In the life of a politician, the crud inevitably hits the fan. The cause of the crud varies: sometimes it's a sex scandal, sometimes it's a financial scandal, sometimes it's an influence-peddling scandal, sometimes it's bribery or abuse of power or tax evasion. In all cases, the bottom-line question is: can the scandal-plagued politician remain a viable public figure? If the consensus is "yes," then they usually stay in office and choose to fight on. If the consensus is "no," they're usually toast pretty fast.
Many elements factor in to the consensus, which can form rapidly or take longer periods of time, particularly if the scandal is complicated. Does the wife or partner stand by them, encouraging them to fight back, or does she want out of public life, probably because she never wanted in it? Is the local and/or national press rabidly investigating the story, or are they glossing over it? Are the pol's constituents forgiving or not? Is the trendline moving toward more damaging revelations or is the worst already out? Has the pol said or done anything since the scandal broke that would make a bad situation worse, or has he managed the crisis well?
In the recent past, there have been those who have opted to bow out rather than prolong the public agony: President Richard Nixon, NY Governor Eliot Spitzer, NJ Governor Jim McGreevey, NY Congressmen Eric Massa and Chris Lee, NV Senator John Ensign.
There have also been those who have chosen to stay and fight: President Bill Clinton, SC Governor Mark Sanford, NY Congressman Charlie Rangel, MA Congressmen Barney Frank and Gerry Studds, LA Senator David Vitter, Idaho Senator Larry Craig. So far, embattled NY Congressman Anthony Weiner falls into this category.
The calculations about whether to stay or go are complicated and personal. Sometimes it simply has to do with the character of the pol in question: do they feel a sense of shame, or not?
Shame is severely undervalued in our society. It used to be that newspapers would run photos of prostitutes and their clients in order to embarrass them. It wasn't so long ago that Rob Lowe went underground after his sex tape emerged and Pee Wee Herman sent himself into exile after being caught having solo fun in a dark theater. Now the road to fame often runs through a homemade sex tape that's "leaked" to the media. If Weiner weren't a member of Congress, he could ride this internet sexting scandal all the way to a reality show on E!
Of course, the difference between Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian and Pamela Anderson and Anthony Weiner is that Paris, Kim, and Pamela aren't paid by taxpayers and invested with their trust (thank the Almighty).
There is no easy way out for a pol in a heap of his own self-inflicted trouble. As the Clash so aptly observed, "If I go, there will be trouble/ An' if I stay it will be double."
Sounds like a GOP event to me.
Posted by: RafeMasters_76 | June 07, 2011 at 03:06 PM
Sounds like a typical GOP event to me.
Posted by: RafeMasters_76 | June 07, 2011 at 03:07 PM
& the cracks continue..............
http://weaselzippers.us/2011/06/07/obama-is-no-longer-cool/
UG, nice job with the historical dates of weiners! you crack me up!
NO PERVS 2012
Posted by: thebuckstopshere | June 07, 2011 at 03:10 PM
No Pervs in 2012? Then you'll have to rule out 80% of the Republicans who hide behind their self righteous crap and have active life styles in contradiction to the morals and beliefs they put forth to their easily gullable constiuents.
But there is no point in arguing with simple minded folks because they always think they're right. They don't know any better.
POSTED BY: RAFEMASTERS_76 | JUNE 07, 2011 AT 03:03 PM
--
Typical lib punk. Makes unfounded nefarious accusations without backing them up with facts.
Libs are like the plague. No, they ARE the plague. They smear and smear in hopes that their smears will go unanswered and some of their lies will stick.
NOT IN OUR HOUSE BITCH!
.
Posted by: Ummahgummah | June 07, 2011 at 03:10 PM
Credible source. I'm convinced...
Posted by: RafeMasters_76 | June 07, 2011 at 03:10 PM
that is correct NO PERVS at any level 2012........
NO PERVS 2012
Posted by: thebuckstopshere | June 07, 2011 at 03:11 PM
But there is no point in arguing with simple minded folks because they always think they're right. They don't know any better.
Posted by: RafeMasters_76 | June 07, 2011 at 03:03 PM
Typical LIBERAL Gasshole: First you make up "facts" and tell lies, then hide behind name-calling., Next comes the race card...PROVE what you just posted.
Posted by: LongRifle | June 07, 2011 at 03:12 PM
You sound like a sane, rational person. I hope you do well with your wish.
Posted by: RafeMasters_76 | June 07, 2011 at 03:13 PM
.
Actually Rafe looks a bit like a lil weenie himself. Says he can back things up then goes on to post more unproven allegations.
SO TYPICALLY LIE-BERAL!!!!
BACK UP YOUR SILLY ASSERTIONS, LIB!
.
Posted by: Ummahgummah | June 07, 2011 at 03:14 PM
glad to have helped...........
surely you wouldn't vote for a known PERV would ya?
NO PERVS, NO LEVEL, NO MORE
Posted by: thebuckstopshere | June 07, 2011 at 03:14 PM
No Pervs in 2012? Then you'll have to rule out 80% of the Republicans who hide behind their self righteous crap and have active life styles in contradiction to the morals and beliefs they put forth to their easily gullable constiuents.
But there is no point in arguing with simple minded folks because they always think they're right. They don't know any better.
POSTED BY: RAFEMASTERS_76 | JUNE 07, 2011 AT 03:03 PM
--
Typical lib punk. Makes unfounded nefarious accusations without backing them up with facts.
Libs are like the plague. No, they ARE the plague. They smear and smear in hopes that their smears will go unanswered and some of their lies will stick.
NOT IN OUR HOUSE BlTCH!
.
Posted by: Ummahgummah | June 07, 2011 at 03:15 PM
Typical lib punk. Makes unfounded nefarious accusations without backing them up with facts.
Libs are like the plague. No, they ARE the plague. They smear and smear in hopes that their smears will go unanswered and some of their lies will stick.
NOT IN OUR HOUSE BITCH!
That's because you guys only watch Fox News... The facts are there but even if I waste my time and spoon feed them to your infantile brain, you'll remain as ignorant as ever.
Posted by: RafeMasters_76 | June 07, 2011 at 03:15 PM
as a matter of fact I don't think KNOWN PERVS should be allowed to campaign for orfice, let alone VOTE.......
STRIVING TO RID US OF PERVS 2012
Posted by: thebuckstopshere | June 07, 2011 at 03:16 PM
.
TBSH, I don't see how a Weiner whose first name is Anthony can possibly be glatt kosher.
I think we will defer that Final Word on that to a Higher Authority.
.
Posted by: Ummahgummah | June 07, 2011 at 03:17 PM
.
THIS would be a more suitable name:
Nathan S. Wiener
.
Posted by: Ummahgummah | June 07, 2011 at 03:18 PM
methinks rafe is an annoying Jay bird...........
NO PERVS, NO LEVEL, NO MORE
Posted by: thebuckstopshere | June 07, 2011 at 03:19 PM
Actually Rafe looks a bit like a lil weenie himself. Says he can back things up then goes on to post more unproven allegations.
SO TYPICALLY LIE-BERAL!!!!
BACK UP YOUR SILLY ASSERTIONS, LIB!
---------------------------------------------
Goes to show you how dumb and ignorant you are. Like I said, not a Lib. I don't even like Liberals. What I despise even more are ignorant people which you sound like right about now.
And I'm not the one hiding behind a dump pic, like yourself.
Posted by: RafeMasters_76 | June 07, 2011 at 03:20 PM
That's because you guys only watch Fox News... The facts are there but even if I waste my time and spoon feed them to your infantile brain, you'll remain as ignorant as ever.
POSTED BY: RAFEMASTERS_76 | JUNE 07, 2011 AT 03:15 PM
--
More vitriol and unfounded statements. LOL Is this the latest bot?
JAY seems to have disappeared and the X-lax is worn out like a spent scumbag during the good old days of demonRAT rule in 70's Times Square.
.
Posted by: Ummahgummah | June 07, 2011 at 03:20 PM
methinks rafe is an annoying Jay bird...........
NO PERVS, NO LEVEL, NO MORE
--------------------------------------------
Probably due to the fact that I come across as someone who is smarter than you. Sorry about that.
Posted by: RafeMasters_76 | June 07, 2011 at 03:21 PM
UG, see what I mean....................................
NO PERVS 2012
Posted by: thebuckstopshere | June 07, 2011 at 03:21 PM
my reaction to your invaluable assessment is LAUGH MY A$$ OFF...........I'll bet a C note rafe & jay are one, as in gay coupling? .............
NO PERVS 2012
Posted by: thebuckstopshere | June 07, 2011 at 03:24 PM
Takes one to know one, honey.
Posted by: RafeMasters_76 | June 07, 2011 at 03:25 PM
.
LOL
I love how libs always need to convince themselves that they are "smarter" than Conservatives.
How do they explain the disproportionally higher average income earned by Conservative-leaning vs. your average RAT voter who is basically voting himself a handout at the expense of Conservative Taxpayers.
If mooching is a sign of intelligence.. then I am a pinko lib.
.
Posted by: Ummahgummah | June 07, 2011 at 03:26 PM
hey do me a favor stick around for comic relief, pervy
NO PERVS 2012
Posted by: thebuckstopshere | June 07, 2011 at 03:27 PM
.
TBSH, I think they are twittering their weenie pics to one another. The Congressman has a few busy days ahead of him so now his staff are out and about trying to place their spin and damage control.
Sorry, guys, but your Weiner is TOAST.
You can all shove that Weiner in your hot buns for all I care, but he is DONE.
.
Posted by: Ummahgummah | June 07, 2011 at 03:29 PM
dedicated to my gay friends........
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ObEN9jNMeQ
NO PERVS IN THE PEOPLES HOUSE 2012
Posted by: thebuckstopshere | June 07, 2011 at 03:31 PM
a weiner roast is in order here!
rise to the occassion & spew forth your RIGHTeous indignation that your history buff got caught with his pants down around his ankles while taking shots of his dick to send around the US to unknown women.....yeah real smart.................
HOPEfully NO PERVS 2012
Posted by: thebuckstopshere | June 07, 2011 at 03:34 PM
another dedication to the defenders of weiner, his dick & his tweet............
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-sb8e3P4LM
NO PERVS NO LEVEL NO MORE
Posted by: thebuckstopshere | June 07, 2011 at 03:38 PM
At least he didn't send it to a dude like some conservatives have been known to do.
Posted by: RafeMasters_76 | June 07, 2011 at 03:40 PM
.
I think even
OSCAR MAYER WEINER
would be far more kosher than Anthony somehow.
Jews can take comfort in the knowledge that Anthony's mother is probably a goyim.
.
Posted by: Ummahgummah | June 07, 2011 at 03:41 PM
point of your "intelligent" observation? the guy is a PERV...........wouldn't you just sh!t yourself if guys start popping up?
STOP THE PERVERSION 2012
Posted by: thebuckstopshere | June 07, 2011 at 03:44 PM
I think perhaps you should stop talking about Weiner so much. It sounds pretty...well, you know...
Posted by: RafeMasters_76 | June 07, 2011 at 03:52 PM
let me amend that a LYING PERV........
now this could get it interesting:
http://iowntheworld.com/blog/?p=79111
CLEAN THE BAWDY HOUSE OF LYING PERVS 2012
Posted by: thebuckstopshere | June 07, 2011 at 03:54 PM
it is what it is.........a PERV going down, PTL
TIME TO TAKE OUT THE TRASH 2012
Posted by: thebuckstopshere | June 07, 2011 at 03:56 PM
.
We can talk about WIENERGATE as much as we like, PUNK. How u gonna MAKE us STOP?
.
Posted by: Ummahgummah | June 07, 2011 at 03:57 PM
.
WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER WEINER
.
Posted by: Ummahgummah | June 07, 2011 at 03:58 PM
& if I might point out you brought up the PERV in this exchange...........
NO LYING PERVS 2012
Posted by: thebuckstopshere | June 07, 2011 at 03:58 PM
UG, I'm also willing to bet little ant phony weiner wishes he were the heir to Oscar right about now.....
NOT ONE MORE PERV IN THE PEOPLES' HOUSE EVER
Posted by: thebuckstopshere | June 07, 2011 at 04:01 PM
.
LOL
I wouldn't mind being heir to Oscar either! A perfectly respectable name too boot!
.
Posted by: Ummahgummah | June 07, 2011 at 04:05 PM
what's new Pelosi is furious.............
http://www.breitbart.tv/carville-on-democrat-reaction-to-weinergate-theyre-really-mad-at-him/
NO LYING PERVS 2012
Posted by: thebuckstopshere | June 07, 2011 at 04:06 PM
.
Seriously, I think RAFEPERV is the latest bot.
.
Posted by: Ummahgummah | June 07, 2011 at 04:06 PM
maybe they are all alike then, 'cause he sure sounds like Jaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyy
NO LYING PERVS 2012
Posted by: thebuckstopshere | June 07, 2011 at 04:07 PM
hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.........
more trouble in weinerdise...........
http://weaselzippers.us/2011/06/07/dem-congresswoman-gives-weiner-campaign-donation-to-charity/
THROW THE PERVS OUT 2012
Posted by: thebuckstopshere | June 07, 2011 at 04:09 PM
.
Alright. No more trolls.
The Truth left them speechless.
.
Posted by: Ummahgummah | June 07, 2011 at 04:21 PM
UG, I think they have a problem speaking prior to the TRUTH.........all they come up with is obtuse observations, backed up with trite talking pts............
STOP THE INSANITY 2012
Posted by: thebuckstopshere | June 07, 2011 at 04:25 PM
does kind of remind me of scab duty prior to political correctness..........ah those were the days........
NO MORONIC TALKING HEADS 2012
Posted by: thebuckstopshere | June 07, 2011 at 04:26 PM
.
Check THIS out, guys:
Weinermobile CRASH!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bF5p0LtF0Yo&feature=related
This kind of reflects the current state of affairs in Weinerland.
The comments are HILARIOUS as well. Gaylibs being honest FOR A CHANGE.
.
Posted by: Ummahgummah | June 07, 2011 at 04:30 PM
I'm happy for ya, LIEberator. You can rest easy now and LEAVE US ALONE. WE will support Sarah Palin, never mind the polls, thank you very much.
You can take your polls and relax now since you feel that your Chosen ONE will handily beat her in 2012 :-)
WE on the other hand, do not believe the Libberish and we will wage WAR ON ERROR 2012 !!!!
.
Posted by: Ummahgummah | June 07, 2011 at 02:05 PM
Yes.
Generally, I just let them yap, and do their copy-pasty, and scroll awayyyyyyyyyyy.
Posted by: gringoman | June 07, 2011 at 04:32 PM
test
Posted by: thebuckstopshere | June 07, 2011 at 04:35 PM
I'm actually getting a kick out of the sheer stupidity behind their comments and points they try to make. Quite the spectacle...
Posted by: RafeMasters_76 | June 07, 2011 at 04:36 PM