IOKIYAR applies to personal-public distinction on abortion

Boy, the hits just keep coming from the Katie Couric interview of Sarah Palin, don’t they?

In this case, hard-care anti-abortion candidate Palin refused to follow her stances to their logical conclusion.

First, Palin is on record as opposing abortion even in cases of rape. But, when Couric spells out how this would play in the real world, we get yet more Palin follies:

Couric asked, “If a 15-year-old is raped by her father, do you believe it should be illegal for her to get an abortion, and why?” Palin dodged, explaining that she’s “pro-life,” and wants to help “women who find themselves in circumstances that are absolutely less than ideal.” Couric asked again. Palin dodged again, before saying she’s uncomfortable with sending a woman to jail for having an abortion. “That’s nothing I would ever support,” she said.

But it gets better, as Couric moves to contraception:

Since Palin mentioned reducing the number of abortions, Couric asked about the morning-after pill. Palin dodged. Couric asked again, and Palin dodged again. Couric asked a third time, and Palin would only say, “[P]ersonally, I would not choose to participate in that kind of contraception.”

Every election, we see the Religious Right and its GOP handmaiden attack Democrats who claim they are “personally against” abortion, but support reproductive choice rights.

Well, now the shoe is on the other foot.

And, no, it’s NOT OK If You’re A Republican.

Sidebar: There's plenty of sexism at CBS for how it's handled Couric as its evening news anchor.

She has done an excellent job in these interviews, and CBS should be ashamed of itself for ever backing away from full support for her.