VP Candidate Ryan Levels Sharp Critique Of Obama Abortion Position
The GOP vice presidential candidate made these comments while speaking to a conservative audience at the Values Voter Summit in Washington, D.C. Meanwhile, Planned Parenthood was quick to hit back.
Roll Call: Paul Ryan Rips Barack Obama Over Abortion Rights Stance
Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan today leveled one of the sharpest critiques yet of the Obama administration's position on abortion in front of a standing-room-only crowd at the conservative Values Voter Summit in Washington, D.C. The Wisconsin Representative played to his audience here, arguably getting his strongest response from the Christian-dominated crowd when he claimed that sentiments from President Barack Obama on togetherness are disingenuous because he has "never once lifted a hand" to defend the unborn. "'We're all in this together' -- it has a nice ring. For everyone who loves this country, it is not only true, but obvious," Ryan said. "Yet how hollow it sounds coming from a politician who has never once lifted a hand to defend the most helpless and innocent of all human beings, the child waiting to be born" (Shiner, 9/14).
The Hill: Planned Parenthood Attacks Ryan, Speech To Values Voters
Planned Parenthood's political arm slammed Paul Ryan after the GOP vice-presidential candidate spoke to religious conservatives at the Values Voter Summit. Planned Parenthood Action Fund (PPAF) Vice President Dawn Laguens dismissed Ryan's visit to the gathering as the "Republican ticket mingling with politicians and figureheads whose politics and priorities are out of touch with women." The family-planning organization has found a prominent role in presidential politics as debates over women's health remain in the headlines. Planned Parenthood has also sought to defend its public funding amid attacks from House Republicans, who see the group as an "abortion business," over the last two years (Viebeck, 9/14).