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:
I have been a resident of VA since 1979. Allen lost because he kept on apologizing. He made it a much bigger issue than it had to be. He should have been more forceful in dealing with the MSM. That said, he barely lost in a very close election at a time when the Dems took back Congress in a national shellacking of the GOP. This is not 2006. 2010 may be a far better indicator of what will happen in 2012 than what happened in 2006.
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 should just say he has issued his final statement on the issue and there are more important issues facing this country like unemployment, the debt and deficit, and Obamacare. If the media persists, he should pull a Newt and confront the MSM directly over its bias and coverage. Most of the public believes the MSM is biased towards the Dems and will probably cheer Akin for having the cojones to confront them.
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. As indicated above with the Allen case, Akin's biggest mistake would be to continue apologizing. He should address the issues that really affect the voters. 71% of Missourians want Obamacare repealed. They voted that way, It is not an opinion poll. Akin should go on the attack against McCaskill. The best defense is a good offense.
And if the GOP truly believes that the McCaskill seat is so important, they should help Akin get elected. He is their dog in this fight. Continuing to press Akin to withdraw just helps McCaskill and contributes to a self-fulfilling prophesy of defeat. The real issues have not gone away. McCaskill is still vulnerable and can be defeated. Akin has shown resolve and toughness under a huge amount of pressure. He appears ready for the fight. If you want him to win, then contribute to his campaign. As best as I can determine, Akin has never lost a race.
I'm not optimistic. Todd Akin is shaping up to be the Mark Foley of 2012, in terms of damaging the party brand.
From your experience living in VA, we appreciate your insight on Allen. He is a very good man and had a record of competence. I agree that one apology was enough if people misinterpreted what he said. But Akin is not Allen. People really do see Akin as a nut. At least a high enough percentage, which makes him radioactive and unelectable. It is either bluster or he is truly delusional believing he can still win. His vigorous pro-life stand deserves our respect, but he apparently thinks he is the only one capable of carrying that banner. His ego is destroying any chance of replacing McCasKILL. Respectfully, that is my take.
Going forward, I would encourage a Republican candidate to put a shotgun in his mouth and pull the trigger before speaking publically about a subject that he is unprepared to address. And that is my last word on this mess.