Taking The Gloves Off: Sarah Palin Vs. National Association for Women

Jillian Bandes | January 29, 2010 10:41 AM

Palin just mixed things up with her critique of Obama's State of the Union address. She's also had quite a bit to say about the National Organization for Women, which has viciously criticized University of Florida quarterback

Tim Tebow for starring in a pro-life advertisement on Superbowl Sunday. NOW says the ad is anti-choice, and wants CBS to pull it. Palin pushed back, on her Facebook page:

NOW could gain ground and credibility with everyday Americans, thus allowing their pro-women message to be heard by more than just their ardent supporters, if they made wiser decisions regarding which battles to pick. They should call attention to and embrace the Tebows’ message, instead of covertly and overtly disrespecting what Mrs. Tebow, Bristol, and millions of other women have chosen to do (in less than ideal circumstances).

NOW President Terry O’Neill went in for a second round:

The goal of the...ad is not to empower women. It’s to create a climate in which Roe v. Wade can be overturned....Focus on the Family has cynically set it up so they can say anyone who disagrees with airing this ad is disrespecting one woman and her choice.

Here's the problem: an advertisement in support of or opposing abortion isn't disrespectful. It's simply one way to voice your political or moral views in a format that's accessible to anyone. If NOW had such a problem with the ad, they should've run their own ad making counter-arguments. They shouldn't have criticized the fact that the ad had been taken out in the first place.

Attacking the messenger instead of the message never does much for one's credibility.