Author Topic: Steele faces more fallout over abortion comments (Read 2550 times)

Dos Equis · « **on:** March 12, 2009, 12:35:25 PM »

Steele faces more fallout over abortion comments
Posted: 03:06 PM ET

From CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

(CNN) — A chorus of leading conservatives continued to criticize GOP chairman Michael Steele Thursday over the Republican leader's comments on abortion in an interview with GQ magazine.

Former Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, arguably the most high profile conservative to weigh in on the matter, said Steele's subsequent clarification "doesn't explain why he would ever say what he did in the first place."

"For Chairman Steele to even infer that taking a life is totally left up to the individual is not only a reversal of Republican policy and principle, but it's a violation of the most basic of human rights–the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," Huckabee wrote in an entry on his Web site.

In the GQ interview, Steele called abortion an "individual choice" and said the matter should be left up to the states to decide. He later issued a statement saying he has always been pro-life.

Earlier: Steele clarifies abortion comments

But Ken Blackwell, a former rival of Steele for the RNC chairmanship, told the conservative Web site Townhall.com that Steele needs to "re-read the Bible, the U.S. Constitution, and the 2008 GOP Platform."

"He then needs to get to work — or get out of the way," added Blackwell, who ultimately put his support behind Steele in the contentious race last month to lead the party.

Meanwhile Lou Engle, founder of TheCall and a leading pro-life, pro-family voice, called Steele's comments "extremely disappointing."

"It can never be a ‘choice’ for an individual to take a life," said Engle. "Life is the first right granted in our nation’s Declaration of Independence. The Chairman would do well to study that and other documents and recommit himself to the pro-life principles espoused by his party."

Other high-profile conservatives who have expressed criticism over the comments include Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, anti-abortion activist Jill Stanek, and Americans United for Life and Action CEO Charmaine Yoest.

Steele is reportedly reaching out to several conservatives Thursday in an attempt to ease their concerns. He's also slated to sepak next month at the Vanderburgh County Right to Life dinner in Evansville, Indiana, a major gathering of pro-life activists.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/12/steele-faces-more-fallout-over-abortion-comments/#more-43572

240 is Back · « **Reply #1 on:** March 12, 2009, 12:46:00 PM »

It would serve FOX and other right-leaning media outlets to completely STOP talking about Rush, palin, and steele. They're just making the party look terrible.

We haven't heard much about Mitt, pawlenty, Crist, and others. The ones who actually make the party look good at time. I guess Rush screaming, palin's drama, and Steele's retractions are more exciting. I can understand the left media wanting to talk about it - repubs look like hacks with these 3 at the wheel.

but FOX? Really?

grab an umbrella · « **Reply #2 on:** March 12, 2009, 12:56:05 PM »

Quote from: 240 is Back on March 12, 2009, 12:46:00 PM

It would serve FOX and other right-leaning media outlets to completely STOP talking about Rush, palin, and steele. They're just making the party look terrible.

We haven't heard much about Mitt, pawlenty, Crist, and others. The ones who actually make the party look good at time. I guess Rush screaming, palin's drama, and Steele's retractions are more exciting. I can understand the left media wanting to talk about it - repubs look like hacks with these 3 at the wheel.

but FOX? Really?

You're right, why report the news?

240 is Back · « **Reply #3 on:** March 12, 2009, 01:00:33 PM »

Quote from: grab an umbrella on March 12, 2009, 12:56:05 PM

You're right, why report the news?

I guess i'm saying Bill-O was crying on his show tuesday that Lib media only cover stories that make repubs look bad... but then I see FOX covering these stories first as well, with the same vigor, then defending the guys.

shootfighter1 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 12, 2009, 01:05:44 PM »

When the repubs start focusing on pro-life issues as the center of their platform, they loose me.
Economics trump issues like abortion IMO. Steele said let the states make the decision even though he is pro-life. I think republicans have to accept folks that are pro-choice to move forward.

LurkerNoMore · « **Reply #5 on:** March 12, 2009, 01:19:02 PM »

Steele just needs to throw in the towel and quit. He is woefully unprepared for such a simple task. He hasn't done a single thing right yet.

Dos Equis · « **Reply #6 on:** March 12, 2009, 01:29:13 PM »

Quote from: shootfighter1 on March 12, 2009, 01:05:44 PM

When the repubs start focusing on pro-life issues as the center of their platform, they loose me.
Economics trump issues like abortion IMO. Steele said let the states make the decision even though he is pro-life. I think republicans have to accept folks that are pro-choice to move forward.

Shoot I think the majority of Americans are probably pro life. I've seen other polls like this one:

Poll: 54 Percent of Americans Take Pro-Life Position on Abortion
J.R.* | November 3, 2007 | ShareThis

A new poll conducted by CBS News makes it clear that a majority of Americans are pro-life when itcomes to the issue of abortion.

The October survey finds 54 percent of Americans take one of three pro-life positions opposing all or almost all abortions and another 16 percent want more restrictions on it.

The October 12-16 poll asked Americans to tell CBS News their “personal feelings” on abortion. The survey found that 16 percent of the public only favors allowing abortions “only to save woman’s life” and another 34 percent think abortions should only be allowed in the very rare cases of rape, incest or to save the mother’s life.

Another four percent of Americans want all abortions to be made illegal.

With the Planned Parenthood-affiliated Alan Guttmacher Institute showing that less than two percent of all abortions are done in cases of rape, incest or to save the mother’s life, the CBS News poll shows 54 percent of Americans oppose 98 percent of all abortions.

According to the survey, just 26 percent of the public wants abortions permitted in all cases. Another 16 percent want abortions to remain legal but to be subject to greater restrictions than they currently face.

http://www.americanconservativedaily.com/2007/11/poll-54-percent-of-americans-take-pro-life-position-on-abortion/

tu_holmes · « **Reply #7 on:** March 12, 2009, 01:51:28 PM »

Quote from: Beach Bum on March 12, 2009, 01:29:13 PM

Shoot I think the majority of Americans are probably pro life. I've seen other polls like this one:

Poll: 54 Percent of Americans Take Pro-Life Position on Abortion
J.R.* | November 3, 2007 | ShareThis

A new poll conducted by CBS News makes it clear that a majority of Americans are pro-life when itcomes to the issue of abortion.

The October survey finds 54 percent of Americans take one of three pro-life positions opposing all or almost all abortions and another 16 percent want more restrictions on it.

The October 12-16 poll asked Americans to tell CBS News their “personal feelings” on abortion. The survey found that 16 percent of the public only favors allowing abortions “only to save woman’s life” and another 34 percent think abortions should only be allowed in the very rare cases of rape, incest or to save the mother’s life.

Another four percent of Americans want all abortions to be made illegal.

With the Planned Parenthood-affiliated Alan Guttmacher Institute showing that less than two percent of all abortions are done in cases of rape, incest or to save the mother’s life, the CBS News poll shows 54 percent of Americans oppose 98 percent of all abortions.

According to the survey, just 26 percent of the public wants abortions permitted in all cases. Another 16 percent want abortions to remain legal but to be subject to greater restrictions than they currently face.

http://www.americanconservativedaily.com/2007/11/poll-54-percent-of-americans-take-pro-life-position-on-abortion/

Funny... The elections in 2008 certainly have it going the opposite direction.

Or did anyone not notice that all those Pro-Life measures on those ballots failed?

Dos Equis · « **Reply #8 on:** March 12, 2009, 02:03:15 PM »

Quote from: tu_holmes on March 12, 2009, 01:51:28 PM

Funny... The elections in 2008 certainly have it going the opposite direction.

Or did anyone not notice that all those Pro-Life measures on those ballots failed?

I don't think a handful of abortion initiatives (whatever those where) failing establishes that the majority of the country is not pro life. We just elected a president who is about as far left as you can get, but I don't think that proves that the majority of the country is liberal.

BM OUT · « **Reply #9 on:** March 12, 2009, 02:10:25 PM »

Quote from: 240 is Back on March 12, 2009, 12:46:00 PM

It would serve FOX and other right-leaning media outlets to completely STOP talking about Rush, palin, and steele. They're just making the party look terrible.

We haven't heard much about Mitt, pawlenty, Crist, and others. The ones who actually make the party look good at time. I guess Rush screaming, palin's drama, and Steele's retractions are more exciting. I can understand the left media wanting to talk about it - repubs look like hacks with these 3 at the wheel.

but FOX? Really?

THe last thing we need is talk of the left leaning Crist.We need to cut libs OUT of the party.Id like to see more Newt,more Mitt and MUCH more Paul.

240 is Back · « **Reply #10 on:** March 12, 2009, 02:14:47 PM »

FOX News just about single-handedly sank Ron paul's 2008 run.

Their anchors insulted him several times per hours for the entire primary process. Remember?

shootfighter1 · « **Reply #11 on:** March 12, 2009, 02:18:14 PM »

I think Republicans have to open themselves to a broader range of people and rally around limited government principles first. Saying the republican party favors a pro-life position is fine (and true) as long as people who may be pro-choice aren't alienated. If the republicans are too exclusive, the democrats will prevail...particularly with the younger generations.

tu_holmes · « **Reply #12 on:** March 12, 2009, 02:33:03 PM »

Quote from: Beach Bum on March 12, 2009, 02:03:15 PM

I don't think a handful of abortion initiatives (whatever those where) failing establishes that the majority of the country is not pro life. We just elected a president who is about as far left as you can get, but I don't think that proves that the majority of the country is liberal.

2 of the 3 were in Red states that even voted McCain in the last election.

How can you even believe what you're saying?

Dos Equis · « **Reply #13 on:** March 12, 2009, 02:51:35 PM »

Quote from: tu_holmes on March 12, 2009, 02:33:03 PM

2 of the 3 were in Red states that even voted McCain in the last election.

How can you even believe what you're saying?

Oh I don't know. Life experience. Common sense. Statistics. Basic reading skills.

tu_holmes · « **Reply #14 on:** March 12, 2009, 02:56:58 PM »

Quote from: Beach Bum on March 12, 2009, 02:51:35 PM

Oh I don't know. Life experience. Common sense. Statistics. Basic reading skills.

Sounds like you're pretty much missing the base on all of those things when it comes to abortion.

Like I said... I just saw an election in 2008 that says otherwise. That's a "fact".

Dos Equis · « **Reply #15 on:** March 12, 2009, 10:58:19 PM »

Quote from: tu_holmes on March 12, 2009, 02:56:58 PM

Sounds like you're pretty much missing the base on all of those things when it comes to abortion.

Like I said... I just saw an election in 2008 that says otherwise. That's a "fact".

What's a fact? Three initiatives failed so that establishes that the majority of Americans are pro choice? Sorry. Not buying.

LurkerNoMore · « **Reply #16 on:** March 13, 2009, 06:34:04 AM »

Pretty much so.

Sounds to me like if they weren't they would have voted the opposite, but since they didn't.... what does that mean? They are idiots who can't make up their minds?

shootfighter1 · « **Reply #17 on:** March 13, 2009, 06:45:03 AM »

As the younger generation votes more, there will be less people against abortion. I understand being pro-life but if repubs exclude everyone who doesn't share that view completely, the party will continue to loose ground. Unfortunately, we are seeing fewer moderate/blue dog democrats. The vocal part of the party is pushing big government, liberal and socialistic type policies.
Where do the people in the middle go? They went to Obama in 2008 but he is not a centrist.

Dos Equis · « **Reply #18 on:** March 13, 2009, 11:21:34 AM »

Quote from: LurkerNoMore on March 13, 2009, 06:34:04 AM

Pretty much so.

Sounds to me like if they weren't they would have voted the opposite, but since they didn't.... what does that mean? They are idiots who can't make up their minds?

It could mean a number of things: the bill was too broad; the bill was poorly written; there was ineffective campaign; block voting, etc. I would be more convinced if it was part of a trend in which every single proposed law restricting abortion in any way was defeated at the ballot box. That hasn't happened.

For example, every time homosexual marriage has been put to a vote, it failed. Numerous states have moved to preserve traditional marriage. That's the kind of voting record that shows what the majority of Americans believe.

LurkerNoMore · « **Reply #19 on:** March 13, 2009, 11:33:21 AM »

Quote from: Beach Bum on March 13, 2009, 11:21:34 AM

For example, every time homosexual marriage has been put to a vote, it failed. Numerous states have moved to preserve traditional marriage. That's the kind of voting record that shows what the majority of Americans believe.

But yet the exact same voting on pro life issues is flawed when it doesn't go your way?

Dos Equis · « **Reply #20 on:** March 13, 2009, 11:41:39 AM »

Quote from: LurkerNoMore on March 13, 2009, 11:33:21 AM

But yet the exact same voting on pro life issues is flawed when it doesn't go your way?

Here is what I said: "I would be more convinced if it was part of a trend in which every single proposed law restricting abortion in any way was defeated at the ballot box. That hasn't happened."

So no, it's not the "exact same voting on pro life issues."

tu_holmes · « **Reply #21 on:** March 13, 2009, 11:42:54 AM »

Quote from: Beach Bum on March 13, 2009, 11:41:39 AM

Here is what I said: "I would be more convinced if it was part of a trend in which every single proposed law restricting abortion in any way was defeated at the ballot box. That hasn't happened."

So no, it's not the "exact same voting on pro life issues."

Ridiculous... See post about it only being accurate if it goes your way.

Dos Equis · « **Reply #22 on:** March 13, 2009, 11:53:16 AM »

Quote from: tu_holmes on March 13, 2009, 11:42:54 AM

Ridiculous... See post about it only being accurate if it goes your way.

tu_holmes · « **Reply #23 on:** March 13, 2009, 12:03:21 PM »

Quote from: Beach Bum on March 13, 2009, 11:53:16 AM

Roll your eyes all you want... You have no validation in your statement.

LurkerNoMore · « **Reply #24 on:** March 13, 2009, 12:54:49 PM »

running in circles only makes you dizzy.

One issue fails at the polls and that is what the majority of America want.
Another issue fails at the polls but yet, despite the first example, it really isn't what America wants.

Ummm... ok. Whatever.

Funny it seemed to be the exact group of voters in 2008 that delivered both outcomes.

Ok... now back to your circles again.