Unless you are living under a rock, you have heard about Rep. Todd Akin’s comments regarding rape and abortion. In the slim chance you don’t know what I’m talking about, here’s the video:
The “legitimate rape” comment is being used against all GOP candidates and has breathed new life into the “War on Women” meme.
Romney told National Review,
“Congressman’s Akin comments on rape are insulting, inexcusable, and, frankly, wrong,” Romney said. “Like millions of other Americans, we found them to be offensive.”
Now the question is, will Akin survive the next 24 hours, or will he be replaced?
Can Republicans replace Akin, if they so choose? Apparently they can — but the deadline is tomorrow. Of course, deadlines didn’t matter when Robert Torricelli became a political pariah in New Jersey, but there are a couple of differences. First, it involved actual corruption, not a case of foot-in-mouth disease, and second, Torricelli was a Democrat. If Republicans want Akin off the ticket, they’d have to act quickly, which means it won’t happen at all.
That means that Missouri will probably see a lot of debate over “legitimate,” and Republicans had better hope that Akin can legitimately change the subject soon.
Sen. Scott Brown of Massachusetts is calling for Akin to drop out of the race.
If he does, it shouldn’t be Sarah Palin endorsed Sarah Steelman that replaces him. John Brunner came in second in the race.
He was my choice.
I would not flinch if Akin were replaced, especially considering how the Democrats spent money to help Akin win.
My prediction?
It could be a deal is struck, Akin steps down and Brunner replaces him.
I’m thinking this comment is toxic enough it touches every candidate in the election and the party would just as soon get it behind them.
I’m thinking Akin is toast.
What are you thinking?
UPDATE:
Two reasons why you should trust the All American Blogger and subscribe to the blog now.
First, this:
Dems spent @ $2 million on ads boosting Todd Akin in the primary, according to the NYT – nyti.ms/Rc4sbhPls withdraw
@toddakin!— Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) August 20, 2012
Then, this:
Missouri Republican Todd Akin has begun moving toward ending his candidacy after his remarks on rape and abortion provoked a firestorm, a top Republican said.
“Akin is taking concrete steps to withdraw by tomorrow at 5:00 p.m.,” a senior Republican told BuzzFeed, adding that Akin could still change his mind.
I’m guessing pressure is coming from on high. Expect John Brunner to defeat Claire McCaskill this November, not Akin.
UPDATE 2:
Just quit now:
Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA), whose chief advisers also work for Mitt Romney, and Tea Party Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) have called on Akin to quit the race.
American Crossroads, Karl Rove’s group that had pledged millions of dollars on behalf of Akin’s campaign in Missouri, announced they would be pulling out of Missouri if Akin does not quit the race.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) said they would not be spendingthe $5 million they had intended to spend in Missouri if Akin did not quit the race.
And Sean Hannity urged Akin to consider quitting the race for “what is in the best interest” of the party.
Republicans are worried that Akin could lose what once seemed like a shoo-in victory like George Allen did in 2006 after he uttered “macaca.” Allen’s loss in 2006 — the year in which Claire McCaskill was ironically elected in Missouri — cost Republicans the Senate that year. Republicans fear if they do not win Missouri in 2012, they will not gain control of the Senate.
Akin has to make this call. He either thinks he can survive it or he bails on his own and let’s one of the other Republicans take over. For the GOP, the later would probably be okay. But it all depends on Akin.
I think he puts his own interests ahead of the party.
Let’s look at the big picture. The goal here is to get rid of Claire. Polling for all three of the GOP candidates had them ahead of Claire. But surprisingly, Aiken polled with a closer margin. I wasn’t too worried about that, since conservatives, although bloody in primaries, tend to rally behind the chosen candidate in the general election.
That being said, Aiken has made a huge blunder, and one that the Dems will use to the fullest. If he’s removed, it takes the wind out of that sail. But, as you’ve pointed out, the GOP would have to act fast, and nothing happens fast in politics. IF Aiken remembers the ultimate goal, he would bow out with dignity. But I fear he is just another politician who can’t see the big picture, and is only thinking for himself. I hope I’m wrong.
Akin is radioactive, delusional, and unelectable. If he is so damned selfish and stubborn to remain on the ballot, then not only is McCaskill re-elected, but other GOP candidates are dragged down throughout Missouri, including Romney and the statewide ticket. Too much is at stake in November, both in Missouri and nationally to let this wacko drag down the entire ticket. It’s time for Boehner, McConnell, Romney, and Huckabee to request that he withdraw immediately. And neither Brunner nor Steelman should be chosen to replace Akin. They both had their chance to win the primary and they failed miserably. Despite outspending Akin several times over… they were both rejected by the GOP primary electorate…even Sarah Palin could not salvage Steelman. The choice is clear… Jim Talent should be the consensus choice to replace Akin and have the rematch with Claire…. if that is the case, she will lose. With control of the U.S. Senate at stake here, the GOP can’t afford to let Akin flush this senate seat down the toilet…. the Tea Party strikes again (they cost the GOP control of the U.S. Senate in the 2010 elections)! They are trying mightily for a repeat performance this year (IN, NE, MO, etc.) Talk about snatching defeat from the jaws of victory! Geesh! If Akin has any self-respect or thinks about anyone but himself or the greater good he would withdraw now…. I doubt seriously that that happens.
This movie clip seems appropriate today…
This is going to be interesting to watch. The next 48 to 72 hours will reveal more about the character and strength of the candidate, the party, and the State of Missouri. Great post by the way. I think Akin will do the right thing, it may take a while. I wonder – and this is the only place I disagree with you – if Brunner, and inexperienced businessman (someone I normally would vote for easily), would be a better candidate to deal with Claire McCaskill in November than Sarah Steelman.
It may be a moot question, since the party will decide and Brunner did get the 2nd place finish; but simply for the argument, would Steelman have a better chance to quickly put the issue behind her vis-a-vis the Brunner candidacy?
Does magic underwear protect you from legitimate rape?
Todd needs to go and the Missouri should keep unrelenting pressure on him to do so. He has no chance of winning, he is radioactive and his staying in the race simply makes it tougher for other GOP candidates in Missouri. The Missouri Republican party needs to keep pounding Aiken 24/7 on this until he finally realizes he is a lost cause and to stay in the race will only serve to isolate him even further.