RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - President Obama attacked Republicans on women’s issues during the 18th Annual National Women’s Issues Conference in Washington, D.C. Friday. It was an Obama/Biden campaign sponsored event.
During his speech, Obama singled out Virginia and Governor Bob McDonnell about a new law requiring women to undergo an ultrasound procedure prior to having an abortion -- a controversial bill that sparked protests by women’s rights groups for weeks -- and for which McDonnell was sharply criticized for signing into law.
“And now we`ve got governors and legislatures across the river in Virginia, up the road in Pennsylvania and all across the country saying that women can`t be trusted to make your own decisions. They`re pushing and passing bills forcing women to get ultrasounds, even if they don`t want one,” Obama said.
Dr. Bob Holsworth, CBS 6's political expert, wasn’t surprised Virginia was singled out.
"On one hand, Barack Obama is simply not going to run on his record given the uncertainty of the economy. He wants to run on the unpopular positions Republicans have taken are likely to continue to take,” Holsworth said.
Holsworth says the latest polls indicate Mr. Obama has a 15% advantage over Romney when it comes to women’s votes, and the president wants to maintain it.
“So, that’s what Obama is trying to do by raising the ultrasound issue once again,” he said.
Tucker Martin, spokesman for Governor McDonnell said this, “When will the President discuss the fact that unemployment has been over 8 percent for 38 straight months, the price of gas has doubled since he took office, and the national debt has ballooned by nearly 50 percent on his watch. We look forward to his comments.”
