The Washington Post polled on a number of abortion questions and released the results Friday. The most interesting takeaway is that by an almost 30-point margin (56%-27%), people favor a ban on abortion after 20 weeks. One question the Post asked, though, is easily the single most misleading question I have ever seen in a poll: [emphasis added]
Q: Several states are considering or recently have passed legislation that makes it more difficult for abortion clinics to operate there. Overall is this something you support or oppose?
By a 14-point margin (54%-40%), those polled opposed such action.
Obviously, the Post didn’t have the courage to ask the question honestly. Had they, it would have looked something like this:
Q: Several states are considering or recently have passed legislation increasing health and safety regulations and oversight that might make it more difficult for abortion clinics to operate there. Overall is this something you support or oppose?
But had the question been asked that way, the Post risked not getting the answer and talking point it wanted.
Even with that misleading question, a 14-point spread isn’t a whole lot.
Not that any examples are necessary to prove how dishonest the Post is being with that question, but just try to imagine an alternate universe where the Post objectively uses that question in every circumstance:
Q: President Obama is thinking of passing a health care law that will make it more difficult for business to operate. Overall is this something you support or oppose?
Q: Environmentalists are thinking of passing laws that will increase fuel costs. Overall is this something you support or oppose?
Q: The Washington Post is thinking of asking a misleading question that will result in the answer it wants. Overall is this something you support or oppose?
In the wake of the disclosures surrounding abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell’s house-of-horror abortion clinic in Philadelphia, states are taking a look at their own oversight and responsibly acting in a way to ensure that women seeking legal abortions are getting the best care possible.
Republicans looking out for women’s health is a good thing, right?
Nope.
Much of the media share the left’s desire to leave one and only one American institution free from government oversight: Abortion clinics.
A few poor, desperate, dead women on the altar of Choice…?
Small price to pay.
Follow John Nolte on Twitter @NolteNC
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