McCainBlogette.com - The Official Site of Meghan McCain

Obama for Gay Marriage

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:15:04 -0700

As many of you probably heard yesterday, President Obama made a bold declaration by endorsing gay marriage. In the past, like many politicians, President Obama has ducked the issue when asked about whether or not he supports same-sex marriage. A day ago, that changed when he spoke to ABC's Robin Roberts about the issue. Check it out if you missed it:

This is not only a pivotal moment for gay rights in America, but for the upcoming election. A win for sure in the LGBT community, but not so much for Mitt Romney who continues to campaign in a way that leaves questions beyond gay rights and the economy, unanswered.

For more on this topic, check out my article at The Daily Beast.

What do you think of Obama's statement?
Meghan

More Politics...
Trayvon Martin
The Dream Act TED Talks x Phoenix
SB1070 is Not the Solution

The Title of My New Book

Wed, 09 May 2012 06:00:00 -0700

As many of you are aware, I have a new book coming out in less than a month (ahhh!) and the title is “America, You Sexy Bitch: A Love Letter to Freedom.” Yes, that is the title of my upcoming book and yours truly is the person who came up with the title. If you want to know the exact time and context, you’re just going to have to buy the book.

I know it’s an over the top and irreverent title for a book, but guess what — in case you haven’t noticed, I am over the top and irreverent. America, you sexy bitch is a road trip I took with an extremely liberal comedian who was a complete stranger to me the day we embarked on our trip together. The book is funny, ridiculous, and unexpected. It tackles serious issues facing America, details the very special and very strange relationship Michael Ian Black and I share, and is by far the most personal thing I have ever written. Quite frankly I am a little more than freaked out about its release. There are things in this book that are going to shock people, even offend, as I reveal extremely personal stories about my life and journey trying to make it in America just like everyone else.

I knew going into this adventure with Michael that this book was going to probably ruffle some feathers and I have tried to give my parents a lot of warning. The book has not even been released yet and my father already is voicing concern about it. Yes, it’s true, my father absolutely hates the title of my book. He finds the use of the word "bitch" to be offensive and in bad taste, while I think it's cheeky and humorous — so much so that when he requested I change it, I didn’t. I love my father, I have the utmost respect for my father and there is rarely a professional decision that I make that I don’t ask his advice about.

This book is a different story. From concept to print, this book was something I did with Michael and Michael alone. Very few people were involved with the process (other than our trusty road companions that once again, you can read about when the book comes out). It’s scary and weird to be writing something so personal and public with such little input from anyone else, especially my family. I hope my father comes around to the title, I don’t know if he will. Much like our politics, I think there is a bit of a generation gap and I am grateful that even if we disagree, we maintain respect for each other. Making my own decisions, being my own person and living life on my own terms is something my parents taught me how to do at a young age, and unfortunately every decision I make doesn't always please them. What can I say? We cannot always please our parents with the choices we make in life, or I guess always chose book titles that please them…

What’s something that’s you’ve been at odds with your family about?
Meghan

SB1070 Is Not the Solution

Fri, 04 May 2012 10:30:32 -0700

Those of you following SB1070 in Arizona can see that the state's immigration law is turning into a lose-lose situation for all. Let me start off by saying what I've said repeatedly: I do not support the bill that was signed by Governor Jan Brewer, which is essentially a license to pull someone over for being Hispanic. It's not that I disagree with states trying to secure our nation's borders, quite the contrary. Drug smuggling continues across the Arizona-Mexico border, endangering lives of innocent civilians that live in rural areas close to the border, and it needs to be stopped. Laws like SB1070, however are not the solution. With such a large Latino population in Arizona, granting this type of permission to law-enforcement officials becomes a slippery slope. Supporters will argue that this is a law that distinguishes the legal from the illegal, rather than profiling Latinos, but the truth is, illegal immigration is a much more complex issue that cannot be remedied by SB1070.

Now, the Supreme Court is challenging the state legislation on the immigration law which has been appealed. Adding to the controversy of what SB1070 represents, it is now being questioned whether the state has the power to enforce these types of immigration laws, or if a federal issue outside the jurisdiction of the state. I'll definitely be keeping up on this to see where it leads.

What's your take on SB1070?
Meghan

More Politics...
Trayvon Martin
Limbaugh, Contraception and Sluts
The Dream Act
TED Talks x Phoenix

Photo Source: NewAmericaMedia.com

Where have All the Rock Stars Gone?

Tue, 01 May 2012 11:46:00 -0700

Me and my friend The Shanman who is a radio DJ on the popular rock radio station 98 KUPD in Arizona have an ongoing debate over whether there are any real rock stars left. Both of us are big Guns N' Roses fans and find the current crop of musicians...well, a bit tame and boring.

Not that doing yoga, drinking wheat grass shots and being in fulfilling long-term relationships isn't nice and everything, but it's not very, well, rock and roll. My submission is that Kid Rock is the last remaining real rock star.

What do you guys think? Where have all the rock stars gone?
Meghan

More Meghan McCain:
D.C. in Pictures
My Visit Home
Contest: My Next Tattoo
Hello, Springfield, Missouri!

My Weekend in D.C.

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:36:00 -0700

Over the weekend, I headed to D.C. for the White House Correspondents' Dinner — check out the photos below that recap the event!

Courtesy of Thomas Roberts: "Ok @patrickdabner and I found @McCainBlogette for a squeeze at the brunch #nerdprom."

With my friend Will Raabe.

On our way to Tammy Hadad's brunch.

My super fun brunch shoes.

All glammed up...

Special thanks to hair and makeup by Piper Baker and Tifanie White.

Love this gown!

Met up with Anthony De Rosa...

...and Michael Tackett...

...and Sandra Fluke at the MSNBC after-party.

Getting a drink from Rachel Maddow who bartended at the MSNBC after-party.

With reporter Erin McPike.

Photo opp with D.C. Debbie.

Spotted on C-SPAN.

A little leg on the red carpet never killed anyone.

With Michael Steele.

Last one...

Tuckered out by the end of the night.

If you went, who would you have wanted to meet?
Meghan

My Visit Home

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 06:00:00 -0700

Last weekend I had a chance to head home to Phoenix where I caught up with friends and family. Check it out…

At home with my dad

Hanging out with my sister.

Inside Lindsay Lou — A store I frequent whenever I'm home with a ton of awesome finds.

In case you were wondering, they also sell vintage cowboy boots!

My mom. Isn't she beautiful?

Went to Postino Wine Cafe (a local gem with delicious bruschetta and unique wine) with the BFF, my dad and Vinyl Station. If you haven't heard Vinyl Station's music, you're missing out!

Old Town Scottsdale

It's true what they say. There's no place like home!

Phoenix is definitely where my heart will always be.

What do you love most about your hometown?
Meghan

Contest: My Next Tattoo

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 06:00:00 -0700

Hey everyone,

As many of you know America, You Sexy Bitch: A Love Letter to Freedom, is coming out in a little more than a month (June 5th)! With other significant rites of passage in my life, I have gotten tattoos to mark that exact moment and meaning in time.

Coming up with the new release of my third book and the crazy past year I have had, I'd like to get another tattoo that's bigger and more substantial.

I love tattoos and view them as road markers for life experiences throughout one's life. Since I love skulls (yes, I collect them) I'm thinking of getting some kind of skull — think, Day of the Dead sugar skull — as an homage to Arizona's Southwestern heritage and Mexican culture. Growing up, I loved celebrating Day of the Dead and whenever I see sugar skulls, it reminds me of home. I love how they're so bold and colorful with such intricate details. Like any tattoo, I want this next one to be special and to remind me of home.

So here is where you guys come in: I am looking for any tattoo artists, designers, or any amateur artists to help me come up with the design. Be sure to leave a description in the comments below of what you think the tattoo should look like, along with any links to visual references, photos and recommendations for artists.

The person who comes up with the best recommendation will recieve a signed copy of my new book! I'm very excited to see what you guys come up with....

**Submit no later than May 16, 2012 at 12:00 PM PST**

Meghan

Hello, Springfield, Missouri

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 06:00:00 -0700

Last week, I had a speech at Missouri State University. (If you're wondering, yes, speaking at different colleges is one of my favorite pastimes.) While I was there, I snapped some photos of Springfield to share, using the best app in the world — aka Instagram. Take a look...

What's your favorite app of the moment?
Meghan

On the Road Again

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 06:00:00 -0700

As many of you know, I pretty much live out of a suitcase since I'm always on the the go. To give you a glimpse of what the norm is for me, I'm sharing some photos from my most recent trip to Springfield where I spoke at Missouri State University. Welcome to my world…

Where did you go the last time you hopped on a plane?

Meghan

EXCLUSIVE: First Look at My Book Cover

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:10:00 -0700

Get an exclusive look at my book, Amercia, You Sexy Bitch A Love Letter to Freedom, which hit shelves June 6. Inspired by a road trip across America, Michael and I co-wrote this book and can't wait to share it with you!

Do you have any memorable road trip stories?
Meghan

My Morning Routine

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 06:00:00 -0700

Everyone has their morning “routine.” Mine is to get up, get some coffee and go over all of the morning news on my favorite websites, blogs and newspapers. I like to get all opinions and all perspectives if I can and I think my tastes showcase that. Here’s a quick list of my must-reads every morning.

1. The Daily Beast – Yes, I have been employed by them for about three and a half years, but it really is the best website to that combines hard hitting news and popular culture. The “cheat sheet” segment is the best for a quick rundown if you are in a rush or short on time.

2. Politico.com – My favorite website for inside-the-beltway news. This site gives a great rundown of what’s happening in politics. Mike Allen’s “playbook” is particularly fun and entertaining. Maggie Haberman is my favorite politico writer, so be sure to look out for her pieces in particular.

3. Mediaite.com – I really enjoy Mediaite because they gather all of the “must-see” news clips of the day from cable news shows and the web. I particularly enjoy reporter Tommy Christopher’s take on what’s going on in the news.

4. The Huffington Post – Part news, part gossip, part lifestyle, part everything. This site is informative and addictive. Look out for Sam Stein for political reporting.

5. The Drudge Report – because everyone in politics still reads this site and because Matt Drudge is still kind of like the great and powerful Oz behind the curtain…breaking news, and in many cases, still dictating the direction of the news cycle.

6. Hotair.com – This is a blog for conservative readers. Michelle Malkin’s site is well organized and informative, albeit with a particular right wing slant.

7. The National Review, The Washington Post and The New York Times – These are my newspapers that I read, online every morning. I shouldn’t need to tell you why these publications are worth reading.

8. The National Journal’s “hotline.” – It’s exactly what it sounds like — what’s hot and what people are talking about in politics. My father actually turned me on to this site and I love it.

9. Jezebel.com – It’s kind of like girl gossip in the media with a feminist slant... This blog pens itself as “Celebrity, Sex, Fashion for Women. Without Airbrushing.” It’s addictive. I read it every day.

10. Vulture.com – This is New York Magazine’s pop culture website. It’s amazing, entertaining and my go-to place for gossip and entertainment news.

11. People.com – Because a girl needs her celebrity gossip as well!

12. Twitter! Finally, I scroll my Twitter feed — I follow a lot of journalists and people who work in entertainment. I have found some of the more provocative news stories straight from different Twitter feeds.

Meghan

My "Getting Pumped" Playlist

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 06:00:00 -0700

As much as I enjoy discussing what's going on in politics with everyone, this blog is just as much about me getting a chance to share my more personal side with all of you. Last week before I gave my speech to Whitman College, I listened to my "getting pumped" playlist and I thought it might be fun to share the music that gets me in the mood before I have to make a speech, go on a date, go to a fancy event, etc. — basically anything where some good music can put me in the mood.

1. Jonny Lang: "Don't Stop (For Anything)"

2. Ellie Goulding: "Lights"

3. Green Day: "Jesus of Suburbia"

4. RUN-DMC: "It's Tricky"

5. Goldfrapp: "Ooh La La"

6. Gang of Four: "Natural's Not In It"

7. Iggy Pop: "Lust For Life"

8. MGMT: "Time To Pretend"

9. A Static Lullaby: "Toxic"

10. The Ramones: "Judy Is A Punk"

What music gets you excited and pumped? Any recommendations for what I can add to my list?

Meghan

Seeking Justice for Trayvon Martin

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 06:00:00 -0700

I'm sure many of you are keeping up on the national dialogue on the Trayvon Martin case. George Zimmerman, who shot and killed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin who was unarmed is now being charged with second-degree murder. It's been over a month since the shooting, and if you're like me, you're probably wondering what took so long for a charge to be filed?

Following hearing the 911 call and accounts from witnesses, accompanied by protests outrage from the public, it was painful to hear day after day that no action was being taken by the police. The fact that a man is able to pursue and kill and unarmed teenager, without consequence thus far makes me feel like there is no justice in the world. I'm definitely going to be keeping up with the case to see how the investigation unfolds.

See a timeline of the case, here. For those of you who are looking to support Martin's family and their fight for justice, visit Change.org.

What are your thoughts on the case? Share in the comments section below.
Meghan

Photo Source: WashingtonPost.com

Walla Walla In Pictures

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 20:37:00 -0700

Hi everyone,

I just started using Instagram and I'm in love with it. Check out some of my photos I took using the app while I was in Walla Walla as a guest speaker.

Walla Walla, Washington has a personality of its own, which I tried to capture.

What do you think?
Meghan

My Tips for Traveling

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 07:26:00 -0700

Anyone that has ever been to an airport before knows how incredibly stressful it can be.

I travel all of the time. No seriously, all of the time for work, speaking engagements, (I'm in Walla Walla right now for one!) and well, sometimes I just get restless. Today, I wanted to share some of the travel tips I've picked up along the way.

Sweats over Style? This will apply mostly to the ladies but I have what I call my “travel uniform" — leggings, a baggy sweater in the winter or off-the-shoulder long T-shirt for spring and summer. The leggings and sweater/off-the-shoulder top are comfortable and pseudo-stylish. I am not one of those bring-a-pillow-and-wear-your-flannels-to-the-airport types, but I am also not Victoria Beckham wearing a dress or suit to the airport. I find that that my specific outfit is great for comfort on long flights and is easy to layer depending on the temperature of the flight. I also have this soft, furry, leopard print coat that I carry with me during the fall and winter that kind of doubles as a blanket/pillow on the plane. I suggest if you are carrying on a coat, try and bring a furry one.

Vanity: To put on makeup, or not to put on makeup? Always a debate on whether or not I really care what I look like at the airport. I hardly ever wear real makeup at the airport unless a hot guy is meeting me on the other side. My trick — beanies and Ray Bans. The beanie covers up a portion of your forehead and the sunglasses covers the rest. If I do end up putting on makeup for the flight, it’s always light tinted moisturizer, mascara, blush and lipgloss — rarely anything more.

Shoes: Ever seen Up in the Air with George Clooney? Don't make the fatal mistake of making life more miserable than it has to be at the security check point. I live in Uggs or ballet flats at the airport. Screw laces and buckles, it’s stressful enough getting through security. Both of these shoes slip on and off easily and are comfortable in case I have to run through the airport.

Bags: I carry a purse and a shoulder bag where I put my laptop, books and magazines. Always, always, always carry your jewelry with you accompanied by “essential” makeup you can’t live without, god forbid your luggage gets lost. As for the jewelry thing, I have heard too many stories about jewelry getting stolen, so it's better to be safe than sorry. Also, always bring your laptop with you, never check it. Again, the possibility of it getting stolen or damaged is too great. I also always pack my power chords for my Macbook and iPhone in my carry-on, just in case my luggage gets lost.

Can’t-Live-Withouts: No matter what, I always bring an extra book in case of emergencies, a pair of headphones for the plane, two luna bars, cleansing wipes to clean my face, and a small bottle of moisturizer. I also started bringing a roll-on perfume that comes in a small tube, that's small enough to slip in my purse.

Last Tip: My ultimate travel secret is attempt to make it as simple as possible. Simple clothing that is easy to remove through security, barely any jewelry, again because of security, and little to no makeup. I have found a lot of extra bells and whistles just make checking in and flying more uncomfortable than it needs to be.

What are your travel tips?
Meghan

Santorum Drops Out

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 06:00:00 -0700

At a press conference yesterday afternoon, Santorum announced he was ending this campaign for presidency. That leaves Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul, who aren't even close to catching up. *rolls eyes*

After Romney swept the primaries in D.C., Maryland and Wisoncsin, Gingrich and Paul should've called it quits.

But let's not live in the past. Looking ahead, my concern still lies with the right-wing conservatives of our party who are so extreme, they'd rather keep a Democrat in office than succumb to a more moderate Republican. It kills me every time I turn on the TV and continue to see Republicans push each other around like fifth-graders on a playground, fighting over nonsensical bullshit that gets our party nowhere, while the Democrats continue to gain momentum. We continue to take ourselves out of our own race.

In the meantime, the one holding the torch for Republicans makes it seem like he's got more important matters on his mind outside of running for office. Where's the unity? The fight? Start going after all the failed policies of the Obama administration or we don't stand a chance.

I want to hear your thoughts. Let me know what's on your mind, below.
Meghan

Photo: Darren Hauck, Reuters/Landov

A Breakdown of Chocolate Easter Bunnies

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 23:00:00 -0700

Since Easter is on Sunday, I thought I'd share an infographic on a hot commodity this time of year — chocolate Easter bunnies. Not a hard and fast topic exactly, but still topical and relates to consumerism.

Happy Easter! Hope you get to spend Sunday with friends and loved ones.

Meghan

Photo Credit: Buzzfeed

What I Love About the Hunger Games

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 08:05:06 -0700

Obviously I haven't seen The Hunger Games yet, but I have read the books. I love a young adult story that celebrates a woman fighting and being independent, rather than just marrying the man being the whole point of the movie (like Twilight). The film is full of strong female characters like Effie, played by Elizabeth Banks.

Here’s a little clip of Banks talking about her character Effie from her blog ElizabethBanks.com.

What's your take on the Hunger Games?

Meghan

My Thoughts on HBO's Game Change

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:30:00 -0700

Did you happen to see “Game Change” on HBO? It’s the movie about the 2008 presidential campaign. My dad has not and will not watch the film because he feels it’s too biased and misrepresents the facts.

I can tell you one thing: he’s right about the cursing. He doesn’t curse very often. Films like this are usually written for dramatic effect and ratings…portraying the facts accurately isn’t usually the top priority when it comes to entertainment.

Did you see “Game Change”? What did you think? I’m curious to know how many people believe what they see in films as truth. How accurate do you think it was?

Interview With Forbes at SXSW

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 16:01:39 -0700

South by Southwest is such an amazing experience, so many incredible people, places to go, things to do. I sat down with Meghan Casserly to talk about life lessons.

Look guys, there are no mistakes in life. Everything is an experience that you can enjoy, or learn from, or whatever you want. Sitting around regretting the past is a waste of your time. Learn from the past, don’t dwell on it. Feeling bad about things you can’t change or control is just not a constructive use of your time and resources.

What are some life lessons you’ve learned?

Limbaugh, Contraception and Sluts

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 12:44:36 -0800

As you may or may not know Congress met last month for a hearing on the contraception coverage. The one female witness brought by democrats, Sandra Fluke, was blocked from testifying at a House Oversight Committee hearing for being “unqualified” to speak on the topic of insurance companies providing contraception coverage. That basically meant that the first panel of that hearing only men testified. Democratic Rep. Carolyn Maloney walked out of the hearing in disgust.

Sandra Fluke is a third-year student of Georgetown Law School who is now at the center of the issue after conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh later called Fluke a “slut” on his radio show. The comment which justifiably infuriated a lot of people. It seems that it doesn't matter if you are an educated young woman unafraid to express an opinion, or were the president of Georgetown Law Students for Reproductive Justice, (which Fluke was) — from Limbuagh's point of view, if you're a woman who feels entitled to receiving insurance coverage for birth control, you're a slut to society.

Maloney told The Huffington Post “I am just aghast. If the far right can attack people like Sandra Fluke, women are going to be afraid to speak because they’re going to be called terrible words. It’s an attempt to silence people that are speaking out for women.”

Here is Sandra’s opening statement a week later at the following hearing when she finally got to speak.

This is not the first time, nor will it be the last, when a derogatory term is used to label a woman who makes a stand on a complicated issue publicly. For those who are not well versed in the various purposes birth control serves, know this: It does more than just prevent men and women from having a child they aren’t ready to have. Women who take birth control also have a lower risk for certain types of cancer, and if ovarian cancer runs in your family, doctors may prescribe birth control pills to lower your risk of getting it. Birth control pills are a part of a preventative healthcare regimen for women that many, especially men, don’t understand. On top of everything else, maybe Rush Limbaugh needs a little education on how birth control pills work - women don’t take more or less of them depending on the amount of sex they are having. I am horrified that I live in a time where a man like Rush Limbaugh thinks that women should only take birth control “if he gets something out of it” and the women who take birth control film themselves having sex for him to watch. In my entire life it’s probably the most deplorable and ignorant comments I have ever heard uttered from a political “talking head”. I hope at some point our culture will evolve past letting destructive men like Rush Limbaugh have a platform.

Where do you stand on the issue? Do you think that health insurance companies should be forced to pay for contraceptives? What do you think of Rush Limbaugh and his statements about Fluke?

My Thoughts on The DREAM Act and Arizona

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:05:00 -0800

For those of you who don’t know the DREAM Act is an acronym for Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors. It’s a highly controversial act that was introduced to the U.S. Senate back in 2001 and most recently again in 2011.

The bill would provide conditional permanent residency to certain illegal aliens of good moral character who have lived in the U.S. for at least five years prior to the bill’s enactment and have graduated from U.S. high schools.

I feel like all political parties should be able to get behind this. We are all immigrants, our ancestors were not born here; they came here from somewhere else. I believe that everyone living in America should have access to a quality education, not only but especially if they are serving in the U.S. military.

Growing up in Arizona, I’ve seen the drastic changes the state has gone through over the years. It’s amazing to see how Arizona has diversified, but the shift in demographic has raised fear in some people. Citizens are justifiably afraid of the negative repercussions that illegal immigration could have on their society, and that fear has led to conservative, if not radical laws like SB 1070, which have resulted in backlash.

You can’t separate Arizona from its Mexican heritage, and though I don’t endorse illegal immigration, I do recognize there isn’t a simple solution. Children not born in the States should not have to pay the price for what the adults who have brought them into this have done, and they are not the people that we should be directing our anger and frustration at. We should be supporting them and giving them the education that will help them to become better contributing members of our society. Arizona is a prime example of the cultural divide we’re seeing across America as the population continues to diversify and the Mexican American population in states like Arizona continues to grow.

Take a look at this piece I did with MSNBC about Raina, a young girl born in Mexico, who has been raised in the United States.

I urge you to take look at the DREAM Act yourself, and do your own research on this important bill and decide for yourself. I really think that the DREAM Act will make for a better future for all people living in the United States, not just young girls like Raina.

What are your feelings on the DREAM Act?

TED Talks x Phoenix

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 10:30:28 -0800

I watched a great TED Talk Jacob Soboroff gave about the power of the question “Why?” and wanted to share it with you all. The topic for the speech was “Ask ____ For A Change,” and being the curious cat of the bunch, Jacob chose to kick off his talk with “Why?” Taking the audience through his journey with the one-word question, Soboroff ties the question to voter participation and why we vote on Tuesday. Take a look at the video below:

How do you think we can increase voter participation?

Arizona GOP Debate

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 10:09:00 -0800

Photo Source: NYDailyNews.com

Two days ago I attended the GOP debate in Mesa, AZ, where Rick Santorum continued to reinforce my support for Mitt Romney (not that it ever waivered).

I’m not going to summarize everything that was covered in the debate, but one statement that irked me was when Santorum defended his earmarks, saying that members of Congress publicly requested earmarks in an open process, therefore the process was transparent. That’s true – currently, both sponsors and senators must disclose earmarks for spending bills, as well as requests. However, while Santorum was a member of Congress (from 1990 through 2006), it was NOT required for members of Congress to publicly disclose information relating to sponsors or requests for earmarks. The transparency in this area didn't change until 2007, after Santorum was defeated in his reelection for Sentate.

The bottom line: The claims Santorum made in this area were a stretch of the truth that was misleading. We'll see what happens as we get closer to Super Tuesday.

What were your thoughts following the Arizona debate?

Ultrasound Abortion Bill Controversy

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:54:00 -0800

I appeared on The Rachel Maddow Show a few days ago to discuss the ultrasound abortion bill that garnered a lot of attention over the past week. The controversy surrounding Virginia’s bill, which would require women who are seeking an abortion to have a trans-vaginal ultrasound was a scary moment for women. For the record, let me just delineate between being pro-life and this bill: I’m pro-life. I am NOT pro-vaginal probing. Forcing a woman to undergo an invasive procedure that is medically unnecessary without consent is, to say the least, a horrifying thought. And the justification that came with the bill was even scarier. Some Republicans defended their support for the bill by saying the ultrasound would not be an intrusion and that the abortion itself is far more invasive.

Granted, similar bills like this already exist in seven other states, but it doesn’t detract from the fact that the bill degrades women, and also constitutes as rape under Virginia state law. Thankfully, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell revoked his support for the original bill, but this won't be the last time we hear about it.

What did you all think of the bill?