So, with Representative Weiner’s tearful press conference today, we have the latest manifestation of President Clinton’s ultimate legacy:
Never resign, because you just might make it.
First, you feign ignorance. “Pardon me? I’m not really familiar with that. Let me get back to you.”
Then, you deny dismissively. “Oh, what are those wacky people saying about me now?”
Penultimately, you deny defiantly. “I am angry. This is a potential distraction from the work I was sent here to do for the American people, and I will not allow that.” (This is also the step during which you or one of your minions tosses out a sound bite or two impugning your detractors.)
Finally, when you’re so stuck even the Daily Kos denizens are throwing you under the bus, you apologize tearfully. “I have made mistakes and hurt many people and for that I am deeply sorry.”
It’s just uncanny how predictably “contrition” follows exposure, isn’t it?
Beyond the stench of sleaze, Weiner may have additional problems. He didn’t just lie about himself, but about others. He’ll be lucky to avoid a lawsuit.
So you didn’t really expect Weiner to resign, did you? How shocking would it have been for him to come out and be sorry? Now, now, don’t say he was. I mean genuinely sorry. I don’t mean 20 minutes of indulgent self-flagellation in the shadow of overwhelming evidence. I mean maybe a sincere mention of the H-word.
You know, “honor”? How passé is that anymore?
It depresses me to consider that Weiner is a reflection on us. We get what we deserve. I don’t know that his political career will survive, but I’d say it’s 3-1 it will. It depresses me more to ponder that maybe we’re so accepting of this deplorable behavior in our elected officials—and if/when his constituents don’t demand his resignation longly and loudly, it is acceptance—because there’s a component of validation. It normalizes the behavior. Perhaps too many rationalize for themselves with it. “Could be worse. Just a little side pastime, after all.”
The very notion of “the right thing to do” is endangered. It dies a little more every time something like this passes without its genuine consideration. And oh, my goodness, you can be sure Weiner’s hunkered down to ride it out. He (says he) didn’t break the law, and he’s cried for the cameras, so he’s done.
If it appalls you that he’d even consider such, you’re just old-fashioned.
You might also like:
- I took the Weiner photograph
It was late, and we’d had a couple of beers, and…sheesh. Everyone’s acting like sitting around tak… - Governor Bentley’s response to his phone sex? Let’s “move on”
So now there is apparently a recording of phone sex between my state’s 73-year-old sitting governor … - Dear men: penis-touching rules are pretty immutable
“You can touch your penis anytime you want, in whatever way you want, for as long as you want. But t… - At least six dead in Tucson shooting; U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords shot in head
At least six people were killed when a gunman opened fire at a meeting U.S. Representative Gabrielle… - “It’s just all so terribly romantic…”
About ten years ago, at a more bad than good job, I met Brent. We were never close friends, but I tr…
Great post. I heard a young lady from Weiner’s district call into Mark Levin’s show as I was on my way to SAR practice this evening. She said she had voted for him before and most certainly would vote for him again and she urged all of his constituents to “rally ’round” him and support him. Gag me. No pun intended. And then she launched into the litany of all the Republicans that have been caught in similar scandals. Mark quickly pointed out that the ones she mentioned didn’t lie, lie, lie for a week and wag their…finger at others. They all admitted and resigned.
I went back and watched a YouTube video this afternoon of Weiner a few days ago as he was leaving the chambers and was getting grilled and drilled by the press. Knowing now what we only could suspect then? It’s hysterical. What a piece of work that guy is. I suspect it’s about to be Open Season on Republicans now. Just think of all the Kos acolytes that are out there rubbing their hands in glee, trying to figure out how they can snooker a Repub into the same kind of situation. And if any one of them, Dem or Repub, even thinks about texting, sexting, tweeting, facebooking, or whatever, they better think long and hard (no pun….oh whatever) before they touch that BlackBerry. Social media is a wonderful thing, but it’s a dangerous thing in the right (wrong?) hands.
You know, I’m reminded of a child who gets caught doing something bad and says “I’m sorry” because they think it’s the magic word to getting out of trouble. They are not really contrite about their actions. They do not wish to cease the activity. They do not think they deserve punishment. They are merely sorry that they got caught. That’s where lots of parents can get it wrong. Sometimes there need to be consequences even if a kid says sorry. A kid needs a time out or losing something precious for awhile to really get the concept.
Same thing with the politicians. You knew it was wrong. You screwed up. I’m glad you are apologizing because you should. There are consequences, though, for being stupid or arrogant or whatever it was that made you think you could get away with the bad behavior. You do not get to carry on like nothing has happened. You lose something. In this case you deserve to lose your job. Quit whining about it. You knew it was a possibility when you took part in that type of behavior. Want to open a fast food chain now? or become a corporate lawyer? Best of luck to you in your new venture away from the postion you hold now. Be advised, though, in the real world, they may be far less forgiving if you forget your lesson again.
Totally agree. And you know what is so bad about this guy and situation in particular? It wasn’t just a “one time thing” or “first time thing.” Now that all the pretty ladies are crawling out of the woodwork, we are really starting to see what a pervert he is.
And, as someone who holds a security clearance, I can tell you that getting involved so deeply in a “blackmail-able” situation is VERY dangerous. I wouldn’t have been able to even get a clearance if I’d had serious financial problems in my past! Just think about someone who has been carrying on multiple illicit phone sex/text affairs for months. Unbelievable. And also unbelievable is the arrogance one must have to think he can do something this outrageous and get away with it. And get away with it is exactly what I am afraid he’s going to do. I mean, if the POTUS could get away with it, surely a lowly Congressman can.
This just falls right in with what I’m talking about (that for all the attention we give these things, the morals are heinously downplayed because of the validation afforded). Here’s someone babbling that lying about sex doesn’t say anything meaningful about a person’s character.
I’m just wondering why the guy picked a Star Jones clone to try his Y-chromosome Force powers on. Wouldn’t the real Star be happy to umm, play with Weiner.
Ah, it’s not even fun anymore. How many days til kickoff?