, Indiana will go to Romney. But I think the danger for Romney is that this draws him away from the economic message. And, this kind of stuff stirs up the democratic base, making them more motivated to not only vote (which they would do anyway) but also to volunteer, to GOTV. This is where these comments are problematic for Romney IMO.
Rcoutme,
Many people point out that those who are so up in arms about Abortions, are the same people who seem to have tunnel vision when it comes to all the other important political, moral and social issues that are in play.
I agree with you that (logically speaking) Abortion involves killing a human being–if you believe that a cluster of cells that has no differentiated organs, no awareness, and no susceptibility to pain, represents a human being. But that being said, it is definitely the beginning of a life process that, when terminated, involves ending its chance to fully develop into an adult person.
Perhaps religious extremists are overly focused on this issue because it is one of the few arguments that they deliver which makes a great deal of sense–a life has begun and that life is ended! When so many of their other beliefs may have no basis in fact or, are riddled with personal bias and moral relativity, this is the one paramount area where they have a clear vision of their beliefs being morally true. In that sense, your mention of the fact that parents cannot just terminate the lives of their children if they decide that they don’t want them, is basically true and relevant. However, as much as a cliche as it may be, morality is seldom back and white but rather shades of grey.
Although the Ten Commandments make it clear that there is no wiggle room for spinning the meaning of “Though shalt not kill,” most civilized nations have no aversion to drafting their finest young men (and women) to fight with, and kill others on the battle field.
Unless one is able to pass the rigorous questioning of officials and then volunteer for some other pubic service, many pacifists and people who object to the moral validity of any given war, will find themselves shooting and being shot at, in a war that they morally object to. If they don’t comply, the alternative is prison, or banishment to some other place—like Canada—or so it was in the 60s when uncle Sam sought my unquestioning compliance despite the fact that I was little more than a teen-aged farm boy. So laws have always gotten around our morality and our most precious convictions–sometimes for the better.
When it comes to rape and incest, I see no reason to oppose a contraceptive like plan B when used to end the personal torture which a young woman would be forced to endure by carrying to term the child that has resulted from a violent attack and domination of her own human will. Such an attack must cause both physical and emotional suffering that most of us just can’t comprehend!
Also, it is obvious that in a situation where the life of the mother is threatened or endangered by a continued pregnancy, at that point, decisions should be made by her, or her next of kin, considering which option to choose. If the Government forces her to risk her life by giving birth, doesn’t this shows just as much disdain for her individual well being, as her rapist did? Why should he be given the power to dominate her and, possible determine much of her future life?
I think there has to come a point when we are willing to accept that a bundle of cells which has no self awareness and no specific tissue development at all, should be considered permissible to terminate. Unless our knowledge of biology and chemistry are completely wrong, it will not even be aware of its own existence or termination.
Direct stem cell research also involves the possible saving of millions of human lives–human beings who CAN feel pain, and ARE suffering–many from devastating and chronic illnesses that have here-to-fore remained fatal. Although there are a number of less controversial ways to harvest stem cells, I feel there should be no real reason not to get them in the most direct and beneficial form. In this case, I would feel it would be permissible to allow my moral response to reflect all the circumstances and feelings involved.
All this considered, doesn’t it seem a shame that so many other clearly controversial topics get little mention from the religious right. Some of the most radical “right to lifers” apparently have little concerns about killing the Doctors and staff of abortion clinics, even though murder is ABSOLUTELY NOT considered part of Christian ethics. And, this ruthless act doesn’t even take into account how many lives have been saved by preforming medically necessary abortions.
Many religious fundamentalists may have a profound reverence for life, but an issue like abortion requires awareness and compassion for everyone and everything involved, and it is indeed, not just a simple matter of good and evil!
As I said in another post, I will not argue (at least not vigorously) about the abortions performed early on in the pregnancy, since it is a matter of faith on whether or not one considers the embryo to be a living person. That being said, many of the abortions are NOT performed so early. Many of them are performed on fetuses that have most or all of the characteristics of the baby. Many abortions literally stop a beating heart. So, petew, are you suggesting, as I am, that we try to eliminate the most brutal abortion procedures? These include picking the child apart while it is in the womb, burning it with acid to induce a miscarriage, and other similarly inhumane methods of termination.
Meanwhile, I also happen to believe that ALL viable children should have to be taken out with extreme care and given the best possible medical care available to ensure the survival of the child. If the child does not survive, well…I hate the decision made, but I will not impose on the woman the requirement of bringing the child to term. Please note that this is a secular argument, thus one I accept as a valid (if rather misguided) counter to my religious faith.
Where I get upset about abortions is not when a brutally attacked woman begs her doctor to “Please” take this nightmare away from her. It is not when the mother’s life is endangered due to a tubal pregnancy (btw, the Catholic Church allows the removal of a tubal pregnancy). I sympathize with some scared teen-aged girl who is looking at the possibility of a life of poverty.
No, where I get upset at abortions is when the mother already has had multiple children, decides late in the pregnancy that she just doesn’t want one more and is not going to give this one up for adoption, and goes to some hack who uses abortion as his/her means to having a vacation house in Florida. Over one million abortions are performed in the U.S. each year. The vast majority do not fit into the categories of “rape victim” or “scared teen”. Also, way too many of them occur long after the “tissue mass” happens to be a discernible child with a beating heart.
FYI, the vast majority of abortions take place in the first trimester, close to 90%. Also, I don’t know what the percentage of pregnancies are that result from rape, but I’m hoping it’s low. Ones views on this are a litmus test for crazy though. The notion that any woman who has been raped should be FORCED to carry to term and give birth is barbaric and ignorant.
A note on those terrible mothers having late-term abortions. Let’s please stick with facts on this, instead of making up awful-evil-heartless mother scenarios, shall we?
Over 88% of abortions occur in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Over half of all abortions in the U.S. occur within the first 8 weeks of pregnancy. 6.7% occur between 13 and 15 weeks, 3.5% occur between 16 and 20 weeks, and 1.1% of abortions occur at 21 weeks or greater. Fifty percent of U.S. women obtaining abortion are younger than 25: Women aged 20-24 obtain 33% of all abortions, and teenagers obtain 17%.
Of that 1.1% at 21 weeks or later, very few are within the 3rd trimester, which starts at 28 weeks. Here’s some info on why women have 3rd-trimester abortions (please note that the link does contain a picture of a baby with anencephily, which I found quite gruesome): http://sciencenotes.wordpress.com/2009/06/22/what-causes-third-trimester-abortions/
Since Mourdock is so insistent to bring God into this, than I wonder if he asked himself what kind of loving, compassionate God would feel it necessary to create a new life by abusing and traumatizing a woman. The fact that Romney endorses him gives a very clear picture of the right wing mind set toward women. Himself, Paul Ryan, the Mourdocks and Akins of this world.