Candidates Criticize Contraception During Debate
In the most recent GOP debate candidates turned up the heat on extremist Rick Santorum as the four exchanged barbs over voting records and campaign rhetoric. Former Governor Romney and former Senator Santorum spent the CNN sponsored event debating bailouts, earmarks, immigration and contraception. As usual, the debate was heavy on criticism, which was directed at both the White House and debate participants, while policy solutions were little more than campaign rhetoric. The lack of content was glaring as candidates discussed and criticized the recent contraception coverage issue.
Debate moderator John King directly questioned candidates on contraception asking, “Since birth control is the latest hot topic, which candidate believes in birth control, and if not, why?” Romney responded dramatically stating, “I don’t think we’ve seen in the history of this country the kind of attack on religious conscience, religious freedom, religious tolerance that we’ve seen under Barack Obama.” Gingrich proudly displayed his extreme colors with the absurd accusation that President Obama support infanticide. Santorum, believing himself an authority on morality, stated that the country needs stronger families, not birth control. Rep. Paul capitalized on the opportunity to wax political philosophy, responding that immorality fuels the need for contraception.
During the 15-minute conversation on contraception, none of the four remain GOP hopefuls offered a realistic compromise for the politically charged issue, instead resting on criticisms and attacks. Republican voters are desperate for a reason to support the Party’s eventual nominee, but last night’s discussion of contraception displays a serious disconnect between the 65% of Americans who support the recent compromise, and the extreme opinions of GOP presidential hopefuls.
Last night’s event left Republican voters without a clear victor, and the likely outcome of Arizona and Michigan’s upcoming primaries on February 28th remains unpredictable.
