The comments were denounced by political foes and allies and questioned by medical experts. Akin writes in the book that the controversy turned his name into a “negative byword.” He said in the interview he was unsure if that condition will persist.

Mostly, he told the Post-Dispatch, he was more concerned that the Republican Party is trying to purge candidates like him from the ballot by any means necessary, citing a controversial Mississippi Republican primary won narrowly last month by incumbent Sen. Thad Cochran.

In the interview with the Post-Dispatch, Akin portrayed himself as a “guy who misspoke.” He complained that while he was pilloried for words, that former President Bill Clinton — whom he writes was accused of “sexual assault” — was celebrated at the Democratic National Convention days later by a party that was accusing Republicans of conducting a “war on women.”

“Liberal politicians can essentially do and say anything, and it is never news,” he said, referring to gaffes and misconduct, a claim he also makes in the book.