Candidate compares rape pregnancy to 'out-of-wedlock' baby

Tom Smith, a Republican who’s battling incumbent Democrat Bob Casey for U.S. Senate spot, backed himself into a rhetorical mess today — all while trying to distance himself from fellow Republican Todd Akin’s toxic comments on “legitimate rape” and unintended pregnancy. After affirming that he was “pro-life, period — no exceptions,” Smith was asked to detail how he’d justify his position to a daughter “who God forbid would be the victim of a rape.” Smith responded by comparing that situation to one he said he’d faced: a relative “having a baby out of wedlock.” Unsurprisingly, partisans have pounced. [Source]

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