MO: Akin could really blow this

[Brittain33]

I haven't heard a candidate make this argument since Fay Boozman in 1998 claimed that nature's protective shield meant victims of rape don't get pregnant.

But there's Todd Akin, blazing a trail with his mouth. Victims of "legitimate rape" don't get pregnant, he says.

http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/08/todd-akin-legitimate-rape.php

[Brittain33]

I would not want to be the guy at Akin HQ who takes the call from the Koch brothers or Sheldon Adelson after this jaw-dropping comment from Akin. The billionaires are sinking a ton of cash into ads to win this seat over and all they need is a competent flagbearer to ride Romney's coattails.

[Brittain33]

I don't think Akin is bad enough to be considered Buck/Angle caliber, but I could be wrong...

Angle was on her own planet of unelectability. I could see Akin being equivalent to Buck, but benefiting from Missouri's Republican lean.

[Brittain33]

Even though I started this thread, I'm kind of shocked that people are seriously floating withdrawal and Nate Silver thinks he would lose 10 points in the polls. Not by the responses of Republicans here - I didn't expect anyone here would feel anything but embarrassment and anger. But I thought this was the kind of thing that was survivable and that Akin would probably still win unless he continued to fumble. I guess it's a good thing that maybe it isn't.

[Brittain33]

If the GOP wants to lose this seat with class, they'll run Steelman or Brunner on a 3rd Party/Independent ticket. Akin will go down in flames and the second place loser will have a raised profile, which could be beneficial for Governor in 2016.

Without Missouri, the Republican path to 51 seats becomes a lot more complicated.

It just moves out two years.

[Brittain33]

Family Research Council is the rare GOP group rushing to defend Akin.

http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/family-research-council-pac-enthusiastically-backs-todd-akin

[Brittain33]

Matt Blunt can't run for one obvious reason.

[Brittain33]

Trying to stay in. TPM says the tell will be how much money he raises in the next day or so to see if he survives.

[Brittain33]

According to Mason Dixon, a majority of those who still support Akin against McCaskill want him to withdraw. Amongst those undecided, 67% want him to withdraw.

It is time for a thread title change "Akin really has blown this!"

I was going to change it, but after Rand Paul won, I refuse to believe McCaskill has better than 60% odds of winning.