Family values lower on agenda in 2008 race

[Enrique]

Source: USA Today

http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2007-12-17-Familyvalues_N.htm

(...)

Religious and cultural conservatives, unhappy about the rise of abortion and divorce, have made "family values" a staple of Republicans' political strategies for three decades. The phrase took on new life in 1992, when then-vice president Dan Quayle blasted fictional TV character Murphy Brown for having an illegitimate child. Family values were at the heart of a 2004 drive to put same-sex marriage bans on state ballots and draw conservatives to the polls.

Among the presidential contenders, however, Romney is virtually alone in stressing family values — a shift that reflects changes in society, the backgrounds of the Republican candidates and the urgency of issues such as war, terrorism and the economy.

Like many voters, three of the top GOP contenders — former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, Arizona Sen. John McCain and former Tennessee senator Fred Thompson — have been divorced and don't have "traditional" families. They also have nuanced positions on controversial issues associated with "family values," such as abortion and same-sex marriage.

Meanwhile, there are signs that family values have lost their punch as a campaign issue. Most voters say family values in general are important to them, but a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll finds they don't care much about candidates' personal lives. Political analysts say voters and candidates have broader, more immediate concerns: the ongoing U.S. action in Iraq and Afghanistan, nuclear programs in Iran and North Korea, the threat of terrorism and an economy that's putting stress on low- and middle-income people.

(...)

Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2007-12-17-Familyvalues_N.htm

[William769]

1. Except for Obama.

[Q3JR4]

2. Does this mean the usual bullshit doesn't apply? n/t.

[AnneD]

3. Thank God...

I don't think my family can take any more of their percieved family values!

[LynnTheDem]

4. a shift that reflects the backgrounds of the Republican candidates

:rofl:

Them rethugs; they mean what they say & say what they mean.

Except when they don't.

"family values"

"small government"

"no nation-building"

"fiscal responsibility"

"the Dodo bird"

[fascisthunter]

5. "Family Values" Another Bogus Talking Point

What family values? Values are unique to every single human being and family. What my family values are are unique to mine alone and possibly shared with other families, but in escence individualistic and dependent on our own point of views.


THERE IS NO ONE FAMILY FALUE THAT ANY FAMILY FOLLOWS. Another right wing talking point that should be smothered by REALITY.

[greiner3]

6. Lol, when that phrase is used-family values-my republic radar;

Locates another POS, whether in person or via the media.

[fascisthunter]

8. yup

[IronLionZion]

7. But they still don't value families

so what if they change their values to accommodate their immoral candidates who live in perpetual sin? Families can go fuck themselves for all the Republicans care about them. Maybe more tax cuts for the rich and some more no-bid contracts for the military industrial complex will help this country. :puke: