Kirk Cameron defends Todd Akin

TV star-turned-conservative activist Kirk Cameron came to the defense of embattled GOP Senate hopeful Todd Akin Tuesday, saying that the Missouri congressman’s controversial comments about “legitimate rape” came in the context of his opposition to abortion.

“He clearly is a pro-life advocate, and for that, I respect him,” said the former “Growing Pains” star, speaking on CNN’s “Starting Point.” “He said that he misspoke and that he misphrased something and that he apologized.”

Over the weekend, Akin told a local news outlet that in the case of “legitimate rape,” female biological defenses often prevent pregnancy – a claim that has been debunked by doctors and researchers. Under intense pressure from top GOP brass to withdraw from the race, Akin has since walked back that line, even issuing a new ad in which he asks forgiveness for his comments.

Cameron seemed to sympathize with that request.

“I’m the kind of person that believes that I would like to be evaluated by my entire career and my entire life, not two words that I would misspeak and then later apologize for,” he said. “So he’s in a tough spot.”

Cameron, who now works in the world of film and television, often producing material with a religious bent, emphasized the importance of watching the entire clip of Akin’s interview.

“…By watching the entire video, I get the sense there that this is a guy who is defending life and he wants to go to all lengths he can to protect the life of the unborn,” Cameron said. “And I think that’s the message that comes through when I watch his video.”