Posted on 08/19/2012 6:57:25 PM PDT by randita
Rep. Todd Akin, the Republican nominee for Senate in Missouri, justified his opposition to all abortion, even in instances of rape, by saying that “legitimate rape” rarely leads to pregnancy — comments that have set off a media firestorm in an already contentious race.
In an interview with a St. Louis television station posted today, Akin said that female bodies “[have] ways to try to shut that whole thing down” and that only rapists, and not unborn children, should be punished.
“First of all, from what I understand from doctors, [pregnancy from rape] is really rare,” Akin told KTVI-TV, in an interview first reported nationally by Talking Points Memo. “If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down.”
“Let’s assume that maybe that didn’t work, or something,” Akin continued. “I think there should be some punishment, but the punishment ought to be on the rapist and not attacking the child.”
Akin has since issued a statement saying he “misspoke” but did not reverse his position on abortion in the case of rape or incest, nor did he dispute the medical claims he made by citing doctors.
“It’s clear that I misspoke in this interview and it does not reflect the deep empathy I hold for the thousands of women who are raped and abused every year. Those who perpetrate these crimes are the lowest of the low in our society and their victims will have no stronger advocate in the Senate to help ensure they have the justice they deserve,” Akin said in the statement. “I recognize that abortion, and particularly in the case of rape, is a very emotionally charged issue. But I believe deeply in the protection of all life and I do not believe that harming another innocent victim is the right course of action. I also recognize that there are those who, like my opponent, support abortion and I understand I may not have their support in this election.”
Akin’s opponent, Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill, issued a statement calling Akin’s remarks incomprehensible and “offensive.”
“It is beyond comprehension that someone can be so ignorant about the emotional and physical trauma brought on by rape,” McCaskill said. “The ideas that Todd Akin has expressed about the serious crime of rape and the impact on its victims are offensive.”
Earlier this month, McCaskill and her Democratic allies spent more than $1 million in Missouri’s Republican primary, according to the Sunlight Foundation, trying to boost the conservative Akin, largely viewed as the most politically vulnerable candidate in a state primed for a GOP pickup.
What you say may be true, but the fact remains there is a double-standard for how ‘gaffes’ are treated by the mainstream media. And like it or not, the mainstream media can still drive the narrative. Republicans can’t go around making it easy for the Left. And what Akin has done, with his stupid comments, is make it easy for the media to talk about this the entire coming week, and come back it as needed to ensure the reelection of McCaskill.
So this will be a lost week in the campaign, and most likely result in the reelection of a wretched, too-liberal-for-her-state Obama rubber stamp in a race the GOP should have won easily.
It may not be fair to Akin, but he will probably be this election’s Sharon Angle, where the GOP snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.
Join the bed wetters if you must, but a clear in your face attitude will end this in less than a news cycle. It’s time that our candidates own up to misstatements and then double down with a nasty retort. He can make Clair a baby killer and brand her with Obama’s late term abortions. The only people who will stay offended are those already in Clair’s camp. Treading lightly is what has cost conservatism in every election.
I remember the Clayton Williams situation quite vividly, here in Texas. That was the time the GOP was really starting to make some good inroads in TX, and I was all gung-ho for Williams, who seemed the kind of businessman/GOP candidate I would cotton to. Then he made that so-called “joke” about rape/weather. I lost all respect I had for him. I don’t find anything remotely humorous about rape, and it boggled my mind that anyone could. So I didn’t vote for him that election. Certainly didn’t vote for Ann Richards. Just left my ballot blank.
If you're talking about Claire's career, you're probably right. This idiot just enhanced her Resume.
A Republican tapping his toes in the Restroom was a career ender, this is getting run out of town on a rail territory.
Akin would have won a landslide had he sat in his house for three months. Now if he doesn’t step aside we’re probably stuck with congress critter McCaskill for six more years.
Why? Because the majority favors exceptions for life of the mother, rape, and incest.
I agree it’s not a consistent pro-life position to favor exceptions for rape and incest, as the unborn is no less innocent, but people hold all sorts of inconsistent views. It’s not worth losing elections over.
Should Romney win, we can’t give him any excuse to nominate anyone to the Sup Court who isn’t a known and solid conservative jurist. Not having a Senate majority might be the excuse he needs. And Akin has just made it a lot harder to win the Senate.
His Heart might be in the right place, but his Brain is obviously out to lunch.
There it is in black and white and people don't even recognize when they're being "played like a drum". Just dance as it's got a good beat.
KUDOS to Meredith Shiner for calling this exactly what it is.
Not one word on how this is going over in Missouri where this matters.
The media isn't even trying to prolong this. It's just a momentary media feeding frenzy and once the fuel is consumed this "media firestorm" dies.
Akin should step aside immediately. The easy answer to this question is to say, “The banning of rape abortions will NEVER be an issue before Congress, and it’s not part of my campaign.”
To demand Akin’s ouster is not throwing him under the bus; he has already thrown himself in front of an Amtrak train, and there’s nothing left of him to save now. Bob
“This is highly offensive. I hope he steps down. We have to have this seat.”
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What a bunch of weaklings we have in our midst. Ready to fold like cheap tents the first time the smallest zephyr comes through.
Akin misspoke and he has already quickly apologized. He meant to address the issue of pregnancies resulting from forced rapes as contrasted with pregnancies resulting from statutory (but “consensual”) rapes. Pregnancies from the former are relatively rare but from the latter not at all rare. He should stay away from the abortion issue as much as possible.
In any case, he needs to focus his campaign on economic issues and the McCaskill/Obama record of non accomplishment.
Unfortunately, his un-artful choice of subjects/words can be used against him if he and his campaign are not more careful. And they will be used against him not least by those in this forum who just may secretly hope that McCaskill is reelected. Come on folks, you know you’re here and we know (by their works ye shall know them) you’re here.
Let’s not join the liberals’, the mainstream media’s and their useful idiots’ lynching parties! Let’s not form into circular firing squads.
what a maroon!
Right on the money, Aetius! My sentiments exactly. Bob
Medically it is not correct. There is no such “reproduction shuts down” mechanism. The egg doesn’t care if the sperm comes from one’s much beloved husband, or a brutal pervert holding a gun.
Akin has already provided his firing squad with more than enough ammo. It’s over for him. You’ve got to know when to fold ‘em. Bob
Must have hired Clayton Williams’ old campaign staff.
For the record, ALL studies done before the heinous Roe decision showed that there was a 1% or less chance of a woman becoming pregnant by FORCIBLE rape. It’s pointless to discuss such a thing now. Best, Bob
“Unfortunately, his un-artful choice of subjects/words can be used against him if he and his campaign are not more careful.”
Yeah, I think I could see that possibly happening.
*sigh*
He's proven himself to be an idiot.
Sorry, but several studies show that the statistics are higher than that. Will find some for you.
I rember it..what a fool Williams was.
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