An outside observer, say an anthropologist hundreds of years from now, might survey the evidence of our conversations and conclude that women were only concerned about their genital regions. Look no further than the so-called war on women, just another version of pelvic politics. You know, abortion, contraception, abortion, and, oh yes,  abortion. As if women have no other concerns.

Well, a USA Today/Gallup poll now shows Gov. Romney taking the lead over Pres. Obama precisely because more women are opting for the Governor. In other words, women think about more than contraception and abortion, even those who support either or both. They think about the economy, national security, education, religious freedom, and a whole host of other things.

“In every poll, we’ve seen a major surge among women in favorability for Romney” since his strong performance in the first debate, veteran Democratic pollster Celinda Lake says. “Women went into the debate actively disliking Romney, and they came out thinking he might understand their lives and might be able to get something done for them.”

I’m encouraged and hope that this could be a sign of expanding the conversation when it comes to women’s issues. Also, it’ll be interesting to see the debates tonight to see which questions women ask the candidates and how they interact with them.