Congressman Todd Akin really stepped in it this time. Politicians make utterly ridiculous (and often blatantly, demonstrably false) statements all the time, but Akin's assertions regarding legitimate rape might even top President Clinton's bluster about how he did not have sexual relations with that woman.
(Politicians can make nearly anything sound authoritative and believable, but both sides of the aisle struggle where it comes to truth-stretching in the sexual arena.)
As stupid as Akin's statement may have been, both from a political perspective and that of actual science, the fact that the rest of the Republican party has basically put the guy on notice that he's being blackballed leads me to believe that this debacle won't have much of an effect on undecided voters. Folks in Romney's camp, even women, will be satisfied that he has roundly criticized Akin. Folks in Obama's camp will continue to draw parallels between Akin and the persistent state and federal legislative efforts to criminalize abortion.
I suspect that Republicans are chastising Akin not so much out of horror regarding his assertions, but because they want to pick up that Senate seat. Akin crossed a line that may very well keep him from beating incumbent Democrat Claire McCaskill. For one, McCaskill's Facebook page has seen explosive growth in popularity, particularly among the 55-64 age group. McCaskill is also leading Akin in multiple polls, causing a near panic among Senate Republicans.
I do think Republicans are being a bit disingenuous by distancing themselves from Akin, given how I and other women of both parties keep checking the calendar to be sure that we haven't somehow boarded a DeLorean and landed in the 1960s (or possibly even earlier in the 20th century). The current prolonged discussion of women's health and personal freedoms (remember those, Republicans?) is mind-boggling to those of us who thought these battles had already been won. Perhaps by the turn of the 22nd century, we'll be discussing whether or not women and blacks ought to have the right to vote.
Congressman Akin's stupidity is merely a particularly extreme and visible symptom of what's been taking place in our country for the past several years anyway.
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Comments 16
I can tell you people on both sides were pretty appalled by what he said. What I don't understand is why he isn't allowed to own those words and we can't just call him the ass he is without painting every single person in the Republican party. Using his actions to condemn an entire (huge) segment of the population goes beyond arrogance. And I, too, am sick of liberal women speaking as if they represent me. Trust me, you DON'T.
Agree completely with the first two commenters. Like it or not, MOST (not all) Republicans do not hold views like Akin. So naturally, they would distance themselves and the party from him. They are not being "ingenious". What else would YOU do, Julie? They've already condemned the guy because he's an embarrassment and a fool!
I don't believe the whole GOP thinks like Akin, but you have to admit, Pro-Life & anti birth-control sure seem to be getting allot of press lately and rightly so. There are just too many pieces of proposed legislation to limit abortion rights or outright make it illegal or to make birth control something you have to lie about wanting for a medical condition. These were are all Republican bills.
I can't say I 100% agree with the article, but I can't say it's ridiculous either. Romney changes his view on abortion to suit what office he's running for and Ryan thinks birth control is dangerous and abortion should be outlawed and illegal under any circumstance. So say what you will, Marsh may have a point.
I have asked Akin to step down and allow another to take his place many have. But it seems as if he wants to go on. so now this comes down to the lesser of the two evils do you vote for a socialist who thinks Barack Obama is all that and a bag of chips or do you vote for the one that's not very smart in medical and speaks his ignorance?
Another thought is this the left makes a stupid statement and "it's funny" hahahaha
The right makes a stupid statement and "KILL EM ALL"
Why is the republican party being controlled by the religious right? Why are the RTLers allowed to speak as a majority when poll after poll of the American people reports that the majority of them are pro-choice -- democrate AND republican?