The Akin Firestorm

Republican Senate nominee Todd Akin has stirred up quite a controversy with his comment on "legitimate rape".  And in the heat of the campaign season, the timing couldn't have been worse for the six-term Missouri congressman. During a recent St. Louis television interview, Akin was asked about his views on abortion. Trying to explain that he was opposed to abortion even in cases of rape, he made the following statement:

“If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down. But let’s assume that maybe that didn’t work or something: I think there should be some punishment, but the punishment ought to be of the rapist, and not attacking the child.”

"Legitimate" is the key word that sparked a heated reaction from both Democrats and Republicans. No doubt, Akin certainly put his foot in his foot on an already passionate issue. I can certainly understand why people, especially women, would take offense to his comments. But were his words magnified mostly for political purposes? Let's look at it.....

First off, I think almost everyone is pretty much in agreement that Todd Akin's comments were, at the very least, stupid. There is no scientific proof that a woman can naturally shut down her body to prevent pregnancy. So, why would he say such a thing? And to put a "legitimate" tag on rape is asinine. On the surface, this sounds like Akin is saying that all rape is not real or "legitimate". That's hard to comprehend. I think all of us would agree that any sexual assault is horrible. Akin certainly painted himself into corner as soon as he went down that road...

But on the other side...........

Were Akin's comments overblown? Although he could have chosen better words, he was attempting to explain that, even in cases of rape, he was opposed to aborting a pregnancy. Were Akin's comments merely a misinterpreted gaff? If this man is such a pro-life advocate, is it reasonable to think that he wouldn't be sympathetic to rape victims? 

And afterwards, Akin did apologize and acknoldge his And while staying true to his protection for the unborn, he did express deep empathy for rape victims. Should his apology be accepted?*

Regardless of what Akin said, meant to say or what he said afterwards, there is pressure from both Democrats and Republicans for Akin to drop out of the Senate race against Democratic incumbent Claire McCaskill. And both sides, although it may be a calculated gamble, have something to gain politically. 

There was general feeling that Akin would have defeated McCaskill, who is viewed as one of the most vulnerable Democrats in this year's election. A McCaskill defeat would amount to giving the the Republicans an additional seat in the US Senate. This would prove to be huge for any GOP congressional efforts over the next four years. So, it would be a clear political advantage for the Democrats to get any serious opponent of McCaskill out of the race. 

But the Republicans have also called on Akin to drop out. With the Missouri Senate seat being so important, why would the GOP want to risk bringing in a new candidate with less than three months until election day? Are they attempting to sacrifice one their own for the greater good? Nonetheless, Akin is being urged to call it quits by prominent conservatives such as Karl Rove, Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh and Mitt Romney himself.

And as an added bonus for the Democrats, the Akin firestorm comes on the heels of some recent controversial "slavery" comments made by Vice President Joe Biden. The VP's comments were clearly overshadowed by Akins words. Not surprising, the Republicans view the media's lack of coverage on Biden's comments as a perpetual double standard.

With what many people are predicting to be a close Presidential election, I don't think Mitt Romney really had any choice but to distance himself from Todd Akin. He is now a political lightning rod that will likely bring unwanted negativity to the Republicans from now until election day.

For now, Akin has vowed to stay in the race until the bitter end. With limited support from his own party, he will certainly have an uphill battle until November. The negative attack ads regarding the rape comments will only increase as the election gets closer. How big of an impact will all of this have on Missouri voters and on the overall outcome of this years election?

Time will tell..........

kw

*http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbOKlGOabhg