(CNN) – Embattled Rep. Todd Akin, who on Tuesday repeated his decision to remain in Missouri's battle for U.S. Senate, said in an interview published Thursday his opponent, Democratic incumbent Sen. Claire McCaskill, was more "ladylike" in her 2006 election than she is this time around.
According to the Kansas City Star, Akin claimed McCaskill's demeanor at last week's debate indicated she was nervous about remaining in office.
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"I think we have a very clear path to victory, and apparently Claire McCaskill thinks we do, too, because she was very aggressive at the debate, which was quite different than it was when she ran against Jim Talent," Akin said. "She had a confidence and was much more ladylike [in 2006], but in the debate on Friday she came out swinging, and I think that's because she feels threatened."
Akin couldn't escape questions about his now-infamous comments on "legitimate rape" from August during a U.S. Senate debate last Friday, deflecting the inquiry as tangential to the real issues his race against McCaskill should be about.
"I've answered this question repeatedly," Akin said. "I don't believe this election overall is about talk."
McCaskill, who was considered vulnerable in her bid for re-election before Akin made the comments about rape, said his remarks were an indication her rival was on the "fringe."
"This election's going to be quite a contrast for Missourians," McCaskill said. "But not because we're at opposite ends. I'm right in the middle, it's just he is so far out on the fringe, and that's where the contrast comes."
Akin's controversial comments, she said, were a "window to his views for Missourians."
"I believe his view is extreme and out of the mainstream," she continued, adding: "It's not what he said that's the problem, it's what he believes that's the problem."
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chairwoman Patty Murray, who is also a U.S. Senator from Washington, referred to the Thursday remark as "another comment that's demeaning to women and offensive to all."
"What's truly astonishing is that the national party embraced Todd Akin yesterday and now refuses to repudiate his statement," Murray wrote in a statement. "Unless the national party condemns Todd Akin and his latest comments, every Republican candidate in the country will be held accountable for their support of Akin's beliefs and sentiments."
In August, Akin told a local television station that pregnancy was rare in cases of "legitimate rape," claiming a woman's body has mechanisms to "shut that whole thing down."
Democrats slammed Akin for the remarks, and some national Republicans, including GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney, encouraged Akin to withdraw from his Senate bid.
In recent days, however, prominent Republicans, including former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, and South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint, have come out in support of Akin.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee had originally planned to withdraw financial support for Akin, but a Wednesday statement from the group's executive director said the NRSC would be watching the race.
"As with every Republican Senate candidate, we hope Todd Akin wins in November and we will continue to monitor this race closely in the days ahead," Rob Jesmer said in a statement.
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This guy has a mouth-to-brain disconnect.
Since she is less "ladylike" than she was back in 2006, will Akin fell less inclined to tell her what to do with her body?
If you are a woman and you vote for this man, you need to have your vajay-jay card taken! SHAME on ANY woman that votes for this PIG!
Mr. Akin has forgotten the First Rule of Holes.
Hahahaha. Wow. Condescend toward women much? Dems/liberals aroun the country shoudl all send this filthy misogynist a thank you card.
This guy has a problem with women! I hope anybody in their right mind will NOT vote for him, he is nuts!
I don't blame her, Akin. You've got to fight fire with fire. If the people in Missouri wants to go back 35 years on the womens issues, then – so be it. You're the one they will Vote for.
Vote Democrat – 2012 (Straight Ticket )
The GOP is making a profound error in judgement by throwing in with Akin. Yes, if they have any hopes to gain in the senate all wins count. This guy is such an agregious disaster however, he will stain every race the GOP is in. They should have forced him out and cut their losses.
Keep talkin Akin.
Come on, GOP: is the the best you can do in MO?
Foot meet mouth. This guy is a walking timebomb. Sen. McCaskill is going to lay the smackdown on him in this election.
mccaskill is toast and she knows it. she voted for obamacare. it's her own fault. even this guy will be able to beat her.
What a hypocrite! The last person in the world to instruct on proper behavior, especially aoman.
wow.....that's all that needs to be said
More evidence that this guy lives in the 18th century. He must still be upset that women now have the right to vote. Why don't women know their place and let men make their decisions for them?
Akin is legitimately nuts.
General Akin, move to Texas, Rick Perry needs you in his militia!
Oops, not PC.
"Ladylike" that tells you what century be is living in and its not the 21st.
Maybe if Claire were running against a gentleman she might be more lady-like?
Says the jack-ass who clearly knows nothing of women's health. And you think you're a good leader Akin?
"ladylike" is that your way of saying she took it and liked it ??? Keep talkin Akin, and show what a neanderthal you are. When you lose, there is still a PR position open in the taliban in regards to women's rights.
All the Obama stooge celebrities are told each and every word to utter in their movies, by a writer ... and, told how to utter them, by a director ... and, THEY are trying to tell the rest of us what to think, and how to vote ???
Obama is destroying America ... the obama stooges love obama more than they love America ...
America is more important than obama ... obama is expendable and replaceable ... America is not.
Save America ... Dump obama in November.
Maybe so, but when you are dealing with a fanatical reprobate (that's you Akin), this is what you get. This clown is going down in flames. This man is a disgrace to the Congess and his state.
Is there anything this guy says that isn't offensive to women? What a complete and total idiot.
Akin is a Neanderthal (with apologies to Neanderthals everywhere).
jJust sayin
mccaskill is toast and she knows it. she voted for obamacare. it's her own fault. even this guy will be able to beat her.
September 27, 2012 03:42 pm at 3:42 pm |
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Don't you mean she voted for Romneycare? Oh that's right when Romney provides universal healthcare for Mass it's good, but when Obama does it for all of America it's bad. Go way.