Because Reps claim to have standards. Dems don't. It makes it a lot easier for Dems, but I'd rather have something to live up to. Do you think it would be wise to just say "Aw screw it! We're not going to insist on decent behavior from our elected officials!" How much tactical advantage would that purchase?
Funny thing you went on to say:
Perhaps, Ryan should withdraw given his association with Akin.
There will be more demands for that, not less, now that it appears Akin is taking the selfish route. Ironic. You then listed a few more examples of GOP that have been run out on a rail because of what they did/said. I thought those guys tarnished the brand as well. And the Dems you included on your list just prove that there are differences in character between members of the two parties.
The Reps gain no advantage in their smug superiority. What is the benefit of feeling superior in defeat. The Obama Chicago street thugs are going to destroy the Marquis of Queensberry Reps. We saw how that worked for McCain in his desire to run a high level campaign. No personal attacks on Obama. No questioning his associations. No use of his middle name. The GOP is not called the Stupid Party for nothing.
Instead of caving into the MSM hysteria, the GOP should have stood by Akins, especially after his quick apology. He is a good decent human being as well as being a staunch conservative. How horrendous was that verbal gaffe? Political correctness reigns supreme.
There will be more demands for that, not less, now that it appears Akin is taking the selfish route. Ironic. You then listed a few more examples of GOP that have been run out on a rail because of what they did/said. I thought those guys tarnished the brand as well. And the Dems you included on your list just prove that there are differences in character between members of the two parties.
And this is precisely why the Dems will become the permanent majority party. If they can force the withdrawal of Akin, who is next? I say leave it up to the voters of Missouri to decide, not some non-elected GOP establishment kingmakers. This is pure Rovian. The hell with the voters, the Establishment will pick the candidates. And the most conservative candidate like Akin, Mike Lee, Rand Paul, Marco Rubio, Christine O'Donnell, and Sharron Angel should not be the GOP candidate.