… On social issues ranging from abortion to same-sex marriage, much of the Republican field has now taken positions that are at odds with mainstream American opinion. For example, 3 out of 4 Americans say a woman should be able to obtain a legal abortion if she becomes pregnant as a result of rape.
Moderate Republicans said Friday they are concerned about the potential for Democrats to revive their “war on women” line of attack from 2012, when they successfully portrayed presidential nominee Mitt Romney and other Republicans as out of touch with or even hostile to the concerns of women. …
The Republican conundrum was on full display in Thursday’s debate. The contenders were determined not to be outflanked by their competitors in the eyes of socially conservative voters, who play a major role in the early primary states. CONT.
Sean Sullivan, Washington Post