[Bogey78O]

I don’t take checks I know will bounce to the bank.

The democrats aren’t guaranteed a win if Akin stays in. Dropping out would have been the politically best thing but we have to deal with things as they are.

Akin will not drop out. A write-in simply won’t win. These are the things you ha e to deal with.

[jboot]

I will re-iterate that I was a Virginia resident in 2006 when Allen had his Macaca moment and subsequent death spiral. Akin's rape gaffe is to Allen's Macaca gaffe as Hiroshima is to a cherry bomb. Unless the press in MO is unbiased (fat chance), this is what you have to look forward to:

Every single press mention of Akin will reference the "offensive rape comment" that he is "unable to shake off." His press coverage will be 90% unfavorable, at least.

McCaskill will release statements a few times every week referencing Akin's "offensive rape comment" and will call on him to "clarify his position on rape." The media will carry all of these pronouncements above the fold. McCaskill's press coverage will be generally positivve, as well.

Every time Akin speaks, appears, does a presser or does anything at all when cameras and microphones are around he will be repeatedly asked to "explain his offensive rape comment" and "has his opinion on the subject evolved?" He will be unable to avoid answering these questions without raising suggestions from the press and McCaskill that he "isn't transparent" or that he is "doubling down on his rape comment."

Akin's message will be submerged under a flood of apologies, explanations and justifications. If he ceases to apologize the press and McCaskill will crow that he is "an unrepentant, unchanged woman-hater who stands by his rape comment."

If he continues to apologize, the press and McCaskill will continue to call on him to again "clarify his position on rape." It will not end.

After a few weeks of this cycle, the ladies at the church suppers will be overheard saying "I used to like that Akin fellow, but all he talks about is rape. I suppose that I just won't vote for anyone in that race now." Husbands will be obliged to refrain from defending "that man who always talks about rape." This will be visible in a plunging trendline in the polls and the subsequent McCaskill victory.

You may think I'm a lib, or a doomsayer, but you can take this scenario to the bank. It is already beginning to play out.