Senator McCaskill has been a key supporter of President Obama and his policies and will have a tough time separating herself from him in this election

Rep. Todd Akin, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, recently surprised me with his clear and passionate philosophic message about the principles of this country and the importance of this year's election.

He stressed the "importance of defeating" President Obama's bid for re-election and changing the leadership in the U.S. Senate.

After 25 minutes of remarks he answered more than 15 questions and displayed a solid grasp of the issues surrounding each. More than 60 people were in attendance.

Running 6 points behind in the most recent poll, the lack of popularity for President Obama and the Christian community's support for Akin will make this a much more interesting race than I had anticipated before hearing his presentation.

Whether you give her credit or blame her, Sen. Claire McCaskill was the deciding vote for "Obamacare," a key supporter of the stimulus, and probably the first female senator to endorse and become a spokeswoman for Obama in his tight race with Hillary Clinton for the Democrat presidential nomination four years ago.

She has a hard time separating herself from Obama and his policies.

This Friday, Sen. McCaskill and Rep. Akin will be participating in a debate before the Missouri Press Association at their annual meeting.

The media has not been Akin's friend, but let's see how this turns out.

---

Speaking of the "Mainstream Media," it is informative as to the lack of coverage of the movie "2016: Obama's America" which has become the second most successful documentary in the country (financially).

No movie review by The Washington Post, New York Times or New Yorker magazine, etc.

None of the glowing praise as was given to Michael Moore on his liberal documentaries. Even the economic success of the $2.5 million-budgeted movie, which has grossed over $30 million to date, didn't get the attention you would expect.

This hurts the credibility of all media.

---

Flew to Atlanta last week for the Local Media Association conference. Son Jon K. Rust has served as president of this national media organization for the past year.

Amazing to see the changes in all media -- with more to come. Three days of seminars, success stories and new ideas made the trip worthwhile.

---

The Southeast Missouri State University new student showcase recently performed to a standing-room-only crowd at the River Campus Wendy Kurka Rust Flexible Theatre.

Some great, new-to-be-developed talent for the student productions to come. Missed voice teacher Judith Farris who was in New York City where she regularly teaches voice lessons to more than 30 performers in just three days.

Judith is reported to be a surprise diva-like performer in the upcoming production of the musical "Grease" Sept. 26 to 30 at the River Campus' Bedell Performance Hall.

Go and enjoy!

Gary Rust is chairman of Rust Communications.