As a dim awareness begins to dawn on him that he’s totally stepped in it this time, Rep. Todd Akin manages to croak, “I misspoke.”

“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,” Akin said in a statement. He promised rape victims “will have no stronger advocate in the Senate to help ensure they have the justice they deserve” if he is elected.

Please note, however, that the bastard continues to insist that a woman who is raped and becomes pregnant should be forced to bear her rapist’s child.

“I recognize that abortion, and particularly in the case of rape, is a very emotionally charged issue. But I believe deeply in the protection of all life and I do not believe that harming another innocent victim is the right course of action. I also recognize that there are those who, like my opponent, support abortion and I understand I may not have their support in this election.”