MMFA:
Politico reporter David Catanese dismissed the growing outrage over comments made by Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO), who has come under fire for saying that it’s “really rare” for women subjected to “legitimate rape” to become pregnant. This puts Catanese in agreement with CNN contributors Erick Erickson and Dana Loesch, who have rushed to Akin’s defense since his comments were first reported.
In a post to his Twitter account Sunday night, Catanese said: “Ok, I’m gonna (ask for it) & defend @ToddAkin for argument’s sake. We all know what he was trying to say.”
He then tweeted: “Poor phrasing, but if you watch the [interview, Akin] meant to convey there’s less chance of getting pregnant if raped.”
Say what?
Ok, that’s what I thought he said.
Understandably, the 140 subsequently kinda sorta got all hopped up:
As a result, Catanese was yanked from the Akin beat (no doubt whilst awaiting the inevitable contract negotiations with Fox to proceed). Now (with doe-eyed innocence and the requisite feigned martyrdom) he claims that — no, really! — he was just trying to teach teh controversy:
Re last night: Bad idea trying to have nuanced conversation on highly charged issue on here. Did not intend to take a side. Lesson learned.
— davecatanese (@davecatanese) August 20, 2012
Aww. Diddums didn’t get to slut-shame & practice his rape apologetics under the guise of rational debate (becuz bitchez be cray-cray, natch)?
My heart bleeds.
Legit.
(Just remember: it’s all Twitter’s fault that Dave Catanese apparently can’t keep his white male privilege in check. For shame.)
How are babby formed?
Sheesh. Penis goes in, ejaculate comes out. You can’t explain it.
All kidding aside, the twists and contortions some on the right have gone through to try to nuance his statement are sillier than his half-hearted apologies.
If a woman claims rape, the burden of proof is on her already. As I point out in my piece this morning– as well as why I think this happens– what ends up happening is she is forced to defend her own behavior.
A murder victim’s character is rarely called into question (unless the defense raises self-defense, say). A robbery victim is not blamed for wearing a watch or carrying a wallet.