Another Republican Makes Outrageous Comments About Rape
Over the last two months Republicans have talked about “forcible rape,” “legitimate rape,” “easy rape,” and even “emergency rape.” Republicans simply refuse to admit that rape is rape — period.
Last night, Indiana’s Republican Senate candidate, Richard Mourdock, doubled down on these ugly views when he said that pregnancy from rape is a “gift from God” and “something God intended to happen.” Watch Mourdock’s offensive comments about rape:
Republicans Stand by Their Man
When Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO) made his infamous comments about “legitimate rape,” Republicans couldn’t run away fast enough. But two weeks before the election they are singing a very different tune when it comes to Richard Mourdock. Top Republicans — including Mitt Romney — are standing by their man.
Mitt Romney has campaigned with Richard Mourdock and just two days ago he cut an ad for Mourdock — making Mourdock the only general election candidate Romney supported with an ad. You can watch Romney lavish praise on Mourdock here:
Mitt Romney himself has not commented publicly on the firestorm, but his campaign made known that they merely disagree with Mourdock’s views on rape. (In reality, the policies Mitt Romney supports would also ban abortion in all circumstances — including rape.) The Romney campaign also made known that this apparently minor disagreement won’t stop them from supporting Mourdock and that they have no plans to ask him to take down the ad Romney cut for him. Here’s what the Romney campaign said:
Gov. Romney disagrees with Richard Mourdock, and Mr. Mourdock’s comments do not reflect Gov. Romney’s views. We disagree on the policy regarding exceptions for rape and incest but still support him.
No condemnation. No call for Mourdock to apologize. No taking back his endorsement. No nothing, basically.
The situation is reminiscent of Romney’s response when Rush Limbaugh called Sandra Fluke a “slut” and a “prostitute.” Romney refused to comment for days, then only weakly offered, “It’s not the language I would have used.”
BOTTOM LINE: Mitt Romney is unwilling to stand up to the most extreme voices in his own party and he refuses to stand up for women. From women’s health to workplace equality to economic security, women simply cannot afford the cost of a Romney presidency.
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