Senator Claire McCaskill has retained her seat!
Congratulations and thanks to Missouri voters who've not only avoided a major catastrophe, but helped the good prevail!
As the sun sets over the final day of the election, we'll reflect on why we actually support Senator McCaskill.
Common Sense
This violates common sense.
"Common sense" is the catch-all term for when people can't explain deep-seated beliefs which control their actions (or make them react with incredulity at others'). Conservatives use it all the time. Here at CotA, our "common sense" is a belief in Senator McCaskill. But we're more than happy to explain!
She introduced a bill to eliminate earmarks -- when politicians give more cake to whatever would benefit them doing so. Earmarks don't work for the good of the nation.
Rare is the politician who has the strength to condemn what they can benefit from and must participate in.
Unfairly Criminalized
Chris here - in years past, the only information I've been exposed to about Senator McCaskill was a front-page story about how she dodged taxes on a private jet. A perfect story to feed a cynic like I was...until I learned what happened.
Not only did she expose it herself, but she immediately took responsibility and repaid all funds for it.
Sen. McCaskill tells the unpleasant truth, investigates the inherent dark side wherever she goes. Not because it's "politically" correct, but because she believes that's what's best for everybody -- what a Senator should do. A Senator should be inquisitive and honest, constantly searching for the truth about ourselves and society even when that's not pleasant or convenient. She doesn't believe you can make tough choices by holding your hands over your eyes.
This gets her INORDINATE amounts of crap from Republicans. Conservatives believe all evil is external, and thus won't admit to any shortcomings. They can do no wrong because authority is moral. When Claire admits shortcomings, they pounce on and abhor her, not understanding why she would admit she's "evil."
But John Shields, 87, of St. Louis County, strongly supported Akin. "I like everything about him. He made one mistake. He apologized a dozen times. Every politician misspeaks and he misspoke on that issue." - USA Today
"He's not evil. He's just human. Ignore that." Let's not deal with the real issue.
We support Claire because we know she'll act in the best interest of everybody she represents, not just those who support her.
This race is no longer a marathon, it's a sprint. Senator McCaskill's most recent campaign ad "Unfit" espouses he won't be able to reach the finish line.
This ad is a clear repetition of her campaign theme to date: Akin is too extreme.
This one takes a different angle by establishing the credibility of Akin's party against him. Romney, the current face of the Republican party, gets the starting video sequence as he explains why he can't support Akin.
The focus narrows to Missouri as the news reports Akin wouldn't be allowed to attend the RNC. Republican Senators Roy Blunt, John Danforth and Kit Bond are singled out as having withdrawn support for Akin.
The ad closes with clips from John McCain and Romney speaking on how Akin will never belong with the Republican Party. While he drew flack from everyone, the ad includes specifically Republican names prominent to Missouri voters and then associates them negatively.
The deliberate timing of this ad ensures that when voters get into the booth and see "Mitt Romney," they might remember "Anyone but Akin."
Biting Back
Akin's campaign responded through Rick Tyler by claiming McCaskill was trying to distract everybody from her record. Well, Mr. Tyler, you can't keep people from looking at one wreck by pointing and shouting at another that only you can see.
Consistent with the race at large, Akin's campaign didn't deny the charges of extremism. Their response?
"She's a liberal." (Image courtesy of The American Prospect)
Well, compared to Akin, so is almost everyone else. Conservatives believe full well that if you know a person's character, you know how they'll act. Akin is fallen.
Senator Claire McCaskill has retained her seat!
