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Aborted Campaign: Missouri GOP Senatorial Candidate Says ‘Legitimate Rape” Rarely Causes Pregnancies

Rep. Todd Akin had no sooner won Missouri’s GOP Senate primary this month than he seemed eager to hand over the election to incumbent Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill. Akin instantly became a national sensation with a shocking statement about how “legitimate rape” rarely results in pregnancy.


When confronted on his view regarding exceptions to a ban on abortions, Akin proceeded to show how to abort a Senate campaign in record time: “First of all, from what I understand from doctors, that’s really rare. 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. You know I think there should be some punishment, but the punishment ought to be on the rapist and not attacking the child.”

First there is the distinction between “legitimate” and “illegitimate” rape that is too twisted to contemplate. Then there is Akin’s rather bizarre view of the female body and the existence of some type of kill switch in cases of rape within every woman.

Akin is a six-term U.S. congressman who probably could have drifted to a win in Missouri. Polls showed him a heavy favorite against McCaskill who is unpopular with many in Missouri as well as Washington. Akin, 65, was backed by former GOP presidential candidate Mike Huckabee and supported by many in the Tea Party. Akin was able to secure 36 percent of the vote against businessman John G. Brunner with 30 percent and former state treasurer Sarah Steelman with 29 percent. Steelman was the favorite of Sarah Palin and many in the Tea Party. Despite the tough primary, Akin was leading McCaskill in the polls.

That changed in a flash and he succeeded in moving a state from an expected win for the GOP into the doubtful column — assuming he does not withdraw from the race. Both Romney and Ryan have publicly criticized the comment. McCaskill appears to relish the thought of becoming the second most unpopular candidate in a two-person race. She has refused to call for Akin to step down and said that it would be a radical step to replace a candidate who just won the primary. Republicans however have lined up to condemn the statements and call for Akin to withdraw from the race.

Akin’s attempt to walk back from the comments was almost as awkward — claiming that he “misspoke” about rape. Here is the statement:

“As a member of Congress, I believe that working to protect the most vulnerable in our society is one of my most important responsibilities, and that includes protecting both the unborn and victims of sexual assault. In reviewing my off-the-cuff remarks, it’s clear that I misspoke in this interview and it does not reflect the deep empathy I hold for the thousands of women who are raped and abused every year. Those who perpetrate these crimes are the lowest of the low in our society and their victims will have no stronger advocate in the Senate to help ensure they have the justice they deserve.

“I recognize that abortion, and particularly in the case of rape, is a very emotionally charged issue. But I believe deeply in the protection of all life and I do not believe that harming another innocent victim is the right course of action. I also recognize that there are those who, like my opponent, support abortion and I understand I may not have their support in this election.”

Akin does not address the medical side of the comment or even explain what he meant about legitimate rape.

“Misspoke” is a remarkably flexible term to cover any statement where, according to Merriam-Webster, you can claim that you “expressed (oneself) imperfectly or incorrectly.” Of course, there remains the cause for such misspeak. It is one thing to get a date wrong or a country wrong or even a description of some past event. Here however Akin drew a distinction between legitimate and illegitimate rape and then proceeded to offer a medical claim that is almost medieval in character.

Here is the clip showing the “misspeech”:


Given the polarized situation in Missouri, this does not necessarily mean that McCaskill will win. However, with the GOP already struggling with the female vote, this is comment is likely to be played back in an endless loop. The question is the degree of pressure from the Romney campaign to get Akin to step aside given the possible drag on the ticket in November.

Source: CNN

192 thoughts on “Aborted Campaign: Missouri GOP Senatorial Candidate Says ‘Legitimate Rape” Rarely Causes Pregnancies”

  1. McCaskill, who I wouldn’t support for dog-catcher, lucked out. She doesn’t deserve the break but life’s a b-word.

  3. In a scan of the news this morning, this guy has apparently sent the GOP into major damage control mode.

  4. Elaine,

    Dumb (or stupid, if you will) … the info is there for the ignorant to learn … these candidates are incapable of learning thus … dumb. Dumb candidates make certain voters feel smart which is all illusion (or delusion, if you will). 😉

  5. The scary part of this is this guy is not an exception to his party, he is the rule. As Elaine detailed above, Paul Ryan co-sponsored a bill to make abortion illegal, even in cases of rape and incest! Very Taliban like.

  6. Blouise

    Three GOP Senate candidates–including Akin–in Missouri didn’t know that the minimum wage in their state is–$7.25. Some of these candidates are indeed dumb–or maybe ignorant.

  7. The Saint Louis Post Dispatch says that Todd A___ is from a town called Wildwood. I figured he was some suburban guy but that place sounds like its out in the boonies. I wonder if he has any kids and what he tells them about humpin and all the things that lead up to penetration. Could you just imagine the scene where he discloses the facts of life to his sons and daughters. That would be a good show on Saturday Night Live this weekend. He could be the guest host. The Post Dispatch said that he is way ahead of the incumbent in the polling. It will be fitting when Boner swears him in. If he loses the election and Romney wins then they can appoint him to be the Secretary of Education.

  9. I thought Claire McCaskill’s campaign might be dead in the water. Looks like it is afloat again, thanks to her opponent. He probably even believes what comes out of his mouth.

  10. I ain’t rape unless you penetrate.
    Humpindog said so this morning. I read in a newspaper that Todd Akin is from some place called Saint Charles, MO.

  11. Elaine M.

    I had to follow the link so as to read the comments you mentioned on the thread from August 19, 2012 at 9:03 pm.

    It is no wonder these right wingers like their candidates so dumb.

  13. “Misspoke” — Republican speak for “Damn, I told you what I really believe.”

  14. “First of all, from what I understand from doctors….’

    *************************

    To paraphrase Lewis Black, “What doctors? Where?”

  16. Akin Outburst Will Put Pressure On Romney-Ryan
    EVAN MCMORRIS-SANTORO
    AUGUST 19, 2012
    TPM2012
    http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/08/todd-akin-paul-ryan-mitt-romney.php

    Excerpt:
    Missouri Republican Senate nominee Todd Akin’s claim that women who are victims of “legitimate rape” have biological defenses to prevent pregnancy — and therefore don’t need the legal right to have an abortion — is already shaking up the Senate race in the Show Me State.

    But it’s also perfectly timed to put heat on the Republican presidential ticket, given the recent selection of Rep. Paul Ryan and his especially conservative views on abortion.

    Ryan’s abortion positions were already threatening to break out as a major issue in the campaign as Democrats seek to harness their advantage with women voters. Akin’s comments are likely to thrust a glaring spotlight onto Ryan’s views. (Hours after he made the comments, Akin said he “misspoke” amid a firestorm.)

    Ryan and Akin largely agree when it comes to abortion rights. Both believe abortion should be illegal even in the case of rape and incest. Both were co-sponsors of H.R. 3, the 2011 bill that would have limited the federal abortion coverage exemption only to victims of “forcible rape” and women whose physical health was in danger from her pregnancy, closing a supposed loophole in health-of-the-mother exemptions conservatives have been crowing about for years.

    After massive vocal protest from women’s rights advocates, the sponsors dropped the “forcible rape” language from the bill, giving up their quest to redefine rape in the federal code with little explanation.

  17. Dredd
    1, August 20, 2012 at 7:20 am
    —————————————-
    …that was excellent….

  18. The spinners and the spinerettes are going to be busy today trying to turn this lemon into lemonade.

  20. Well, Representative…… hope your wife and daughters, if you’ve been blessed to have any, are dressed in their Burkas….. to keep the rapists at bay…..

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