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More broadly, Akin’s comments furthered the perception that Republicans are waging a war on women.
The gender gap exists for a reason.
Whether mandating transvaginal probes prior to abortion under “informed-consent” logic or misunderstanding basic biology, Republicans have managed to alienate a fair portion of the female population. Even pro-life women will have a hard time standing by men who are so willfully ignorant.
These episodes not only are embarrassing, but they also shift debate from the profound to the ridiculous.
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