Akin: McCaskill more 'ladylike' back in 2006

Todd Akin thinks Sen. Claire McCaskill was more "ladylike" when she ran for Senate the first time.

“I think we have a very clear path to victory, and apparently Claire McCaskill thinks we do, too, because she was very aggressive at the debate, which was quite different than it was when she ran against Jim Talent,” Akin said at a news conference, according to the Kansas City Star.

“She had a confidence and was much more ladylike (in 2006), but in the debate on Friday she came out swinging, and I think that’s because she feels threatened.”

(Also on POLITICO: Akin still has shot in Senate race)

Akin’s campaign had no comment about the “ladylike” remark.

Republicans leaders tried to pressure the six-term congressman to drop out of the Senate race after Akin suggested women's bodies can prevent pregnancies in cases of “legitimate rape.” But he resisted those calls, and now a handful of prominent Republicans – including former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Sen. Jim DeMint and Texas Gov. Rick Perry – are rallying to his side.

He says she "came out swinging" in the debate.