Todd Akin‘s comments regarding rape in an interview with Charles Jaco last week unleashed a firestorm in newspapers across the country.
When Jako asked Akin about why the Republican Congressman does not support abortion even in cases of rape, he replied, “What I understand from doctors [is] that if it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down.”
Many people, including Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama, attacked Akin for the insensitive term “legitimate rape” and his blatant disregard of science, and rightfully so. Even Vice Presidential candidate Paul Ryan, on the extreme right of the abortion debate, found Akin’s comments offensive, inexcusable, and a downright terrible political move. Now, the question is whether Akin should leave the race for Senate or attempt to rectify his reputation and win the race.
Akin’s opponent is incumbent Democrat Claire McCaskill, whose seat was viewed as a realistic and even likely win by many in the Republican Party until Akin’s words ignited a nationwide controversy. Polls from the primary season demonstrated that all three Republican candidates would stand a strong chance against McCaskill. After defeating John Brunner and Sarah Steelman in the primary election, Akin rushed to attack McCaskill’s support of health care reform as well as her economic policies. His attacks initially appeared to be working. Akin’s lead over McCaskill ranged from four to five percentage points depending on the polls.
However, after his recent comments, Akin trails by ten percentage points in many polls. McCaskill’s seat was believed to be the most vulnerable seat by both political parties and was considered a key win in order for the Republicans to seize the Senate this November. Unfortunately, Akin’s comments have not only hurt his reputation among Missouri voters, but many argue that he may hurt Republican chances throughout the country. Kenneth Warren, a Missouri political expert, said, “Akin’s gaffe could have somewhat of an effect on the down ballot [and] could put people off voting Republican.” While very few polls on the issue have been released thus far, the Republican party is not willing to take chances as election season quickly approaches.
As expected, Republicans across the nation, from former senators Kit Bond and Jim Talent to current senator Roy Blunt, have attempted to distance themselves from Akin’s remark. Equally as expected, Democrats such as Joe Mikosi of Colorado and Annie Kuster of New Hampshire have tried to prove exactly the opposite: that Todd Akin was not in fact a single radical person, but rather the opinion of the entire Republican Party.
However, while Akin’s comments were idiotic and repulsive, his references to “legitimate rape” should not be associated with the Republican Party and its pro-life views. Although Ryan does share similar views that abortion should be banned without any exceptions, Romney supports abortion in the case of rape and threats to the mother’s life. It is not fair to imply that Akin is the mouthpiece of the Republican stance. However, the Democratic Party will continue to take advantage of Akin’s unpopular comments and identify his statements with those of other Republicans. Although some Republicans share his stance on abortion, none share his view on “legitimate rape.” As a result, it is up to Akin to find a way to dissociate himself from the rest of his party, even if this requires his immediate withdrawal from the race for the Senate.
His first opportunity to withdraw was Tuesday, Aug. 21 at 5 P.M., but his next big deadline is Sept. 25. If Akin drops out of the race by that deadline, it would have to be through a court order and he would have to pay for any changes in the ballots. However, Missouri Republicans would then be able to name a replacement, most likely either Brunner, the second place finisher in the primary, or Steelman. Both candidates polled well against McCaskill and offer the best chance for the Republican Party to win Missouri. Akin’s chances have dropped substantially since his ill advised-comments on abortion, and the longer he remains in the race, the easier it is for the Democrats to associate his radical views with the rest of the Republican Party.
Predictably, one of the few political leaders urging for Akin to remain in the race is his opponent, McCaskill herself. She and many other Republican and Democratic party members agree that the only way she will win in November is if Akin’s name is on the ballot. The only one who fails to understand this is Akin, who continues to stubbornly insist on remaining in the race no matter the consequences. But for the good of his reputation, his state, his party, and his country, Akin must leave the race. It is his only rational choice. #
