Ann reported in our Weekly Feminist Reader that John McCain canceled a Texas fundraiser to be given by Clayton Williams after it was revealed that Williams, during his 1990 campaign for governor of Texas, compared rape to the weather: “As long as it’s inevitable, you might as well lie back and enjoy it.”
After canceling the fundraiser, McCain's campaign said that they would be keeping the money raised by Williams - more than $300,000. (Various bloggers suggested, and I agree, that McCain should donate the money to an organization that works to combat rape.)
But the latest, and perhaps most egregious news, is that the fundraiser is back on! Because what's the big deal about rape, right? This is completely unacceptable. You can contact McCain's campaign here to let them know what you think.
Some choice quotes from Williams, including the rape remark, are highlighted in the video above.
UPDATE: I was remiss in not mentioning that Williams will be not be hosting the revived rundraiser. I didn't realize that was the case. I still think this whole situation is fucked, and that the money should be given to an organization working against rape.
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That little rape analogy is an oooooold one. I've heard some of my older relatives apply it to a variety of scenarios, insanely including everything from paying taxes to the trials of remodeling a house. Every time I hear it, I speak up, and I'm always told not to make such a big deal out of things like that because the person who used the expression "doesn't actually think anybody enjoys rape." Well then why on earth would you say that, is my question. Why on earth.
I'd heard the rape "joke" a long time ago, I think it was even used in some books about 1001 dumbest things a politician ever said.
But reading Scott McClellen book "What Happened" brought up the incident. McClellen was the deputy communications director on Clayton William 1990 gubernatorial campaign. And yes he talks about the remark (which ended Clayton's career more less).
But most to just talk about how his fellow UT Austin "liberal" students hated him after the remark, and how they blamed him personally. In the book McClellen never quite makes the connection that when you work to elect someone, their actions are defacto ENDORSED by you. (His basic statment...yes it was dumb. No rape shouldn't be joked about. But I DIDN'T SAY IT.)
Something he never seemed to learn about working for Bush either.
I can see bringing that up during my trial. "Yeah, you know... I should have just enjoyed it, you know? People should like, totally enjoy being forced into sex."
Post this as far and wide as possible. People should know what exactly Mccain supports.
I really really try not to think these thoughts, but I can't help but be entertained by the thought of someone kicking Williams repeatedly in the groin and gut, and as he screams for them to stop, being told "look, as long as it's inevitable, you may as well lie back and enjoy it!"
I mean, I don't actively wish harm on him. But I can't say that I wouldn't feel a little smug if something like that happened.
In the sake of fairness, the fundraiser is back on without Williams, from what I've read. That said, he should definitely donate the money from Williams to RAINN or a similar organization. Given the bleak fundraising abilities of that campaign, it seems unlikely that they'd turn down a donation from even Fred Phelps if he offered it.
Letter sent.
John McCain, I cannot vote for someone who takes violent crime lightly, and condones those who do.
People should know what exactly Mccain supports.
I agree. We should also know what he doesn't support.
http://www.jedreport.com/2008/04/john-mccains-do.html
Ewww. Just ewww. I'm going to shower now.
Anyone else just completely creeped out by not only the sentiments expressed, but by the smarmy entitlement oozing from his pores?
Our government in action.
Big injustice: That Clayton Williams is still alive and Ann Richards is not.
Thanks for blogging this. I hope that all Feministing readers blog this, forward this link, Facebook it, etc. to spread the word. Perhaps we can get McCain to give the money to an anti-rape organization...heck spread it out to all the campus Men Against Violence chapters!
as a texan, i remember when i was a wee thing and that quote made headlines (and thankfully broke williams' gubernatorial campaign, giving us ann richards). mccain should definitely donate that money to an organization like RAINN. but i think we all know he won't do it. i don't blame john mccain for what clayton williams said, but it speaks volumes that he'll still take that money for his campaign.
Maybe Clayton William and Phyllis Schlafly could start working together, since they have similar ideas.
There is no way the McCain camp didn't know about the Governor Williams comment. That ad and his words were spread everywhere in Texas during the early 90's while Richards was campaigning. Luckily, he did not serve another term, but rumors he started about her being a lesbian cost Richards her second gubernatorial bid, which poised George W. Bush in place as governor, and then to run for President.
McCain doesn't do himself any favors by pulling these stunts. America is swinging liberal this November, but he's not, and I am almost positive that he will lose in a landslide election.