McSally Pushes Back Against Carson’s ‘Neanderthal’ Comments About Women in the Military

RUSH TRANSCRIPT:
MITCHELL: "I know you fought for women in the military and for your rights as a woman fighter pilot. This is what Ben Carson had to say over the weekend, questioning the recent policy decision to open all missions to women, as long as they can qualify. Let’s watch."
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CARSON: "We have to have a standard, if women can meet the standard and want to meet the standards and want to do that, then I would never deny them. But you know, what woman wants to go out on the front line in the dirt and slime fighting? I mean, if they want to do it, they’re capable of it, no problem."
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MITCHELL: "So he’s not against it, but then he talks about what woman would want to go out in the dirt and slime. We’ve had two women qualify as rangers. Can you you address that mind-set."
MCSALLY: "I’ve been spending my whole life fighting stereotypes of what all women are like and what all men are like. It may be a news flash, but women and men have been fighting in combat, in the air, in ships, on the ground since the beginning of our country and especially on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan and 36 of 4 degree fight, women have shown valor, killing the bad guys, coming back with wounds of war, earning medals. Women have already shown their capable. They have been in combat. Now we finally are allowed to pick the best man for the job, even if it’s a woman. This is what our country’s about. We set standards which includes physical standards, aptitude, leadership, all of the things that makes a leader on the battle feel and we pick from 100% of the population, not restricting 50% just because of their gender. I have long advocated for this. I have personally dealt with the discrimination a Neanderthal attitude saying women couldn’t do this. This is a historic day for the women who have been serving for so many years and finally going to get the chance to fill positions that they deserve."
MITCHELL: "Congresswoman Martha McSally, great to have you here, Congress member from Arizona."