(Per TPM, reporting on an interview President Obama did with KCRG TV in Cedar Rapids, Iowa) President Obama has weighed in on the flap over Hilary Rosen's remarks that Ann Romney "has never worked a day in her life", calling Rosen's words "ill-advised" and also saying:
“There is no tougher job than being a mom,” Obama said in response to Rosen’s assertion that Ann Romney has “never worked a day in her life.” The president added: “Anybody who would argue otherwise, I think, probably needs to rethink their statement.”
In addition, Obama said that his "general view is those of us who are in the public life, we’re fair game. Our families are civilians,” and he had some kind words for Ann Romney herself, saying, "she seems like a very nice woman who is supportive of her family and supportive of her husband. I don’t know if she necessarily volunteered for this job so, you know, we don’t need to be directing comments at them."
Compare that with Mitt Romney's response to Rush Limbaugh's far more offensive, hurtful, and willful tirade against Sandra Fluke not too long ago, in which Limbaugh called Fluke a "slut" and a "prostitute" in addition to many other despicable things that we are all too familiar with:
"I'll just say this, which is, it's not the language I would have used."
If women need a contrast between President Obama and Mitt Romney on how these two men view and treat women, this is as clear a contrast as you can get.
Obama showed sincere respect for the incredibly difficult job that mothers have, he clearly repudiated Hilary Rosen's remarks, and he praised Ann Romney.
Romney on the other hand meekly said he wouldn't have used Limbaugh's choice of words, which would seem to suggest that he didn't necessarily disagree with the sentiment expressed by Limbaugh, he just didn't agree with the way Limbaugh expressed the sentiment.
In short, President Obama was classy, dignified, and presidential. Romney was cowardly, apparently so afraid of a vulgar talk radio host and of the Neanderthals who make up the Republican base that he couldn't bring himself to even defend Sandra Fluke, let alone express any objection at all to Limbaugh calling Fluke a slut and a prostitute.
So again, if women want to know who would best stand up for them and represent their interests, and who simply is more decent and respectful of women, the contrast couldn't be clearer. Obama defended stay at home mothers and the wife of his opponent. Romney cowered in fear of Rush Limbaugh.