Akin - Return of the Circular Firing Squad

I have opined on this before. I was listening to JD Hayworth on KSFO, and I am glad that I am not the only one with this thought. I am not happy that this peculiarly Republican behavior has returned in spades (trump suit: bridge, people; look it up).

Rewind

Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO), is the Republican candidate for Senate running against McCaskill (D-MO, inc). In a TV interview, the question was about pregnancy caused by a rape. He said:

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. I think there should be some punishment, but the punishment ought to be on the rapist and not attacking the child.

Many were quick to throw the Honorable Representative under the bus. Before you make the same mistake, I suggest that you watch the entire interview at the link above. The conversation about abortion occurs at about 4:00 of Part 2 (are you listening, Ms. Morgan??). Does the phrase "jumping to conclusions" mean anything to anyone???

The Maelstrom

The Republican reaction was fierce and widespread: he must quit the race; a sure R pickup was turned into a toss-up; R control of the Senate was endangered. Everyone, from Romney on down to conservative talk show hosts whose opinion I otherwise respect, dog-piled on Mr. Akin. Honestly, I was flabbergasted by the reaction: bad press, yes, but metaphysical Republican finger-wagging? Oy.

Whaddup?

So, let us examine the possible 'issues' with Mr. Akin's statement:

• Sick Phrase? Yes, I will grant you this one: it is a stomach-turning phrase. Nevertheless, if you subtract the word 'legitimate', it becomes an ordinary response. He immediately apologized, and has continued to do so repeatedly over the next few days until his eyes bulge out and his head explodes. I surmise that he was thinking of Tawana Brawley (look it up, people). 
• Bad Science? Yes. Even if we charitably airbrush his statement, it is still factually wrong. Let us concede that he is not the brightest bulb in the package. 
• Pro Life? Perhaps conservatives are unhappy that his statement highlights the fact that the Republican party is officially pro-life. Don't think so. 
• No Exception for Rape? The fact that the official Republican party platform does not have an exception for pregnancy from rape is well known. Perhaps the wonks are unhappy that his statement highlights this fact? Still does not sound plausible. 
• Useful Bludgeon? More than one pundit seems to be annoyed that the continued presence of Mr. Akin on the R ticket will be used as an ever-present stick with which to beat up conservatives. Well, I got news for you: I am pretty sure that Team Obama has a super-duper-top-secret notebook entitled 'Subterfuge of the Week'. Every week, they rip out a page and use it as a media/publicity offensive. Last week it was the dog on the roof; week before it was Bain; this week it is his income taxes; next week, Romney's hair, week after that Mormons. It will not matter what R's do: Team Obama will keep up the drumbeat of subterfuge (thus far, they have been spectacularly successful), and never, never about the economy or unemployment. 
• Bushie Wing? I have absolutely no insider knowledge, but this whole brouhaha reeks of Karl Rove. Perhaps Akin was not the establishment/Bushie/Rove choice, and they are taking advantage to replace an unwanted with one of their own. FYI, Paul Ryan is also not a Bushie choice. 

In summary, I am still mystified. If anyone can elucidate, please let me know in the reply box below.

Dick Morris?

Perhaps Mr. M is correct after all: it might actually work in Romney's favor. The goal is to get across his message, and this increases Romney's positive media coverage. Kinda skeptical of that one, but it does graphically demonstrate to women that for Republicans, unlike the Dems, doing the right thing trumps political dogma.

Let's Win

I urge everyone who called for Akin's withdrawal not to lose sight of the prize: the goal is to win. Current Republican behavior, regardless of what you may think about him and his statement, does not support this goal. If Akin does drop out, it will not bode well for defeating a vulnerable senate Lib; besides, the Big Mo has spoken, and we should respect their vote (weaknesses of Mr. A is surely already well known to local voters; I wonder how many pundits are knowledgeable about Missouri politics). Let us hope that cooler heads prevail, sooner rather than later.