Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO) told a local television station on Sunday that “legitimate rape” rarely produces pregnancy because “the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down.”He believes it because he's dumb and horrible -- just like his old buddy, Paul Ryan. Of course, once you say something patently stupid and offensive, the thing to do is to say you didn't mean it -- even though you totally believe it.
In reviewing my off-the-cuff remarks, it's clear that I misspoke in this interview and it does not reflect the deep empathy I hold for the thousands of women who are raped and abused every year. Those who perpetrate these crimes are the lowest of the low in our society and their victims will have no stronger advocate in the Senate to help ensure they have the justice they deserve.Unless, of course, those women who are raped would choose to exercise their right not to have their rapist child, then we all know who Todd Akin will fiercely advocate for -- not them.
[cross-posted at Firedoglake]