Akin: McCaskill was more "ladylike" in 2006

Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill, right, speaks while looking toward Republican challenger Rep. Todd Akin during the first debate in the Missouri Senate race Friday, Sept. 21, 2012, in Columbia, Mo.

/ AP Photo/Jeff Roberson

(CBS News) Despite the fact that he's alienated a good chunk of the Republican party with his inflammatory comments about rape and pregnancy, Missouri Senate candidate Todd Akin took a shot at his opponent's "aggressive" behavior on Thursday, noting that she "was much more ladylike" the last time she ran for office.

Akin, who in August incited the disbelief of Democrats and Republicans alike when he suggested in a radio interview that pregnancy does not result from a "legitimate rape," is challenging incumbent Democrat Claire McCaskill for her seat.

According to the Kansas City Star, the embattled candidate expressed confidence he will win the contest because McCaskill has demonstrated "aggressive" behavior, which he used as evidence that she "feels threatened."

"I think we have a very clear path to victory, and apparently Claire McCaskill thinks we do, too, because she was very aggressive at the debate, which was quite different than it was when she ran against Jim Talent," Akin said. "She had a confidence and was much more ladylike [in 2006], but in the debate on Friday she came out swinging, and I think that's because she feels threatened."

Even as he takes heat for his behavior, Akin argued Thursday that McCaskill is "out of step badly" with the state of Missouri.

"Her voting record just doesn't fit," he said.

Tuesday was the final day Akin could legally withdraw from the contest. After he announced his intention to stay in the race, some conservative groups - including one led by former presidential candidate Rick Santorum and one helmed by South Carolina Senator Jim DeMint -- announced that they would lend financial support to his candidacy. And while the National Republican Senatorial Committee, the organizing arm to elect Republicans in the Senate, had said it was pulling its pledged $5 million from Akin's race, it is now reconsidering

In response to Akin's remarks today, Sen. Patty Murray, chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, called for the national Republican party to condemn Akin's latest remarks. If it doesn't, she said in a statement, "every Republican candidate in the country will be held accountable for their support of Akin's beliefs and sentiments."

[zenia5]

Well, are we surprised that the GOP is "reconsidering" giving support to this idiot Akin? What a bunch of losers. If the voters in Missouri elect this creep to represent them, they need to have their heads examined.

[cntrygirl3]

Yes how dare the good senator stand up to a man. Doesn't she know her place one step back one step below subservient and under a man's thumb. Mr. Akin is indeed the poster child for the republican party that came out of Tampa. Of course the RNC will give him money, I am surprised the likes of Dimint and Santorum took this long to endorse him after all he is a man after their own heart. All of the "shock" expressed by the republicans at his word was just a ruse, they will all do everything in their power to get him elected all the way up to Rometoo and Ryan.

Oh and the new format really stinks, runs everything together on my screen.

[TheTruthAlways]

To show how sad and sick Romney and the GOP are: They all told Akin to drop out of the Senate race. But NONE told him to resign from the US House! Romney and the GOP are telling the USA: "Akin is too screwed up to be a GOP Senator; but Akin is totally A-OK for be a GOP member of the US House!"

Hey Romney, thanks for fighting the Vietnam war from the hostile battlefields of France. Guess you own 5 sons were too busy counting the $10,000,000.00 you gave each of them; instead of volunteering to serve the USA! Like father...like sons!

[tmittelstaed]

open mouth insert foot.

[NinthSt78]

She is as much a lady now as she was then. Her answers to the Missouri Press Association on CSPAN showed that she was well-prepared and knowledgeable.

[johnlockesghost]

"...Todd Akin took a shot at his opponent's "aggressive" behavior on Thursday, noting that she "was much more ladylike" the last time she ran for office."---Oh, boo hoo I guess her reproductive system is causing her to fight back. Not only is Akin an idiot, but he's also a whimp, but I'll bet his voting record includes backing war efforts.

[seethelight]

How is that a backward creep like Akin can be so popular in the State of Missouri that he make actually be elected U.S. Senator. I trust the good people of Missouri will come out on Nov. 6th and defeat this cretin.

[euge005]

When he could have done the right thing and quit, there was Newt with support whispering in is ear. And he stays. Then the other worst people in the GOP all send him support. I hope the opponents of those clowns have Akin drapped around their necks at election time like a cursed albatross.m Any one that like equality of gender under the law ought to identify Akin with the Iranian leadership in biliefs.

[jimbix]

Does this guy even know how to shut his mouth?

[davidd5063]

Need some contrast in the background of the page - just too white and bright.

[euge005]

I agree, bring back the old one, much better.

[KPeters_from_UK]

The new format sucks. It is too disorganized.

It reminds me of the difference between TJ Maxx, where clothes crammed in and then Nordstrom where there is a lovely balance between space and clothes.