Romney has a Rape Problem.

[Raine1967]

I wrote this over at my blog. I am reposting it here:

So this is a serious problem for Romney and the GOP. Far be it for me to point out the problems they have, but I think this is worth a mention.

You will recall, from yesterday's Blog I wrote, we talked of the Paul Ryan / Todd Akin connection. That they are part of a large group of Republicans who want to redefine the definition of rape - literally. In that post, I linked to the Romney campaign's response to Todd Akins legitimate rape comment:

"Governor Romney and Congressman Ryan disagree with Mr. Akin's statement, and a Romney-Ryan administration would not oppose abortion in instances of rape," a Romney campaign spokeswoman, Amanda Henneberg, wrote.

This week is planking week for the GOP. They are spending the week prior to their convention deciding and voting on the party platform. A funny thing is happening on the way to Tampa Bay. CNN is reporting that they are going to be tough on abortion. That is an understatement from CNN. They are set to state that they want to outlaw abortion even in cases of rape and incest. I can't be alarmist enough about this.

The Republican Party is once again set to enshrine into its official platform support for "a human life amendment" to the Constitution that would outlaw abortion without making explicit exemptions for rape or incest, according to draft language of the platform obtained exclusively by CNN late Monday.
(snip)

The party will reaffirm its opposition to federally-funded embryonic stem cell research and demand that the government "not fund or subsidize health care which includes abortion coverage."

Republicans have also inserted a "salute" to states pushing "informed consent" laws - an apparent reference to ultrasound bills that have moved through some state legislatures - "mandatory waiting periods prior to an abortion, and health-protective clinic regulation."
(snip)

An exemption for rape, though, is not included in the platform set to be adopted by the party Romney will officially lead when he accepts the Republican nomination next week.

And Ryan, his vice presidential pick, has opposed exceptions for rape and voted alongside Akin in the House, though Ryan now says he defers to Romney's position on the matter.

Let me ask you, how can a party nominate someone who has clearly stated that he and his VP nominee would not oppose abortion in instances of rape? (please note, the Romney campaign said nothing about incest. It's probably just an oversight, but I think it is worth noting.)

As of now, the leader of the party, their presumptive nominee, is in direct odds with the party platform. They nominated a man who wasn't extreme enough for the platform they are ready to adopt.

And Ryan, his vice presidential pick, has opposed exceptions for rape and voted alongside Akin in the House, though Ryan now says he defers to Romney's position on the matter

How long do you think the Romney/Ryan campaign is going to hold this position?

He has a real problem right now. People are outraged at the comments that Todd Akin made. Women are outraged at how horrific they were, and Republicans are outraged that he actually spoke truth about where the party stands on Abortion, Rape and Incest.

The GOP is choosing to embrace the Akin / Ryan point of view. I think we'll see Romney tow the party line in the very near future. That gives him a serious rape problem.

Thanks for reading...

Raine

[Kalidurga]

1. I don't believe Ryan for a second...

I don't know if he is as slimy as Romney, but I bet he is. I think if he had been in the same position to steal pensions he would have done it. The only thing that separates them is opportunity. They are two peas in a pod. I also don't believe Romney really disapproves what Akin said. I think he supports it, except he might not believe in the magic fairy fallopian tube closer. But, I do think he would absolutely have no problem with a woman having to incubate a rapists child.

[GallopingGhost]

2. I'm waiting for some gutsy reporter (and they're out there)

to ask Romney/Ryan/Akin/Huckabee that if it were their wife/daughter/mother who were brutally raped and beaten, would they encourage the pregnancy? Or would it be quietly taken care of?

Oh wait, pregnancy doesn't occur from rape.

[IggleDoer]

3. Republicans ... Tough on abortion

Easy on rapists