Congressman Todd Akin is under the mysterious impression that Americans think he’s soft on rapists. No one assumed that, but we do know, based on the St. Louis TV interview that aired Sunday, that Akin thinks some women who are raped “want it,” since he called some rapes “legitimate.”
Yesterday, prompted by Mike Huckabee, Akin claimed he meant “forcible.” So, let’s substitute the word “forcible” for “legitimate” into his original statement:
“From what I understand from doctors… if it’s a forcible rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down.â€
Anyone feel better?
No.
In this new video, released the day he is reportedly stepping down — though who knows — Akin says:
“Rape is an evil act. I used the wrong words in the wrong way and for that I apologize. As the father of two daughters, I want tough justice for predators. I have a compassionate heart for the victims of sexual assault. I pray for them.
“The fact is, rape can lead to pregnancy. The truth is, rape has many victims.
“The mistake I made was in the words I said, not in the heart I hold. I ask for your forgiveness.â€
The sad reality is Akin may stay in the race — and could still win.
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