Conservative pundit Charles Krauthammer realizes that some Republicans may be tempted to change course in the wake of another electoral defeat, but he counsels his party: "No reinvention when none is needed. Do conservatism but do it better." He said calls for moderation are "nonsense."
The country doesn't need two liberal parties. Yes, Republicans need to weed out candidates who talk like morons about rape. But this doesn't mean the country needs two pro-choice parties either. In fact, more women are pro-life than are pro-choice. The problem here for Republicans is not policy but delicacy -- speaking about culturally sensitive and philosophically complex issues with reflection and prudence.
Now, as far as polls are concerned, the notion that more American women oppose reproductive rights than support them is extremely dubious. Indeed, it's also worth noting that in this week's exit polls, pro-choice voters were a clear majority.
But even putting that aside, I'm fascinated by this notion that Republicans would be fine if only they could present their far-right views on women's health and reproductive rights with "delicacy." In Krauthammer's mind, his party's difficulties -- the gender gap crushed GOP candidates this year -- are really just a matter of spin. Women would be far more inclined to support the right-wing agenda, the argument goes, if only Republicans explained it better.
I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that Krauthammer has no idea what he's talking about.
Since the 2010 midterms, Republican policymakers have fought to restrict contraception; cut off Planned Parenthood; require state-mandated, medically-unnecessary transvaginal ultrasounds; force physicians to lie to patients about abortion and breast cancer; limit equal-pay laws; delay the Violence Against Women Act; curtail reproductive rights at the state level at a historic level; insist that protections for impregnated rape victims were unnecessary; and do everything possible to overturn Roe v. Wade -- and on Tuesday, the party paid a price for it.
"Delicacy" was unlikely to make much of a difference.
Leave a Comment:
Translation: It isn't that we shouldn't keep serving up the same crap to Americans, we just need to add some drizzle and a sprig of parsley.
What did he say?! "In fact, more women are pro-life than are pro-choice." As a MAN, how in the world does he KNOW that? Has he polled every woman's vagina? If I got pregnant at this point, I would be ecstatic to have a child.....but that's MY CHOICE! But, if financial or other circumstances were different, I would not want to have that child. My body, my choice. The way I look at it, instead of MEN trying to put laws against a woman's body, why don't they regulate MEN'S reproduction, and force ALL single men to get vasectomies, which can later be reversed. Yes it can. Those ARE covered by insurance, lower cost, and less intrusive to a person's body. Oh no, there would be an uproar of men then! How dare the government mess with their manhood!! Humm....sounds familiar.
Syd,
you are exactly correct. there is no discussion on whether vasectomies should be covered by insurance (or viagra or cialis).
there are many men who don't want a surgeon going anywhere near their penis or testicles, some men feel "less a man" if they don't have the "power" to reproduce. it sounds silly and trivial to women who bear children, and expose everything during the process, that a "man" won't go through this "minor' procedure.
men have to be forced to think about reproductive rights in this country, because everything has been done for their pleasure and favor for years. women have always had to bear the responsibility for all of it. it's time for a change.
George Lakoff uses the metaphor of parenting styles to explain the differences between the right and the left.
In the nurturing model, parents allow children's needs to guide them in teaching them to be happy, emotionally healthy, productive citizens. If a child is not responding well to the guidance and nurturing offered, such parents will reexamine themselves as well as try to understand the child and adjust accordingly. Progressives tend to do this in political life as well--trying to help everyone gain at least a basic level of success and dignity, and reflecting and adjusting when their ideas don't work out.
In the patriarchal model, the authoritarian parent thinks emotions and affection are weaknesses, and the best way to raise successful, moral children is through control and punishment. Children who stray from the "right and true path" are punished; when this model fails to control the child, the parent doubles down with even harsher punishments. Right-wingers extrapolate this model into the political arena, where they see anyone who doesn't conform to their particular vision of right behavior as morally deficient and in need of harsh policies to bring them in line. Most of them appear incapable of self-reflection, so they are incapable of considering that they could be wrong about the world, or human nature; all they can consider is, as Krauthammer suggests, doubling down.
I think the GOP should just keep doing what they're doing. By all means "STAY THE COURSE!!" I like the results we all seen on Tuesday!!
Basically he saying if they lie their asses off and hide what they really want than those delicate hearted overly emotional females won't notice them taking our rights away.
As a side note, does he remind anyone else of the evil child trapper from Chittychitybangbang?
If he is so dumb to understand how badly republicans screwed up this election and why, should we not just ignore him. What credentials does he have to deserve our attention?
I hope that Mr. Krauthammer realizes that he too is, in fact, a moron!!
I don't believe in abortion...but I also don't think I have the right to make the rules for any other woman. The problem with the Republicans, at the core, is their belief that they have the right to make moral/religious rules for the rest of us.
Almost every woman I know has had an abortion. I don't judge...truth is, I don't know what I would have done in those circumstances. If I had gotten pregnant when I was 17 or 18...and I was living with my father...would I have? Maybe. I can't speak for the 18 year old me either.
The fact is, if you want to cut down on abortions...and unwanted children...and children receiving welfare benefits and food stamps...make birth control easier to get. Plain and simple, really.
Thank you, Taylor! Now if only the Republicans would realize the simple economic balance between free/cheaper birth control and the lack of need for systems like Welfare.
Less poverty-stricken children = less need for welfare, assistance programs, social services, etc.
I'll also add that "Freedom of Religion" also means freedom FROM others' religion.
!!
The problem, of course, is that the GOP is still deluding themselves into thinking that 1/2 the country just didn't understand their message. They cannot accept that their message was revolting and something that we could never agree with.
And American's wouldn't have been offended by the "47%" remark if Romney had used more "elegant" language when he said he didn't care about half of the country. Excuse me while I build a snowman here in Texas. :P
The women voters have spoken. What part of that don't they understand!!!???? Mr. Krauthammer, are you and the Republican party stupid or what. I vote for stupid!!! Women know CRA!?@# when they see it and hear it come from your mouths!!!
What I've found most interesting in the response by the GOP to their drubbing on Tuesday is their apparent belief that all they have to do is "repackage" their message, and they'll reign victorious. Like, if they can just get a black woman or a Latino guy to spout their party line, the masses will flock to their party.
This is simply delusional. What was rejected by American voters was not the MESSENGER, it was the MESSAGE (although the detached, patrician messenger in this case certainly didn't help their cause). As long as the core values of the GOP are racism, misogyny, homophobia, and the favoritism of the ultra-wealthy over the middle class, it doesn't matter WHO delivers the message, because it's a terrible message and the majority of Americans are going to reject it.
Republicans could recruit the coolest, hippest young half-AfAm half-Latino metrosexual in the country to carry their message, and it wouldn't matter. They don't seem to understand that the values of the electorate are shifting, away from white, Christian fundamentalist supply-side orthodoxy, to a more progressive, inclusive and diverse embrace of America's multiculturalism. As long as they belive that their core problem is that they put the wrong wrapper on their poop sandwich, they will lose. The only chance the GOP has of becoming relevant again is when they recognize that Americans don't really want a poop sandwich.
The last time I opened a package which had been rewrapped, I already knew what was inside. Perhaps new wrapping paper would be in order. However, the millions and millions who did not vote, regardless of race or color, probably do not care what is in the package.
There is a need for new wrapping paper on both sides of the aisle in Washington.
Perhaps, as pertaining to laws that regulate women's reproductive health, the prudent practice for men is to simply "shut up," and if asked for advice practice reticence Women can - and should - make such decisions for themselves
And the insulting behaviour keeps on. This is exactly like speaking louder to someone who doesn't speak your language. I SAID THE COFFEE SHOP IS ON THE NEXT STREET OVER ON THE RIGHT THREE BLOCKS DOWN!!! WHAT PART ARE YOU NOT UNDERSTANDING?!?!
Of course! When I think of delicate sensitivity and complex philosophy, I think Krauthammer.
Wait, did I say delicate sensitivity? Sorry, I meant "undead lich-kings"--common error, I'm sure.
They learned nothing.
I think it's time for us women to get together and handle these rich, mean, white and old men with delicacy. Could we please get together, take them to the vet and put them to sleep? They've all had a lot of good years. It's really the kindest thing to do.....gentle and sweet like women should be.
The cemetery is full of those you mention, and their ex-wives are living comfortably on what they got before, maybe after, death. There is a double standard in your reasoning, I think. Who is going to take their place?
There is a Greek play about Trojan Women. We all need to read it again. Or maybe we should invest in a stock that represents manufacturing self-gratification methods. Maybe the Chinese have one already.
We all need to settle down a little and resume the true definition of "delicate." I used to date a Southern gal who instead of saying "Would you get me another drink" would say "I do not happen to find anything in my glass." Now THAT'S delicate.
This nation has lost its sense of humor.
So . . . Andy . . . the problem is not that republican white men want to control our bodies, but that us "gals" can't take a joke?
Could be.
"We all need to settle down a little and resume the true definition of "delicate." I used to date a Southern gal who instead of saying "Would you get me another drink" would say "I do not happen to find anything in my glass." Now THAT'S delicate."
I have just had an epiphany. My husband - a culturally southern gentleman - uses this technique all the time. My northern upbringing interprets it as complaining. I will have to remember that he is being polite and forgive him for kvetching.
Thanks for the insight!
You are welcome.
Why don't we start the "Delicates Party". There will be no more complaining....a lot of subtleness but NO complaining. EVER!!
Check comment 82
Repubs are the party that chooses to disregard, or actually to RESIST, information, data and scientific analysis on many, or maybe all, issues. They prefer to watch 'news' that also ignores these key tools. May we also interpret their surprise at the election outcomes to mean that they've been employing polling services who will tell them what they want to hear rather than provide sound and objective data? Have the Republicans been duped in the very same way Faux News dupes their viewership?
I heard today on NPR's morning edition, that a republican thinker said "The best outreach to minorities is to run minorities" he went on the name Marco Rubio, despite the fact he is of Cuban decent and doesn't share the same experience of the vast majority of Hispanic and Latino people. This completely ignores the idea that polices are what is turning voters off from them, not the color of their skin or their ethic heritage.
GREAT idea! Just run some dude with a vowel at the end of his last name - and, preferably, his first name too. It'll be fine.
Let's see... What was Atilla's last name again?
Republicans seem to be trapped in a time warp, re-living their own political "Groundhog Day" over and over again. But, unlike Bill Murray's character, they aren't learning anything from the experience. Their politics is like a religion, they simply cannot conceive of or process the possibility that they might be wrong. I say leave them to their own devices and let them go the way of the Whig Party.
In the words of a woman that married to Romney... STOP IT,,, STOP......IT'S HARD TO LIVE IN THESE SHOES... YOU WEAR THE SHOES AND SEE HOW HARD IT IS....
My family size is not your business and I don't care what words you use to try to make it so, it's still not your business. Get that plank out of your platform and your nose out of my family planning and my medical decisions. If you can do that, plenty of women will come back to the GOP.
That is right, just nicely tell women they need to have the baby that was conceived by rape.
Dear Rachel and everyone,
I read the Krauthammer piece this morning, and another article that said the Republicans are going to be spending thousands of hours, and probably millions of dollars, in focus groups and conducting surveys, polls and so forth – all to figure out what went wrong Tuesday past. As an aging, married, home-owning veteran and father who came from a lower-middle class economic background, and who also handed out "Regan for President" pencils in junior high, I can correct Krauthammer and save the Republicans all that time and money.
Republican candidates - read, print, laminate and follow the below by 2016 and I promise to give you serious consideration, with an open mind and a kind heart.
1. We can neither solely cut nor tax our way out of this mess. We all get it, whether we like it or not. Sometimes, in addition to cancelling cable and not going to out to eat, you have to get a second job. If you don't stop pretending we're morons who aren't the living, breathing inhabitants of the economy, I will never vote for you, no matter how perfect a candidate or campaign otherwise.
2. I love and respect my mother, my sister, my wife and both of my daughters. If I even suspect that you view them or will treat them – on any issue - with anything less than the respect they deserve as fully equal and capable people and citizens, I will never vote for you, no matter how perfect a candidate or campaign otherwise.
3. Specifically regarding abortion – I don't personally know any pro-choice American, myself included, who isn't saddened and troubled by the existence of abortion. So, if you want to have a pragmatic and compassionate dialogue with me about ways to reduce unwanted pregnancy, great. But if you want to talk about jail sentences for the survivors of incestuous rape who choose not to carry their sibling/child to term, as just one example, I will never vote for you, no matter how perfect a candidate or campaign otherwise. (Coda: "Personhood"? Really? Not even God, in His/Her infinite wisdom and mercy, allows every single fertilized ovum to be born. Just who do you think you are?)
4. Memorize "The New Colossus". Because it is the right and moral thing to do, because it is keeping with American ideals, because it is the eminently practical thing to do, (unless you want to get in line one day to buy Japanese gerontological care robots . . .) come up with a pragmatic, honorable and optimistic method of securing our borders while providing a path to citizenship or I will never vote for you, no matter how perfect a candidate or campaign otherwise.
5. Finally, do you truly understand why America has any claim to exceptionalism? It is because our road – no matter how bumpy and imperfect – has always lead to freer exercise of rights by more and more people within the context of a stable and functioning civil society. That is why we are a beacon to the rest of the world. Stop working so hard to deny American citizens their rights – whether it is to marry whom they love or to cast a ballot – or I will never vote for you, no matter how perfect a candidate or campaign otherwise.
In short, if your plan is for a government that exists only to police our morals and protect the property rights of the hyper wealthy, then just go ahead and reserve your spot now in the American Political Party Hall of Fame, next to the Whigs.
Very eloquent summary of what's wrong with today's Republican party and what they need to change to become relevant in today's America.
That summary needs to be posted and re-posted everywhere. Very eloquent.