GOP Women And Abortion Dismissal Was A 'Strategic Error,' Conservatives Scold

Dismissing reproductive rights and other women's issues as a "distraction" from the economy was a strategic mistake by Republicans that could have cost them the election, conservative pundits and women's groups charged on Wednesday.

President Obama's win on Tuesday was aided by the massive 18-point gender gap between supporters of him and Mitt Romney. Women's strong support for Obama, particularly in the swing states, comes following tireless efforts by his campaign to discuss reproductive rights issues, equal pay and health care coverage for women.

Mitt Romney and the Republicans, by contrast, repeatedly tried to change the subject away from women's issues, particularly abortion and birth control, and even veered toward mocking those issues at times.

"The Republicans' insistence in unilaterally disarming on social issues means that only the left is discussing abortion and marriage," said Penny Nance, president of the conservative Christian group Concerned Women for America. "Refusing to discuss this important issue left their candidates unprepared to intelligently engage on life."

“What was presented as discipline by the Romney campaign by staying on one message -- the economy -– was a strategic error that resulted in a winning margin of pro-life votes being left on the table," she said in a statement after the election.

Voters sent a clear message to socially conservative Republicans on Tuesday, electing Democrats over candidates with extreme anti-abortion positions even in states where Romney won comfortably. Republican candidates who recently made headlines with their controversial rape comments, including Rep. Todd Akin (R-Mo.) and Richard Mourdock (R-Ind.), lost their races, despite previously leading in the polls.

And women's strong support for Obama saved him in a few key swing states, like Ohio, where men and independents swung toward Romney, according to CNN.

If Republicans hope to win in 2016, they are going to have to figure out how to reach out to women, conservative pundit Peggy Noonan said on Fox News Wednesday.

"You cannot dodge, I think, the reality that the Republican Party has a woman problem," she said. "Men are supportive, women are not. You've got to look at it. And I suspect as the party gets itself together, it will start to think, 'Well, maybe as we consider that, we better have some women in the room.'"

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US President Barack Obama points at supporters as First Lady Michelle Obama gives the thumbs-up, flanked by Vice-President Joe Biden and Second Lady Jill Biden following Obama's speech on election night November 6, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. President Barack Obama swept to re-election Tuesday, forging history again by transcending a slow economic recovery and the high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
Barack Obama, Joe Biden
Vice President Joe Biden and President Barack Obama wave to their supporters at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Barack Obama
President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Jill Biden acknowledge the crowd at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Barack Obama
President Barack Obama waves to his supporters after his speech at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. At right is Vice President Joe Biden. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Michelle Obama, Barack Obama
First lady Michelle Obama and President Barack Obama acknowledge their supporters at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Michelle Obama, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Jill Biden
First lady Michelle Obama, President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden acknowledge supporters at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Barack Obama
President Barack Obama speaks at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Michelle Obama, Barack Obama
First lady Michelle Obama and President Barack Obama acknowledge their supporters at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Michelle Obama, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Jill Biden
First lady Michelle Obama, President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden acknowledge supporters at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Barack Obama, Joe Biden
President Barack Obama flashes a thumbs up as he leaves the stage with Vice President Joe Biden at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)
Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Sasha Obama, Malia Obama
President Barack Obama, accompanied by first lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha arrive at the election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Joe Biden, Jill Biden
President Barack Obama celebrates with his wife Michelle, Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Barack Obama
President Barack Obama addresses supporters at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Sasha Obama, Malia Obama
President Barack Obama waves as he walks on stage with first lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Barack Obama
President Barack Obama speaks at the election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Barack Obama, Joe Biden
Vice President Joe Biden, right, talks to President Barack Obama at their election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)
Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Sasha Obama, Malia Obama
President Barack Obama, accompanied by first last Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha arrive at the election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
President Barack Obama and wife Michelle is holds hands with Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill following Obama's victory speech to supporters in Chicago early Wednesday, Nov. 7 2012. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
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President Barack Obama with first last Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Jill Biden celebrate on stage at the election night party at McCormick Place, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Barack Obama, Joe Biden
President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden celebrate on stage at the election night party at McCormick Place, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
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Jill Biden watches as Vice President Joe Biden is hugged by first lady Michelle Obama at President Barack Obama's election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
President Barack Obama smiles after delivering his victory speech to supporters gathered in Chicago early Wednesday Nov. 7 2012. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
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US President Barack Obama accompanied by daughter Malia, First Lady Michelle and daughter Sasha waves to supporters as he arrives on stage on election night November 6, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. President Barack Obama swept to re-election Tuesday, forging history again by transcending a slow economic recovery and the high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
US-VOTE-2012-ELECTION-OBAMA
US President Barack Obama claps as he arrives on stage to deliver his acceptance speech on November 7, 2012 in Chicago. Obama swept to re-election, forging history again by transcending a slow economic recovery and the high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)
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US First Lady Michelle Obama hugs US President Barack Obama as they celebrate on election night November 7, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. Obama won re-election to a second 4-year term. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)
US-VOTE-2012-ELECTION-OBAMA
(L-R) US First Lady Michelle Obama, US President Barack Obama, US Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden celebrate on election night November 7, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. Obama and Biden won re-election to a second 4-year term. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)
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US President Barack Obama (2nd L), First Lady Michelle Obama (L), Vice-President Joe Biden and Second Lady Jill Biden wave to supporters following Obama's speech on election night November 6, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. President Barack Obama swept to re-election Tuesday, forging history again by transcending a slow economic recovery and the high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
US-VOTE-2012-ELECTION-OBAMA
US President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden celebrate on stage after winning the 2012 US presidential election November 7, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. Obama swept to a emphatic re-election win over Mitt Romney, forging new history by transcending a dragging economy and the stifling unemployment which haunted his first term. AFP PHOTO / Robyn Beck (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)
US-VOTE-2012-ELECTION-OBAMA
US President Barack Obama (2nd L), First Lady Michelle Obama (L), Vice-President Joe Biden and Second Lady Jill Biden wave to supporters following Obama's speech on election night November 6, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. President Barack Obama swept to re-election Tuesday, forging history again by transcending a slow economic recovery and the high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
US-VOTE-2012-ELECTION-OBAMA
US President Barack Obama hugs his daughters Sasha (L) and Malia (R) on election night November 6, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. President Barack Obama swept to re-election Tuesday, forging history again by transcending a slow economic recovery and the high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
US-VOTE-2012-ELECTION-OBAMA
US President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle and daughters Sasha (L) and Malia (R) wave to supporters on election night November 6, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. President Barack Obama swept to re-election Tuesday, forging history again by transcending a slow economic recovery and the high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
US-VOTE-2012-ELECTION-OBAMA
US President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden celebrate winning the 2012 US presidential election November 7, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. Obama swept to re-election, forging history again by defying the dragging economic recovery and high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)
US-VOTE-2012-ELECTION-OBAMA
(From L-R) First Lady Michelle, US President Barack Obama,Vice-President Joe Biden and Second Lady Jill Biden acknowledge supporters following Obama's victory speech on election night November 6, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. President Barack Obama swept to re-election Tuesday, forging history again by transcending a slow economic recovery and the high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
US-VOTE-2012-ELECTION-OBAMA
US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle celebrate winning the 2012 US presidential election November 7, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. Obama swept to re-election, forging history again by defying the dragging economic recovery and high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)
US-VOTE-2012-ELECTION-OBAMA
US President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden celebrate winning the 2012 US presidential election November 7, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. Obama swept to re-election, forging history again by defying the dragging economic recovery and high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)
US-VOTE-2012-ELECTION-OBAMA
(From L-R) First Lady Michelle, US President Barack Obama,Vice-President Joe Biden and Second Lady Jill Biden acknowledge supporters following Obama's victory speech on election night November 6, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. President Barack Obama swept to re-election Tuesday, forging history again by transcending a slow economic recovery and the high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
US-VOTE-2012-ELECTION-OBAMA
US President Barack Obama celebrates on stage with his daughters Sasha (2nd L) and Malia (R) and his wife Michelle in Chicago on November 7, 2012. Obama swept to re-election, forging history again by transcending a slow economic recovery and the high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO/Jewel SAMAD (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
US-VOTE-2012-ELECTION-OBAMA
US President Barack Obama celebrates on stage with his wife Michelle after delivering his victory speech ion Chicago on November 7, 2012. Obama swept to re-election, forging history again by transcending a slow economic recovery and the high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO/Jewel SAMAD (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
US-VOTE-2012-ELECTION-OBAMA
US President Barack Obama, flanked by First Lady Michelle Obama, points to his partner Vice-President Joe Biden, followed by Second Lady Jill Biden following his victory speech on election night November 6, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. President Barack Obama swept to re-election Tuesday, forging history again by transcending a slow economic recovery and the high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
US-VOTE-2012-ELECTION-OBAMA
US President Barack Obama celebrates on stage with his wife Michelle after delivering his victory speech ion Chicago on November 7, 2012. Obama swept to re-election, forging history again by transcending a slow economic recovery and the high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO/Jewel SAMAD (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
US-VOTE-2012-ELECTION-OBAMA
US President Barack Obama celebrates with his daughters Sasha (2nd L) and Malia (R) and US First Lady Michelle Obama in Chicago on November 7, 2012. Obama swept to re-election, forging history again by transcending a slow economic recovery and the high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO/Jewel SAMAD (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
US-VOTE-2012-ELECTION-OBAMA
Confetti rains on the stage as US President Barack Obama celebrates his victory in the presidential election in Chicago on November 7, 2012. Obama swept to re-election, forging history again by transcending a slow economic recovery and the high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO/Jim WATSON (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images)
US-VOTE-2012-ELECTION-OBAMA
(From L-R) First Lady Michelle, US President Barack Obama, Vice-President Joe Biden and Second Lady Jill Biden acknowledge supporters following Obama's victory speech in Chicago on November 7, 2012. Obama swept to re-election, forging history again by transcending a slow economic recovery and the high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO/Jewel SAMAD (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
US-VOTE-2012-ELECTION-OBAMA
US President Barack Obama celebrates with First Lady Michelle Obama on stage on election night in Chicago on November 6, 2012. Obama swept to re-election, forging history again by transcending a slow economic recovery and the high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
US-VOTE-2012-ELECTION-OBAMA
US President Barack Obama celebrates with his daughters Sasha (R) and Malia (2nd-L) and US First Lady Michelle Obama in Chicago on November 6, 2012. Obama swept to re-election, forging history again by transcending a slow economic recovery and the high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
US-VOTE-2012-ELECTION-OBAMA
(From L-R) US President Barack Obama, Vice-President Joe Biden, Second Lady Jill Biden and First Lady Michelle acknowledge supporters on election night in Chicago on November 6, 2012. Obama swept to re-election, forging history again by transcending a slow economic recovery and the high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
US-VOTE-2012-ELECTION-OBAMA
US President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle and daughters Sasha (L) and Malia (R) wave to supporters on election night in Chicago on November 6, 2012. Obama swept to re-election, forging history again by transcending a slow economic recovery and the high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
US-VOTE-2012-ELECTION-OBAMA
US President Barack Obama and family arrive on stage after winning the 2012 US presidential election in Chicago November 7, 2012. Obama swept to re-election, forging history again by defying the dragging economic recovery and high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)
US-VOTE-2012-ELECTION-OBAMA
US President Barack Obama gives a thumbs-up after winning the 2012 US presidential election in Chicago November 7, 2012. Obama swept to re-election, forging history again by defying the dragging economic recovery and high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)
US-VOTE-2012-ELECTION-OBAMA
US President Barack Obama (C) applauds at supporters on election night in Chicago on November 7, 2012. Obama swept to re-election, forging history again by transcending a slow economic recovery and the high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
US-VOTE-2012-ELECTION-OBAMA
US President Barack Obama (C) celebrates with vice president Joe Biden and his family members along with the First Family members on election night in Chicago on November 7, 2012. Obama swept to re-election, forging history again by transcending a slow economic recovery and the high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO/Jewel SAMAD (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)

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COMMUNITY PUNDITS

omobob 01:38 PM on 11/07/2012

3624 Fans

> Dismissing reproductive rights and other women's issues as a "distraction" from the economy was a strategic mistake by Republicans that could have (did) cost them the election.

American voters rejected the Republican idea that Government control of a woman’s pregnancy was unacceptable. Republicans do not need to tell Mothers and their doctors what they can say and do in the privacy of the Read More...

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kharrast

I try to be the person my dogs think I am.

323 Fans

06:17 PM on 11/17/2012

I am all for Republicans discussing everything in their platform. Nothing will help Democrats more.

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glitterik

Mexico Daydreams ....

237 Fans

07:52 AM on 11/13/2012

So ... If Republicans had only consented to discuss their beliefs that women are not entitled to equal pay, and that their uteruses do not belong to them as much as to old white men, and that poor women are undeserving of cancer screenings, republicans would have won.

Give me a break!

giftsthatpurr

zestful life

5325 Fans

04:49 PM on 11/16/2012

"discuss". LOL - - They need to leave women's reproductive issues to women. They need to stop villifying the poor - women and men both. They need to allow for equal pay, equal standing, and equal opportunity for all - and that includes the 51% of the population that are women. The need to come into the 21st Century and show some respect for the entire nation, not just old . white . men.

l78lancer

Wisdom is the principal thing

4577 Fans

04:21 PM on 11/09/2012

1. It sounds as if the republicans are making themselves out to be victims of politics here. It is completely ridiculous to say or imply that the only party discussing women's issues is the democratic party.

It is true that the democrats have promoted policies that expand health care coverage availability to women, engaged in birth control policy, equaly pay and others, the republicans have clearly engaged in their own discussions. Personhood, numerous abortion proposals, the Blunt Amendment, attempted cuts to Planned Parenthood, and other issues have been at the top of the republican agenda. Those issues have been laid out in the Republican platform. Todd Akin and Richard Mourdock and others were excoriated over their views and statements, yet their views are completely consistent with the republican stance on all women's issues. Clearly, the republicans have been talking - but not listening.

04:20 PM on 11/09/2012

2. The big mistake that republicans have made repeatedly is to give lip service to women's issues, framing their positions as non-harmful or non-grievous to women while at the same time not giving any indication that any serious intention or thought has been given to reevaluating their ideology on women's issues. At the same time the republicans have minimized and politicized, if not outright demonized the democratic positions to use as a wedge issue.

The republicans have had a hypocritical and cynical stance on all women's issues. The majority of women do not trust them. The republicans now claim they want to change thier messaging but the problem is much deeper. It's about who and what the party is and what their values represent. Without deep, authentic change they will never win over women.

The republicans have given no indication that they understand just how deep their problem is, or that they have the capacity or will to resolve it. This same need for deep self-assessment will recur when it comes to economics, foreign relations and other areas.

04:58 PM on 11/16/2012

Their ideology on women's issues seems to be back-dated to some long ago time, but IMO it is a push toward control which involes oppression to achieve. As a result, women would be foolish indeed to trust them. As you point out, it is not just the message that needs to change, it is the need for power that they hope to achieve by controlling those they consider "the others." Women, LGBT, the poor, minorities - anyone except white conservative men. Insight is not a quality I see within the GOP.

07:56 PM on 11/17/2012

Very insightful comment. I'm glad that you went into the power and control dynamics. To emphasize another point that you made, not even all white conservative men are included in that "conservative" grouping. History is very clear. After all, the constitution was written by the landed gentry, the merchantile class, and those who would have been considered "aristocrats." There wasn't a lot of love lost for poor white men without property. In fact, it wasn't that long before the constitution was drafted that indentured servitude for whites was ended. I dare say that today many working class GOP whites, poor republicans (they would hate to admit it but there are poor republicans), those whom they consider "Reagan Democrats" are viewed completely differently from those like Romney, the Kochs, Bob Perry, and other's of the "new aristocratic gentry class," plutocrats, oligarchy, corporatists, what whatever names people choose to call them. The sooner working class and poor whites of the GOP recognize that the class war affects them, too, and they stop voting against their interests, the sooner the GOP will die as a party. Thanks for your response.

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Peter Burgess1

36 Fans

04:16 PM on 11/08/2012

Republicans think women are hysterical children who need to be guided. Even republican women like Ann Coulter act that way.

Are they completely utterly blind? Are they consulting demographics from the '40s?

05:01 PM on 11/16/2012

The scariness of losing 'priviledge' has long been a white conservative fear. Progressive women/independent, accomplished women are a part of that booga booga.

jennyw13

29 Fans

03:39 PM on 11/08/2012

I'm surprised anyone thinks that more focus on 'women's issues' [what a ridiculous phrase] by Republicans would have won them more votes. Every time they talk about anything other than jobs and the economy, they look more reactionary, sexist and out-of-date than ever. The power structure of the Republican party is not capable of managing change, which is why they want to 'take America back'. It's too late--the America those old boys are thinking of has left the building.

enhancedvibes

476 Fans

03:59 PM on 11/08/2012

Word!

rkemani

71 Fans

03:03 PM on 11/09/2012

They are doing a lot of wishing thinking or secretly smoking pot

Danielle Ashworth

12 Fans

02:57 PM on 11/08/2012

You know there had been a story many years ago and most likely floating around still today-

Women can get along without men. It takes minimal work to fertilize ova and then have a child.

Men would need to have invasive surgery or try to develop artificial wombs, that one is too far fetched to think..

And if men did carry a child to term, the first man to do so would tell all his buddies how hard it was

05:05 PM on 11/16/2012

Maybe, but there are many good men who are just as disgusted with the GOPs war on women as we women are. I for one like being needed and needing - as long as there is mutuality and respect.

Lorax 8

39 Fans

02:17 PM on 11/08/2012

"Men are supportive, women are not."

So if women do not think that the GOP has it right w.r.t. reproductive rights, why do men? If something (the GOP platform) is not good for your wives, mothers, daughters, lovers, and friends, then why would you (men) support it?
You Yanks are an odd bunch.

05:08 PM on 11/16/2012

Intresting - makes sense. Thank goodness not all men DO support the GOP and their push to send women back in time. Obviously many men don't support these guys and their condescending, oppressive attitude toward women.

Octavo

163 Fans

02:00 PM on 11/08/2012

15 million of so less whites came out to vote than in 08 that was the problem for the GOP, my guess is they where R.Paul fans pissed off at the GOP

ennis438

252 Fans

01:07 PM on 11/08/2012

Women do NOT want to be lectured by "moralists" like Appalachian Trail Sanford on how to behave in their own bedrooms. If Republicans wake up, smell the roses, and realize this, then they will perform better. However, if they allow these loons on the right to force their will on everyone, then this loss will seem like a win compared to what is coming in future elections.

Sinkmyboats

17 Fans

12:38 PM on 11/08/2012

As Frank Zappa said many years ago. It's the slime oozing out of your tv set. The tv news coverage frames the debate so sound-bites and one-liners determine positions on important issues. An off-hand remark can turn the tables on a candidate. They know this so instead of getting an idea of what is really in a candidates head or heart, you get packaged spin.

AlisonCarnie

I am unique ... just like everyone else

827 Fans

12:29 PM on 11/08/2012

Being dismissive of a woman's right to choose is being dismissive of women and all the mean that respect and love us ...

So..... how did that work for you, fellas?

youhavetobekiddingme

532 Fans

12:27 PM on 11/08/2012

Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony List, said polling showed that if the Romney campaign and its backers had been willing to attack Obama on his support for abortion rights and Planned Parenthood and his contraception mandate, it "could have changed the outcome of the election."

My BIGGEST fear was that Romney would get elected and that the balance of the Supreme Court would go so far right there would be no going back for decades and that Roe vs Wade would be reversed............I guess I wasn't the only one. The GOP kept saying there is no war on women........equal pay, reproductive rights two HUGE issues

dglass4321

2 Fans

03:48 PM on 11/08/2012

I really don't understand people like Marjorie Dannenfelser. The Republican party is trying to pick itself up and even acknowledges that its attitudes have been backward and you have dear ol' Marj saying that had the campaign taken even a harder line, Mitt would have won. If the GOP listens to nuts like her, they deserve to descend into irrelevance.

07:58 AM on 11/13/2012

You can understand Marjorie if you recall from childhood that even the worst, most inadequate and disliked teachers have a teacher's pet in their class who has no loyalty to her classmates.

05:10 PM on 11/16/2012

FF Mine too.

Lisa Shields

Poet & Advocate For Special Needs Children

892 Fans

12:07 PM on 11/08/2012

They have an AWFUL lot to clean up.

Women use birth control...adjust.
Women are sick and tired of the sexual double standard.
Women are offended by "punishing the victim" double speak, where rape is concerned.
Women are sometimes single parents...not "pole dancers", not "ho's"...MOTHERS.

The GOP allowed those in their numbers to paint them as a bunch of sexist, glad handing YAHOOS...and women did not let it go unnoticed.

I, for one hope they persist in their Neanderthal practices...so they too, will go the way of the dinosaurs they seem to think mankind once rode like ponies...

OhCaptain

Go through that door...and you go into the Asylum.

76 Fans

12:02 PM on 11/08/2012

When you repeatedly refer to any discussion of women's issues as pandering, as the GOP did throughout this election cycle, you're going to get the serious side-eye from a whole lot of people. Discussing an issue that affects *more than half* of the population can not, by any stretch, be considered pandering.