Mitt Romney Hates Women

I do my best to critically consider the statements of people I’m supposed to agree with. Sometimes this requires putting my thinking cap on, and sometimes it doesn’t.

Of course this post’s title is facetious. I’m sure Mitt Romney doesn’t hate women. However, if you listen to some talking heads, you might not get that impression. About a week ago, Democratic strategist named Hilary Rosen really stepped in it.

Mr. Romney has said in various speeches, that his wife Ann (who has come across as nothing but a lovely woman) has spoken to women voters and reports back to Mr. Romney that women care about the economy first and foremost. Scoffing at this statement, Ms. Rosen said “Guess what, [Ann Romney] has actually never worked a day in her life.”

Now, regardless of Mr. Romney’s actual record when it comes to women’s issues, it is clear that Ms. Rosen lobbed a political soft-ball for Romney’s people to drill right out of the park. They jumped all over Ms. Rosen and the press followed suit.

Mrs. Romney debuted on Twitter quickly and released a pitch-perfect tweet saying, “I made a choice to stay home and raise five boys. Believe me, it was hard work.”

Practically everyone around President Obama, right on down to the White House kitchen staff, released statements condemning Ms. Rosen’s statements, and just as the press was beginning to move on, another Democratic voice decided to weigh in on the issue.

On Friday, Senator Barbra Boxer decided to come forward and remark that, “to the women out there, whether you're Republican or Democrat or Independent, if you're a self-respecting human being, please vote for President Obama, and to the men who care about women, do the same thing."

I would fathom a guess that there are Independent women, and men, who will resent the implication that if they vote for Mr. Romney they are no longer self-respecting. They probably will also not appreciate Senator Boxer implying otherwise, most likely to Mr. Romney’s benefit.

Instead of encouraging voters to consider the issues, or letting the Obama campaign actually execute its messaging strategy, Sen. Boxer and Ms. Rosen have decided to take the “subtle as a flying mallet” messaging strategy. A strategy that has served politicians, of all stripes, so well in the past (sarcasm).

So, if any other Democratic activists are considering following their example (and I know many of you read this blog), I beg you … please don’t.