Politics

Rick Santorum Says No To Women In Combat Because They Will Make Things “More Unique”

Rick Santorum definitely doesn’t want women in the front lines of the military. But he definitely can’t explain exactly why. But you know, women have “other types of emotions” and it’s just all “more unique,” okay?

In an interview with CNN last night, here’s what Santorum said about increasing the role of women in the military:

“I want to create every opportunity for women to be able to serve this country … but I do have concerns about women in front-line combat. I think that could be a very compromising situation, where people naturally may do things that may not be in the interest of the mission because of other types of emotions that are involved. It already happens, of course, with the camaraderie of men in combat, but I think it would be even more unique if women were in combat.”

We’re offended, sort of, but of more immediate concern: What. Does. This. Even. Mean. When Santorum talks about “other types of emotions” on the battlefield, is he saying like, “Oh! Women are going to PMS on the battlefield and get all angsty and come on, you don’t want to deal with that crap”? Or is it more like, “You know, the dudes are going to fall in love with the hot front line of combat girls and everyone’s going to be more concerned with saving their girlfriend, who is suddenly on the battlefield all of a sudden”? We don’t even know! What are “other types of emotions” and how are they getting “involved”? Sex has been explained by fathers to their inquiring tween daughters in more concrete terms.

In addition to mentioning these “emotions” and how they could become “very compromising” (Wait, compromising how? Just “very” compromising!), Santorum added that having female soldiers in increased combat roles would create a “more unique” situation. Rick! Did you skip 5th grade? “Unique” is an absolute, meaning things can’t be “so unique” or “more unique.” Then again, the guy doesn’t seem to be too fond of speaking in absolute terms.

This morning, Santorum attempted to clarified the claims, saying, “I think men have the emotions when you see a woman in harm’s way,” but we’d put the emphasis on “attempted,” since we still don’t really know what he’s talking about.

Do watch the babble for yourself. Santorum looks alternately like a baby sucking on a sour lemon and like he ate some bad Mexican food through the whole awkward exchange:

[BI / Newser]

TAGS: santorum women in combat | santorum women in military

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