COMMENTARY | Conservative political commentator Ann Coulter is traveling the interview circuit to promote her newest book, "Demonic: How the Liberal Mob is Endangering America." Using her signature style, Coulter describes liberals as behaving like a mob and accusing conservatives of their own crimes.
Despite a rocky interview with Piers Morgan, her current media blitz is nothing compared to some of her unforgettable public statements. Here is a rundown of three memorable statements, including one that was not as bad as it seemed.
Coulter Calls for Disenfranchisement of Women
On multiple occasions, Coulter called for various restrictions on the right to vote. When promoting her book "If Democrats Had Any Brains They'd Be Republicans" to "The New York Observer" in 2007, she explained why women are not worthy of the right to vote:"If we took away women's right to vote, we'd never have to worry about another Democrat president. It's kind of a pipe dream, it's a personal fantasy of mine, but I don't think it's going to happen. And it is a good way of making the point that women are voting so stupidly, at least single women."
As a single woman herself, why is Coulter fantasizing about taking the vote away from other women? This seems like an extreme attempt to release a controversial sound bite. Is this really her opinion, or does she rework fan mail and comments to pander to her desired demographic?
Coulter's Criticism of 9/11 Widows
The 9/11 attacks are a sensitive issue that is difficult to explore without offending someone. However, certain questions and criticisms have merit beyond simply creating controversy. For example, some public figures, such as Jesse Ventura, vocally question the government's integrity and express doubt that the buildings collapsed because of a foreign attack.
Coulter crossed the line when she targeted a politically active group of 9/11 widows in her book "Godless: The Church of Liberalism." She accused the women of enjoying their husbands' deaths and acting "as if the terrorist attacks happened only to them," according to the Associated Press.
By focusing on personal matters instead of countering the women's political choices, such as their 2004 endorsement of John Kerry's presidential campaign, she comes across as a callous, media-hungry monster.
It is difficult to have any respect for Coulter when she behaves like one of the pseudo-reality TV stars trying to live up to her public image and steal the spotlight. She really is not much different from Snooki in a neck brace.
Coulter Celebrates Benefits of Nuclear Disaster
Following the Japan nuclear crisis, Coulter praised the potential benefits of exposure to radiation, saying, "anyone exposed to excess radiation from the nuclear power plants is now probably much less likely to get cancer."
This blurb seemed incredibly inappropriate given the destruction and tragedy, but reading her entire article revealed a broader theme of fear mongering in the media. Her article cites multiple studies regarding radiation exposure and the not-so-scary health implications.
Her snark and political views are evident in the article, but it is not as inflammatory or caustic as the Ann who usually makes headlines. This is probably a more accurate reflection of her true personality.
It is incredibly difficult to listen to her or read her work not because of political insults, but because of her obnoxious words. If she can turn it down a notch, she sometimes fulfills an important role by making valid points that do not get enough attention.
Sources
"Coulter Culture," "The New York Observer"
"Coulter Lambastes 9/11 Widows in New Book," MSNBC
Ann Coulter, "A Glowing Report on Radiation," Human Events
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