Akin: McCaskill more 'ladylike' in last election
(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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What a disgusting pig this guy is. I thought men like him disappeared in the '70s. Why give him another minute in the national spotlight or national arena? It is time to say 'GoodBye!' to Akin. "Don't let the door hit ya!"
Let me guess: Next, he starts caling her "honey" or "sweetie". Perhaps something about how she should be in the kitchen instead of the state capital.
You know, he'll soon be in China at the rate he's going.
Yeehaw, GOP riding that extremist for all he's worth.
The GOP has totally lost it's mind.
.
Akin is a moron. But he played the game by staying in the race. Remember how the RNC and GOP said we are pulling funding and support for Akin because of the rape comment, but now that he is in the race for good, the RNC and GOP are changing their minds and will support him. Just like Romney, the RNC/GOP are flip floppers. Idiots. Vote the bums out.
Can he get any dumber?? He needs to quit opening his mouth.
Maybe it's time his wifey-poo have a talk with the boy, he needs to enter the 21st century.
Akin is such an obviously flawed candidate. His "ideas" are simply ignorant of not decades out of touch.
What I find interesting is that the conservatives love him. That just goes to show you what sort of mental acuity they have.
The gop bafoon party is a cancer in America and a national disgrace along with romney and lyin Ryan !!!
Akin has no business being in politics. He really needs to go back to school and get his high school diploma.
More ladylike? I bet women are flocking to his campaign after that one! gotta love republicans.
Seriously, this dude may be suffering from Althiemers. He thinks it is 1955. Really, ladylike and wildcat. I don't know if we should all be laughing hysterically or be really scared this out of touch strange man is trying to be a senator. Wow, who would vote for Akin at this point?
truth hurts: why is that hilarious? Do you honestly not care if someone this backward and stupid gets elected as a US Senator? I am a proud Independent, generally voting for Republicans, but there is no way having someone like this elected to the highest legislative office in the land says anything good about this state. I'm no fan of Ms. McCaskill and probably won't vote for her either, but its really sad to see people who are so caught up in their party that they lose sight of what's important. I hope you at least stop and think and take the smirk out of your voice when you talk about politics. It's not a game, and our elected offices aren't something to be made fun of.
He needs to put a few Aspirins between his legs when he talks .
I think he's confused, it's Akin that is becoming more ape-like....