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In this week’s Gabfest, DoubleX editor Hanna Rosin joins New Republic staff writer Noreen Malone and DoubleX managing editor Allison Benedikt to discuss the Todd Akin rape controversy and its impact for the GOP; Paul Ryan—hot or not?; and whether we care that Augusta National has finally, in 2012, let in two female members.

Other items discussed in the show:  

• Irin Carmon’s Salon commentary, “Rape Exceptions Aren’t Legitimate.”
• Amanda Marcotte on evidence that rape exceptions also don’t work.
• Shauna Prewitt’s moving essay about getting pregnant from rape and keeping the baby. 
• Hanna Rosin’s reaction to Prewitt’s essay.
• Paul Ryan, shirtless, on TMZ.
• Paul Ryan’s guns on Real Clear Politics.
• Noreen Malone’s New Republic post, “In Defense of Paul Ryan’s Ill-Fitting Clothing.” 
• Katy Waldman’s "XXfactor" post defending Condi Rice and Darla Moore’s decision to accept Augusta membership.

DoubleX endorsements:

Hanna Rosin says that your last summer read should be Maggie Shipstead’s Seating Arrangements.

Noreen Malone seconds Hanna’s recommendation but also suggests you squeeze in an additional beach read: J. Courtney Sullivan’s Maine.

Allison Benedikt wants you to check out the Berkshires’ Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival.

DoubleX plugs:

New York Gabfest listeners: Come see Hanna Rosin interviewed by her husband, Slate editor David Plotz, about Hanna’s soon-to-be-released new book, The End of Men.

All Gabfest listeners: Please vote for our proposed SXSW panel on the changing rules for women and sex on TV. Vote early and often here! Voting ends Aug. 31, so do it NOW.