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Anti-Choice Robo Calls Fail in Indiana

Scott Swenson, RH Reality Check on May 6, 2008 - 4:18pm
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National Right to Li-e made illegal robo-calls against Barack Obama in Indiana. Does that mean they support Hillary Clinton? According to one of my favorite purveyors of the circular logic that is the anti-choice blogosphere, Jill Stanek, the calls cite two issues and encourage voters to vote against Obama. One issue is the Freedom of Choice Act, of which Hillary Clinton is an original co-sponsor. Curious, isn't it, that NRLC would advocate for one pro-choice candidate over another.

As JedReport at DailyKos writes:

Given that there is no meaningful difference between Clinton and Obama on issues of reproductive freedom, the only reasonable explanation for these calls is that the group, National Right to Life, is trying to boost Clinton's performance in tomorrow's primary in the hopes of extending the Democratic nomination battle, thereby helping John McCain's candidacy.

Stanek also rails against Rep. Tim Romer, an anti-choice Democrat, for endorsing Obama. God forbid we actually have pro- and anti-choice people in Washington that might seek common ground. What on earth would Jill do if there was no misinformation to spin?

Updated 7:27 p.m.

BlueTexan at Firedoglake observes:

But what I find so baffling about these anti-choice fundies is that their slavish loyalty to the GOP has netted them absolutely nothing over the past 30 years. Zip. Zero. Zilch. Nada. And yet they continue to kiss the rings of whatever Republican screams "I'm pro-life" and doesn't do anything about it.

Republicans have won 5 of the past 7 presidentials, controlled the House from 1994-2006, and controlled the entire federal government for most of the Bush years and yet, have failed to ban abortion, failed to ban gay marriage, and failed to ban gay abortions. And really, they didn't even try.

At what point do these fundies wake up and realize they're being used?

More importantly, at what point do politicians wake up and realize the fundies are a smoke and mirrors minority?

Updated 8:45 p.m.

MSNBC exit polls report that Republican efforts to wreak havoc in the Democratic primary in Indiana had no noticable impact. 52 percent of Republicans voting in the Democratic primary supported Clinton, 46 percent supported Obama, no significant impact. But when asked who could beat McCain, Republicans said Obama 58 percent, Clinton 37 percent.

It seems voters aren't buying what the far-right is selling these days, no matter how it's spun. Perhaps they should focus on rehabilitating their own anti-choice candidate and let the two pro-choice candidates settle their own affairs. Come to think of it, maybe they should adopt that same persepctive with women's health.

Updated 11:09 p.m.

Two speeches. Two amazing American speeches from two uniquely historic Americans. Both pro-choice, speaking to the issues that really matter to middle and lower income families. Problems largely created by anti-choice, anti-contraception politicians. More Americans are connecting the dots, and no number of robo-calls will change that fact.

Perhaps "Maverick" John McCain will have to reassess his strategy and pick a pro-choice running mate to reach from the far-right corner he's painted himself into, to find a sliver of the center that might still be available to him.


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3 comments

"...and failed to ban gay abortions."

Submitted by AndyLicious on May 7, 2008 - 12:32pm.

I believe that is a use of humor, often lost on the far-right crowd.


Be the change you seek,

Scott Swenson, Editor

Submitted by Scott Swenson, RH Reality Check on May 7, 2008 - 1:09pm.

Must be referring to a turkey-baster mom who changed her mind.

Submitted by Catseye on May 8, 2008 - 1:15pm.

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