Santorum calls out Hillary on raising children

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Sen. Rick Santorum yesterday challenged "radical" Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton to a serious debate on who is responsible for raising children --the family, the government or the children.

The Pennsylvania Republican and author of "It Takes a Family" -- a conservative answer to the New York Democrat's book "It Takes a Village" -- says he has had limited conversations with the former first lady regarding both works.

"She made a comment to me about that it takes a village, and I responded, 'No, it really does take a family,' " Mr. Santorum said.

During an appearance yesterday on ABC's "This Week," the third-highest ranking Republican senator challenged Mrs. Clinton to defend her philosophy.

"I'd love to have a serious debate," Mr. Santorum said.

"I believe her view is one that says 'government' and 'top-down.' I believe my view is the view that's held by most Americans, which means we need strong families and strong communities, and we don't need government really disassembling those institutions, which I think her view of the world does."

Asked by host George Stephanopolous whether "you believe [Mrs. Clinton is] a radical feminist," Mr. Santorum responded, "Yes, I do."

"Read her work and what she's done on children's rights: I mean, that's radical ... that children have rights equal to adults. I mean, that is not a nurturing atmosphere of mothers and fathers taking responsibility for shaping the moral vision of their children. She doesn't agree with that, at least if you look at her earlier writings," Mr. Santorum said.

Mr. Stephanopolous, who was White House communications director in the Clinton administration, responded: "You may have drawn her out now, calling her a radical feminist."

Mrs. Clinton's office did not respond to requests for comment.