Akin’s Views Are Mainstream on the Right

[phantom power]

So let’s be clear; Akin’s beliefs aren’t unusual on the right.

Kate Sheppard of Mother Jones explains:

But here’s the thing: Akin didn’t make this idea up. That women can’t get pregnant when they’re raped is a thing that some people actually believe. I stumbled across this several months ago while researching another story. It turns out to be an idea held and repeated by individuals who oppose abortion in any circumstance.

David Frum concurs:

Finally, it should be noted that while nobody thinks that rape is ever “legitimate,” plenty of Republicans—including e.g. a majority of the House Republican caucus in a series of votes in spring 2011 on amendments sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey—have distinguished between cases of “forcible rape” (where abortion ought to be allowed) and other forms of rape, where they are not so sure.

In other words, Todd Akin did not stumble his way into his cul-de-sac. The poor expression of his belief is his own fault, but the expression is not really the problem: it is the view that is the problem. Akin’s view may be outrageous, but its outrageousness is not one man’s mental spasm.

As I note at the American Prospect, Akin’s views on the evil, lying nature of women are basically the standard views of the anti-choice right. He just made the mistake of being too blunt about it.
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/08/20/akins-views-are-mainstream-on-the-right/

[seabeyond]

1. chant from yale. no means yes. not just on the right, guys. nt

[Taverner]

7. I've also seen "No means more beer" - sickening

And I am not really sickened by a lot of things

[seabeyond]

8. ah... i havent heard that one. yup. liked your OP. nt

[HopeHoops]

2. They aren't "unusual", but I wouldn't go so far as to say "mainstream".

[renie408]

4. What he said.

Even the freepers were blasting this guy for being an idiot. Yeah, some of them were only thinking he was an idiot for saying it out loud, but a lot of them were totally disgusted by him. Many of their comments mirrored ours. Then there were the 'Obamugabe' comments which only mirrored their racism. But I would say a good 2/3 of the people commenting on this subject think Akin is a woman hating moron.

[spanone]

3. 'he's' not the problem...the republican party is the problem

he's got lots of company

[Lucy Goosey]

5. Yes! I'm glad this is being discussed!

To many Republicans isn't really what Akin said - they believe what he said. The problem is that even they know it is extreme and divisive enough to cost them votes. It's one of those things that should only be discussed by serious men in quiet rooms away from the librul media, I guess.

Do lots of Republican women believe this, I wonder?

[cr8tvlde]

6. They are not typically asked what they believe...

because it is still assumed in equally stone age beliefs, that they are instructed by their husbands. And those who abide by the literal meaning of Bible, even those reading the "New" Testament Apostle Paul, know their place...and it's 2nd Place, at best.