Indeed - in the midst of a strong Democratic wind, McCain still carried this bellweather state...so arguing that McCain only “barely” won it is not an argument in favor of your point - quite the opposite. Up until now, there was no democratic wind and things were showing signs, indeed, of blowing in the direction of the GOP - MO was squarely in the GOP column...not even considered a top tier battleground state that was going to be focused on. Thanks solely to Todd Akin, he has given strong momentum to the entire Democratic ticket they otherwise did not have and would not have been able to achieve. I doubt the momentum is contained only within Missouri.
Extraordinary that the selfishness of a single person could bring down the very foundations of our Republic by keeping Obama and Harry Reid in power - and all of the policy implications that come with it.
How stupid are these voters? What impact could Akin's verbal gaffe have on their personal lives? He apologized and explained what he meant. He committed no crime. He didn't display his private parts over social media, he didn't consort with prostitutes; he didn't have sex with interns in his office; he didn't leave a women to drown in an overturned car; he didn't lie under oath; and he didn't run a homosexual prostitution ring from his house.
My God, what the Hell did Akin do to deserve such condemnation? He has an exemplary voting record (97.24 lifetime ACU rating and an A+ score from NumbersUSA on immigration,) 24 years in elective office at the state and federal level never losing an election; a devout Christian, a former Army officer, a good family man with 6 children--three of his sons have served in the US Marine Corps with two on active duty.
I blame the GOP for the current situation. They could have handled the situation much better. They could have disassociated themselves from Akin's remarks, noted that he has apologized and explained his improper use language; and then said we should move on to address the concerns of Missouri voters on such issues as jobs, the economy, Obamacare, etc. Instead, one day after Akin's gaffe, they launched into a huge blitzkrieg on Akin. The GOP joined into the MSM manufactured hysteria much to the delight of the Dems. The GOP made it a national issue.