Stanek wkend Q: Is 2014 the year “war on women” comes back to bite Dems?
On January 22 the Republican National Committee issued a strongly worded resolution telling pro-life candidates it would support those “who fight back against Democratic deceptive ‘war on women’ rhetoric by pointing out the extreme positions on abortion held by Democratic opponents” and back away from those “who stay silent in the face of such deceptive rhetoric.”
So game on. The RNC has learned, quoting the resolution again, that “[c]andidates who stay silent on pro-life issues do not identify with key voters, fail to alert voters to the Democrats’ extreme pro-abortion stances, and have lost their elections.”
Like we said.
This past Wednesday the March for Life in Washington, D.C., saw RNC Chairman Reince Priebus speak from the rally podium as well as House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (pictured above right) – physically backing up the resolution.
More on the Republican pro-life surge from telegram.com:
Abortion is becoming an unexpectedly animating issue in the 2014 midterm elections….
“I don’t think this is a niche issue anymore,” said Drew Lieberman, a vice president at Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, a political consultancy concern, who has advised Democratic congressional candidates and has done polling for NARAL….
“For a lot of members politically it ties into the issue they want to be talking about this election, which is Obamacare,” said Tom McClusky, vice president of government affairs for the March for Life….
While Democrats say such measures seeking to restrict abortions could stir votes, they acknowledge the limits of midterm turnout. “Off-year elections are difficult,” said Cecile Richards, president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “You have lower turnout, and a lot of drop-off voters are women. So in a lot of ways, making sure women are aware and voting is important.”
The RNC resolution reminds all it is Democrats who are extremist on abortion, not Republicans:
Whereas, According to the extensive polling conducted by Gallup since 1975, many Republican stances regarding abortion garner at least 60 % support from the public and across the political spectrum:
· 87% support informed-consent laws about certain possible risks of the abortion procedure;
· 80% support banning abortion during the 3rd trimester;
· 71% support parental consent laws;
· 69% support imposing a 24-hour wait period before an abortion;
· 64% of Americans support banning abortion during the 2nd trimester;
· 64% support banning partial-birth abortion;
· 64% support spousal notification laws that require the husband to be simply notified if his wife seeks an abortion
So if Republicans do speak up proudly and cogently on the pro-life issue, the barbarism of Democrat positions on abortion will be exposed.
Who knew the Democrat “war on women” meme would spark this response?
Do you think 2014 could shape up to be another good mid-term election year for pro-lifers, as was 2010?
[Photo via sunherald.com]
Jill Stanek is a nurse turned speaker, columnist and blogger, a national figure in the effort to protect both preborn and postborn innocent human life.
Great news! Thanks jill lets take it to the polls and let the voters decide. Anti choice positions make candidates lose!
Depends on whether they talk about it the right way.
(I’m looking at you Huckabee)
This resolution won’t amount to a hill of beans, given my experience with the GOP in my state. There seems to be little stomach within states’ leadership for any talk about abortion – even to point out the extreme position of pro-abortion candidates. Prolife women acting independently to ensure victories for prolife candidates (and/or defeat for pro-aborts) are the ones who will make the Dems rue the day they started “war on women.” The GOP will follow, not lead.
It appears that the RNC leaders are finally ready to acknowledge the pro-life generation!
Let us see if our local candidates are ready to discover their own spines.
And let us hope that there will be a revolt in the Democratic Party against the old guard and the extremist feminists — and that there will be pro-life Democrats, once again! There is absolutely no reason why Progressive politics have to serve the Culture of Death.
Meanwhile — Let’s support the pro-life candidates, but do not put your hope in politicians. We need to change the hearts of our friends and neighbors…. until the culture is pro-life, then the elected leaders will do as we ask to protect women and children.
Only time will tell.
I struggle to think of a scenario in which abortion is going to be on any top five list in 2014 of issues voters are focusing on. It will always be a key issue for some – but the 2014 elections are mostly likely coming down to issues surrounding health care and the economy.
If you don’t try, you’ll never win.
If this is an issue that you profess to care about why not fight boldly and honestly?
And one more inspirational and truthful cliché:
The GOP need to be in the good fight for the long haul. This is not an issue that is won overnight.
That may be true X, but clearly the Dems think it is a key issue for voters–hence their lies about the “war on women”.
So Steven…anti-choice…I guess you support others choices then like school choice? Or is there only 1 choice you really support–one that ends with a dead baby?
How’s about changing the ‘war on women’ slogan to ‘stop the war on America’ . I thought about the phrase ‘stop the war on American children’, but there is no America without her children. Its an unnecessary redundancy. Is this enough for X and friends to wonder if in fact there is a silent-war and its costing billions in $$$ and more in …. .
“I struggle to think”
Yes Ex-RINO. It is apparent to most of us how much of a struggle it is for you to think. How else could you profess that you believe abortion is murder and yet you vote for pro-abort candidates?
This could be especially good news if the Republicans not only speak up, but actually think about their own sound bites in a new way so as to actually stir a sincere desire to protect life. And imagine if people turned in and listened as well?!
truth -
American politics gives me a choice between a party that says 100% of abortions are okay, and one that says 98% of abortions are okay.
Regardless, I stand by my earlier statement.
Why do the Dems and the GOP hold their positions on it? The dems hold their position because it gets them a lot of money, and it gives them enough of a voting gap with women to lock in a lot of races. The GOP holds their position because it keeps their religious base happy (and donating money), and keeps GOP voter turnout stronger which helps them most in off-year elections (like this one).
Mark my word – abortion will be a hot topic in 2014, and then take a back burner as we head into the 2016 elections. I’d bet anybody on that.
Two things:
1) Republicans have figured out that they cannot win by ignoring their position on life and women’s issues.
2) It seems that there are a new generation of Republican politicians who are genuinely pro-life in their concern for the future and the common good. All of those courageous pro-lifers in the state legislatures — Some of them are moving up to national positions and Congress.
Just remember that our salvation does not come from politics. Even after we have laws to protect women and children from abortion, we are going to become very busy taking care of a broken generation. It will be a long time before the hook-up culture ends and young women re-learn to appreciate their own dignity. Don’t expect Democrats and Planned Parenthood to suddenly start caring for women! And don’t expect Republicans to do our work for us.
Del
Good post.
On your first post, I’d just alter it to say house elections and some senate elections. Again, I’d be massively surprised if the GOP talks about it much in the next Presidential election. The women vote gap was simply too big.
On your second thought – I’ll believe it when I see it. I suppose what I mean is, yes, there are some tea party people who are a bit more radical in their views when it comes to abortion. I’m interested to see how it plays out with Karl Rove’s PAC and this whole tug between what is electable for the GOP.
Good last paragraph.
I’m not a Republican and I haven’t paid much attention to the TEA Party…. but as I recall, the TEA Party hasn’t given much attention to abortion and life issues. They are mainly concerned with reducing taxes, closing the deficit, and reducing the size of government. If these folks are concerned about their personal greed, then they won’t care about abortion. Depending on whether or not they think that abortion reduces poverty.
But if the TEA Partiers are good people who are concerned about the future for their children and grandchildren (as I imagine they are), then they will be receptive to the pro-life message. I would not be surprised if some pro-life enthusiasm has entered their community.
Does the TEA Party have any names? Do they have any leadership? The Wikipedia article says that it is a populist movement and rallies are organized by local activists. But it seems that Democrat leaders like to use the TEA Party as a straw man responsible for every evil in modern America.
Hi Del,
I’d be happy to address some of your questions concerning the Tea Party.
1. It is a citizen movement, an idea. A shared disgust with all things “in the beltway” Washington, be it Republican or Democrat. We view both parties as different sides of the same coin, the ruling class. Power corrupts, and people love their power, thus the contempt for and fear of the Tea Party by both Republicans and Democrats.
2. We consist of Democrats, Republicans, Independents, men, women, people of all races, religions, sexual orientations. There are no forms to fill out to “apply” so if exact statistics exist, I have yet to see them. Unlike the bastions of tolerance, we don’t fixate on race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation or view it as relevant.
3. There are no national leaders or elites. There are spokespeople and organization leaders. You can donate to the different organizations, i.e. focusing on elections, thus the IRS can and does target.
4. As far as I know all Tea Party candidates have been pro life. Again various Tea Party members may not be. As I said our backgrounds and belief systems vary. Just as not all PL people are religious while others are, and may base their PL convictions on different factors.
Del -
There are a lot financial ties between the Koch brothers and the tea party. The tea party makes itself out to be this flowery organization that Mary has presented. In reality, it is another special interest group looking out in favor of those that fund it.
Geez EGV,
Sounds like you got us confused with your buddy George Soros and the left wing liberal organizations in the US that he supports. Any friends of yours on this list?
http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/viewSubCategory.asp?id=1237
For those not familiar with Old George he’s an 83y/o left wing billionaire philanthropist with a vested interest in American politics. He recently endorsed left wing Bill deBlasio for mayor of New York and spent $25.5 million in an effort to defeat George W Bush in 2004.
Mary -
No – we’re talking about the tea party. If you have blindly been following without researching, shame on you. If you are okay with it, that’s fine – but don’t get presented with information and then just try to change the subject.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_activities_of_the_Koch_brothers
EGV,
The Tea Party Patriots along with other groups rec’d donations from the Koch Bros. to fight the ACA. So what?
What is the big deal about The Kochs anyway?
You on the left have a real fixation with them.
Mary -
Del asked a question about their organization. You, furthermore, painted a picture that there were local, grassroot organization with venom directed at the the GOP and Dems equally.
This is false – every tea party candidate that I know of have been Republican, and they have a heck of a lot of funding through national some major players. Whomever pays the bills owns them – and the organization will be a slave to those masters.
You have the right to like the tea party -that’s fine – just don’t paint them as something they aren’t.
Hey EGV,
Cut us Tea Party people some slack. Your left wing hero George spent $6.1 million bucks to groups to pressure the IRS to target us. Your boy plays real dirty.
If you have blindly been following without researching, shame on you.
http://www.mrc.org/bias-numbers/soros-gave-61-million-groups-linked-pressure-irs-target-conservative-nonprofits
Mary –
I’m making no claims regarding anybody on the left – have made no statements regarding any individual or group on the left.
Again, what we’re talking about is the tea party – you seem familiar with them, but more as what you think they are vs. what they really are.
EGV,
Try to inform yourself.
Candidates have been Republican because no Democrats supported our causes. In case you haven’t noticed, the Democrats are blindly obedient to their Party. Talk about the obedience of slaves to their masters. Does the name Bart Stupak ring a bell? Tea Party contempt for John Boehner, Republican Speaker of the House is no secret, and apparently the feeling is mutual. As I said, our contempt for both parties of the Ruling Class is equal.
Sure, any number of organizations and individuals may support our candidates. Isn’t it their right? Hey, if George can spend his millions to influence our politics, why can’t everyone else?
Candidates have been Republicans because they are Republicans – fringe Republicans that a lot of Republicans say are bad for the party – but Republicans none-the-less.
Again, I have no issue with you liking them – I only have an issue with you painting a picture that isn’t accurate. I mean, I like the tea party to a degree – without the tea party, Harry Reid had a better chance of losing, which means the Dems would have had one less senate vote and the ACA wouldn’t have passed. Thanks tea party!
Come on EGV, 4:32PM
You brought up funding and influence. Fair is fair. According to your source The Kochs donated to various Tea Party groups to help fight the ACA. So did I. What of it?
Doesn’t change the fact we are an organization of citizens with no national leader or elites. Of course people donate to us. Did I say we were paupers?
Millions? Did you donate millions Mary?
Look at just about any law and political position and trace it back to the money. The tea party runs candidates as Republicans – those candidates are well funded and answer to the people that fund them. It is the way it is.
EGV,
Millions? My goodness EGV I’m not old George.
The candidates run on a platform and people and organizations decide if they will support them.
Our candidates have already been Republicans. BTW, a few Tea Party supported candidates have turned tail. We have not always been overly pleased with the candidates we supported, so obviously there is not always a sense of obligation to those who supported them.
Del: as I recall, the TEA Party hasn’t given much attention to abortion and life issues. They are mainly concerned with reducing taxes, closing the deficit, and reducing the size of government.
I hope they are; I wish they are. But when it really comes down to it, the Tea Party leaders in congress only give lip service to a sort of ideal about “doing better, financially.” Their own package of policies isn’t holding to that, i.e. they too have their “sacred cows,” and if they were making policy, we’d still have a ton of red ink.
Doug,
I’ve pointed out our disappointment in many of them who have only gotten caught up in the power and elitism of Washington. Too much back slapping, back down, let’s get along.
We’ll just keep trying.
Mary, no question that it seems almost impossible not to get caught up in it, regardless of party affiliation, be it by ‘absorbtion-inside-the-Beltway’ or being corrupt – not really intending to do what they campaigned on, or by ending up more concerned with their own power and status (and maintaining that) rather than truly serving their constituencies.
I find it interesting that rather than attempt to educate or in any way alter the thinking of some of the more ‘interesting’ gop reps and wannabe’s, the party is mostly asking them to just shut-up.
This is a shame. I encourage as many of them as possible to be as outspoken as they can about all womens issues.
It’ll all be for the best ;-)
Ex-GOP: “Mark my word – abortion will be a hot topic in 2014, and then take a back burner as we head into the 2016 elections. I’d bet anybody on that. ”
I totally agree Ex! In 2014 we will dismantle the democratic propaganda regarding the “war on women” and in 2016 we will concentrate on exposing Hillary as the Benghazi “Butcher.” I, for one, have started being very vocal about it as of now, actually. This will be a very interesting election year indeed :)
The hard right that will already vote hard right love Benghazi. The hard left that will already vote hard left won’t be swayed by Benghazi. The middle – the persuadable folks, statistically haven’t care about the issue, and if it is pushed as an issue, won’t get much play in actually persuading people.
The key is who the GOP picks, how fast the pick them, and if the influences are more from the middle, or more from the tea party.