I’ve actually been trying to think how Ms. O’Donnell could use some rhetorical judo to turn the MTV spot from the mid-’90s into a positive.
Something along the lines—to be used only when asked, as some nitwit certainly will, and only in the context of an interview where she’s not likely to be cut off—of, “I’m still a pious Catholic, and agree with the Church’s moral teachings. Now back in my 20’s I was perhaps too glib—struggling against easy, common sins takes a greater degree of Divine Grace than I felt then. But now, as then, I’m willing to go into the proverbial lion’s den and advocate unpopular positions: cutting the size of government, cutting taxes, reigning in the government’s regulatory reach are about as popular in Washington D.C. as not masturbating is among MTV viewers, so the voters of Delaware can be sure that when I get to Washington as their Senator, I’m not going to flinch and go along with the political class. I’ll stand up for what I believe is right, even when it’s not popular with those around me.”
Doubtless a professional speechwriter could craft that general idea into a pithier sequence of sound-bytes.
I’d simply argue this.
“Say I came up to a poor family. The family were subsisting on oatmeal. Would you say to me that defending their right to eat oatmeal is a right that had particular significance to them? What about their right to sleep under bridges?”
“Now, when you ask me what I believe about masturbation, should I not defend the teachings of the Catholic church? I believe they serve steak instead of oatmeal, and that they provide a warm and habitable home to those who do without.”
Or would you prefer I stand up for their right to sleep under bridges? Your call.
Kudos, great thought there!