So, what do you all think after the presser?
****
Steve Benen: On the Political Sex Scandal Richter Scale, I’m still not altogether sure why this even registers at all. Given what we know, Weiner shared adult content with women he met online. They were adults and the interactions were consensual. He didn’t commit adultery (Ensign), he didn’t hire prostitutes (Vitter, Spitzer), he didn’t solicit anyone in an airport bathroom (Craig), he didn’t pretend to be someone else in order to try to pick up women (Lee), he didn’t abandon his office for a rendezvous with his lover (Sanford), he didn’t leave his first two wives after they got sick (Gingrich), he didn’t have a child with his housekeeper (Schwarzenegger), there’s no sex tape (Edwards), and no interns were involved (Clinton). He’s not even a hypocrite — Weiner has never championed conservative “family values,” condemning others for their “moral failings.”
****
The Obama Diary 
I am very sad. I really like him. What could make him so something so stupid when he obviously is so intelligent?
Very disappointed. I was a big fan of Anthony. Why do some people do stupid stuff like this?
I am no expert but very intelligent people can have personality disorders and they always seem to come out.
http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/06/leaked_emails_show_tip_to_breitbart_about_weiner_t.php?ref=fpb
Actually – to hack someone on Twitter, all you needed was their email address – not a password.
The article is important (regarding Wolfe’s obsession of Weiner…) – but this from the comments is the REAL NEWS:
Actually, from this page published in April of 2010:
http://freenuts.com/photo-shar…
“or you can upload photos to yfrog by sending them to the email address it offers to you.”
It was known as a feature well before this hack. If you were looking to screw with someone via twitter, and knew this capability existed, it would be trivial to pull off if you knew the email address. A lot of ifs in there, but Mr. Wolfe seems to be somewhat fixated on the Weiner.
If that second link doesn’t work – try this:
http://freenuts.com/photo-sharing-websites-for-twitter/
I honestly think the bigger question is why is Andy B going after Weiner so hard?
Honestly, who gives a fuck about a photo on the web?? I certainly don’t. And from what I hear, most of his constituents don’t either. So why is this even a story?
I heard a report that when he was asked, “Is that you?” he actually DID answer, and said “I wish” and laughed. Assume for a minute he actually said that. That means he has “denied” it. How many times does he have to continue to do that if they keep saying he hasn’t??? Why on earth would anyone comment on such a NONFUCKINGSTORY???
Has anyoney been watching Jon Stewart’s take on it?
I didn’t catch the end of the presser, but did I hear people saying that Breitbarf ended up on the podium answering questions? What on earth was that about? Going back to the last post to see if someone mentioned it. The whole thing is just indicative of the craziness trying to take over this country. President Obama has often said that the pettiness needs to end – and he must just be shaking his head today.
Breitbart crashed the press conference before Weiner came out. The reporters encouraged him to take the podium and he took questions. The networks did not carry him live.
That is so wrong.
Breitbart is a piece of shit, despicable rotten human waste and his Karma will be well-deserved!!! I despise Breitbart!!! He is pure scum!!!
i think he should resign. his district is very democratic, so it will be no seat lost in the congress. i didn’t like his obsession with the single payer thing, i don’t know, i see him as a professional-left-light. well, his is a friend of the clintons …. yup, he must go.
Why should he resign? His constituents don’t care about this, so why should anyone?
Why aren’t people asking why these people are going after him regarding something that has absolutely NOTHING to do with his job, especially if he indeed was hacked – which if you look at my links about, prove it was very very easy to do.
He did a press conference admitting that he’s spent the last 10 days lying. saying that he did send it to the girl and that he’s done this 6 times before. He admitted that he’s had “sexy” phone conversations with other women, he said his wife knows. Apparently more pictures are set to come out. Re-watch Hardball at 7pm, there are more pictures of him showing off his chest and a picture of him with a sign that says “Me”.
I agree lisa. He has lied to the nation. I am sure the dems are furious with him.
I did not know he had admitted to having phone sex. Should he go to jail, no, but look what he has done to the party. This will go on for a long time. It was just about him.
Would we be so generous if he was not a democrats?
I don’t think anything Weiner did was illegal, like the payoff by Ensign or frequenting prostitutes by Vitter – and Ensign only resigned when he was about to be charged, while Vitter is still a Senator. Unlike the Republicans who claim to be the family values party, he didn’t pretend to be holier than thou. The only thing I fault him for is accusing President Obama of having no values, and all the while, he knew what he was doing himself. And Weiner’s thrown a lot of rotten eggs at President Obama over these months, so I can’t extend any sympathy to him.
theo, I agree. He has been critical of the president on numerous occasions. I too have no sympathy. This is not over with. More to follow.
I agree with you!..Some comments state that is none of our business what he does in private,But he is an elected offical,did he not consider that type of behavior could under mine his political message? Can anyone now listen to Weiner without thinking of the pictures he posted of himself? He has also shamed his wife and his family. I did not like him before this incident,now I just see him as a pathetic excuse for a man who defines his worth by the size of penis.
Yeah, but they’re mostly biologically designed to do that. If we make that a prereq – I’m afraid it might thin the herd a little too much. 😉
Well, now Weiner has been caught In a Lie, and that doesn’t look good, or makes one feel that Weiner Is not trustworthy, IMO. That’s Taboo, the way he lied and everything 😦
Totally!
Personally I think he needs to get his act together. I could care less about him – but I care a LOT about Democrats and their agenda and he of all people ought to know how the media works this kind of BS to the detriment of democrats. And these fools always ALWAYS lie when they do something stupid like this, which then goes to their integrity and their character. First why do it? Second what then lie about it? I just see it as so immature and needy for attention.. and tone-deaf as hell to the media’s sensationalist behavior.
My sentiments exactly, Sheirjr. I don’t care much for Weiner, but I care that the media will want to tie this around all Democrats and distract from the message of Medicare privatization in the Ryan budget. I can’t believe that he lied. If he knew this was true, he should have taken some time with his wife, his close confidants and decided about an appropriate way before coming out to the press.
Given that he was close friends with the Clintons, I can’t believe that no one advised him to just fess up if this was true from the beginning. The lie sometimes becomes bigger than the story. I just don’t understand why people don’t understand this. Again, he should have kept his mouth shut until he decided to address the press like he did today.
I have sent e-mails to everyone in the press whose e-mail address I have, telling them that there are other important issues impacting the lives of Americans, including the Medicare issue than this sex scandal..
As it relates to the Medicare issue, here is a poll out:
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/06/poll-large-majorities-of-elderly-most-informed-oppose-medicare-privatization.php?ref=fpb
Let’s try to do our bit to keep the issue front and center. I live in a red district, and just to get a feel for what people are thinking, I do my own informal poll. Every time I am at a grocery store, drug store our out and about where there is a line, I strike up a conversation with my sole goal of asking about their opinions on Ryan Medicare. So far, no one likes it. They are scared of it. Sometimes I play devil’s advocate and tell people that at least they are safe, but that the younger people under 55 will be impacted. People don’t want to hear that either, because they have children.
These guys have gotten themselves into a real pickle. We need to keep spreading the word Go figure.
Wow, excellent post Africa, will do as you have and write the media about this nonsense. I don’t speak a lot to the folks in my also very very RED town- but may try it on the medicare issue as most of them here are elderly.. and they may not be getting all the real facts. Thanks for your ideas 🙂
Good idea…I think I’ll do the same thing. I talk to everybody! Sometimes my kids will ask me when we get back in the car who that was…I tell them “I don’t know, just somebody in the grocery line!”Do it all the time so I might as well do that informal poll, and a touch of explainin’:)
LOL!! Yep, that’s me too, all the time.
My son used to ask me that all the time. He will say “who’s that mommy?” and I’ll say, ‘I don’t know.’ These days he says, “Let me guess, you don’t know that person.” And now we just laugh about it.
I am with sherijr. Indeed, we must work together to get the truth to seniors.
sherijr, you are so right. I could care less about him. He fights against everything Obama wants. He is so perfect in his political vision–the perfect puritan who say my way or no way. He obvious has a huge ego and, as often happens, that can get you into trouble.
It is a democratic district. No way a repug will be able to get the seat.
I am really disappointed that the nation instantly believes he wasn’t setup/hacked, when it was so easy to do with a twitter account.
Since when did Breitbart become the ultimate truth teller??
Tally – he admitted today that he did it himself, and he had several other women he was communicating with inappropriately before and after his marriage. He had a press conference earlier this afternoon. I think the calls for his resignation are because of his media blitz last week, touting his innocence. His credibilty is shot – and it really wasn’t even necessary. If he had admitted it right off the bat, and then moved on to tell people to mind his own business (since he didn’t do anythign illegal), then he could have ridden out this storm
🙂
Ah – I missed that. Thanks.
Yep, I’d take a not-so-wild guess that it was a Breitfart set-up with at least one of the women who handed over photos – I’d like a little digging to be done on that front. I’m assuming he heard that Weiner had a track record with this stuff, so he was an easy catch in the end. But there’s no doubt Tally, Weiner was a damn fool to get involved in this silliness when he’s such a high profile and recognizable politician. What was he thinking?? That said, to me, his only ‘crime’ here is bloody stupidity!
I think when you hold public office and engage in this kind of behavior over the internet, you run the risk of blackmail. If you have a problem with impulse control and engage in high risk behavior and have been doing this for years with several women online and you are unable to state their ages, then I think you are exhibiting a tremendous immaturity and lack of judgement.
I was puzzled when he was asked if he would seek counseling, he replied that this is not something that can be “treated” away. I don’t know what he meant by that but he clearly is very self-destructive.
But blackmail over WHAT exactly? That those photos of him – alone – a physically fit male – I mean….. honestly, I imagine if someone actually tried to blackmail him he likely would with say, “GO PUBLIC”, or likely pull a David Letterman, and expose them.
As far as not something that can be “treated away” I agree. People like what they like. I think Gerard Butler & George Clooney are übersexy. Not everyone likes green eyes. Some people actually like lima beans. Some people hate cats. I SO DON’T CARE what gets off any member of government, as long as it doesn’t break the law or hurt anyone. I am not Mrs Weiner, nor is it up to me to decide what is best for her, and their marriage.
I don’t care about the morality or the wife or whatever. That’s his own business. It’s the stupidity of it and the lame attempt at a coverup. Just feeding into the right-wing machine and idiot Breitbart.
What I care about is the disconnecet between what is reinforced in a very sexualized culture, and yet we have those that want to legislate and punish sexuality/morality. Total schizophrenia. There is an awful lot of hypocrisy being exhibited. And I might add a certain party would be loathe to interfere with any ones rights to profit economically from the “sex”, they use it to sell everything. How much viagara is manufactured, sold and consummed in this country? Sex is big business. and yet we have such unhealthy and conflicted attitudes about sexuality.
Anthony Weiner has embarrassed himself, he should be allowed to be responsible and accept the consuquences for his poor judgement. But has he commited a crime?
Andrew Beitbart has no business casting stones, yet he makes that his business. IMO, he is amoral, and an opportunist of the lowest order.
Chip, my real concern is his credibility when he stands in the well of the House to speak on the issues of the day. In light of this, will any future oratory be persuasive? i kinda doubt it.
I agree with you Yardarm, I can just imagine the sniggering and eye-rolling the next time he gets up to speak. His credibility probably went out the window with this, it’s hard to imagine his political career ever really recovering. What a bloody fool.
I think It has something to do with Clarence Thomas. I think I read this article on *Angry Black Woman* last week
I leave this matter to a higher authority…John 8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. King James Version (KJV)
Amen.
I think he did what he had to do in terms of throwing himself on the sword. Personally, I think he stayed out there a little to long. After disemboweling himself, staying out there for continued bloodletting was overkill.
Idiotic action in today’s ‘everything is online and not a secret’ world. But Tally is on target with the following: “I honestly think the bigger question is why is Andy B going after Weiner so hard?”
This crap is a total distraction from Ryan and the Kill Medicare Band! Fricking Weiner! Let this be a lesson to the PL who think PBO is too prosaic and lacks passion. People who were floating around names like Weiner and that mousey fool who sued congress’s cafeteria because he chipped a tooth as challengers to PBO come 2012. I’ve never liked Weiner, but I’d rather wish this stuff on Repugs. I feel sorry for his wife, his constituency, the House Dem and Dems in general. This was ridiculous. Chris Mathews showed more pictures that Weiner took and sent. And apparently he’s done it to six other women before and after he was married. Ugh! The repugs must be happy for the breather. I don’t think he should resign cause he has a big mouth and we need that for the upcoming elections, BUT, I think if he stays, he continues to be too much of a distraction because I heard analysts say that he did the wrong thing at the press conference. They said he opened a can of worms because he answered 20 minutes of questions that is now red meat for the media. The only good thing about this is that if he goes, his district is traditionally a blue district so he’ll be easily replaced by a Dem. Idiot. 🙄
ps- Thank god for PBO, I don’t know what we would do without him.
I’m sorry he did it. I would have thought he was more media savvy than that. I’m sorry for his wife. If I were his constituent I would still vote for him but I wouldn’t like him as much. We kind of reveled in the come-down of Republican politicians* for this kind of stuff. I guess that’s sauce for our gander now. I’m glad he’s not stepping down. I wonder if this will limit his effectiveness. (*I realize that this is because they are always yelling about Family Values, and judging other people by their own high and mighty standards)
“I wonder if this will limit his effectiveness”
I hope so because he sure has not been a friend to this President. No more invitations for Weiner to talk trash on the news shows at least for the present time is a good thing. Just sit down be quiet and vote the way Nancy tells you.
A congress person is elected for his/her judgement, as well as political stance. The second he realized he sent the pic on Twitter NOT by direct message, all that remained was how he was going to react. And he didn’t react well.
I’m more angry that this whole situation has somehow managed to morph Breitbart into some kind of “legit” journalist. Feh.
Weiner is one of the best in Congress, and I’m ready to overlook minor faults and silliness.
He has his pluses.
Is it wrong that I kind of think he has nices pecs?*
*(I do know it is wrong to say I think he has a nice package, so I will keep that thought to myself).
No it’s not. I noticed that too! Zowie,…who knew?
Leader Pelosi is calling for ethics investigation into Rep. Weiner’s actions. She wants ethics investigation “to determine whether any official resources were used or any other violation of House rules occurred.”
If she hadn’t the repugs would have. She just preempted them. Thats good. The best defense is a good offense.
I agree. I wonder what the over/under is on the existence of any Official House Rules on internet photos for House members… or their members…. 😉
sorry, couldn’t resist. 😀
I’m sure the investigation will focus on whether he used government property to engage with these women.
I agree. And if it shows he didn’t? Then what? Will there be a giant…. oh… bummer… not really a story… Then can we send the bill for that investigation to Breitbart??? pleeeeeeeeease? 😀
You’re baaaaaaaaaaaaaaad!!! 😆
Agreed, lisa. She ripped them of that talking point. Smart move.
What he does in his personal life is none of our business, but I think it is pathetic for him to have had “sexy” phone conversations with other women while he is married. Secondly,to come out and profess his innocence over and over again knowing he did it is just another reason for people to not respect Government and its representatives.
Not only that, but he LIED!!!! How can we trust him as our Represenative???
What he did in his personal life did affect something that is our business – Clarence Thomas’s and his wife’s financial records and their ties to the health care industry. With this scandal, none of that is going to get talked about and it could hurt ACA if it makes it to the Supreme Court. Weiner should be operating on how this world and the media works not how he thinks it should work.
I think he should resign. Especially since he had the nerve to say President Obama is not a “values guy”
I forgot about that statement given all the other crap he was firing at POTUS.
I think the lesson here for all Obama bashers, is that Karma is a b*tch and one way or another, she’s gonna get your a$$.
Could not have summed it up better!!!
I agree with you Lisa
I’ll say what I said about Clinton. This is between him and his wife. And since she is so close to the Clintons she shouldn’t be surprised by this mess.
That being said, I’m pissed at him the same way I was at Edwards because they are distracting our attention deficient media. Why is this the big story of the day and not about the auto industry rebound or other stories?
These are suppose to be upstanding People. It’s beginning to look like Lawyers, Doctors, and Congressmen have a problem getting Involved In sexual activity 😦
I feel no empathy for this emotional cheater. He once questioned the intergrity and personal morality of the president i guess he should have checked himself before trying to judge Obama. F**k Weiner and the other loud a*ss left wing loud mouths. They will learn about going against the president just to be going against him. His wife is the only one my heart aches for. She didn’t ask for this from what I have seen from her she is such a sweet and quality lady. Why do these men keep saying that they love and respect their wives but keep letting their actions say just the opposite. I will pray for his wife only.
Same here…. NO SYMPATHY! What pisses me off the most is the ARROGANCE of it all. Sending that last picture AFTER an elex was just had by NY because of another moron who put his business in craigslist while married.
Then, Weiner lies about it on TV with reporters for a WHOLE WEEK!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGHT THE STUPID BURNS.
That said, Since Vitter is still in the senate I dont think he should resign.
*takes deep breath*
I feel so bad for him. He has been very critical of President Obama, sometimes to the point of over cookin’ my grits, but I believe he is a good man who made very horrible choices. He should NOT resign.
I personally, am not so eager to throw our best fighters under the bus, especially since there are so many BlueDogs & DINOS left, that this last congressional term the GOP was able to filibuster everything, and hold out for 60 magical votes that never existed since they COULD.
This is still a non-story to me. He never cheated on his wife. And this pales in comparison to Newt, Edwards, and all the right-wing gay-scandals that keep coming nonstop from the professional hypocrites on the right.
What Weiner did with some online photos, didn’t “put the nation at risk” as Breitbart claims. That is insane nonsense.
The Ryan Budget is a FAR BIGGER SCANDAL in my view, and will affect me, and millions like me, PERSONALLY. Weiner’s photos don’t affect me AT ALL.
Personally, I don’t care if he stays or goes, but I do think Karma got him and I can’t fault the laws of nature for that.
Sorry Tally but our “best fighters” don’t try to take demean, sabotage and undermine our President!!!
*sigh* I was at work all day today, so I guess I misses this and what I am sure was ensuing hoopla. Honestly, even given the fact that he apparently engages in extracurriculars and send pictures to someone (a conclusion I came to after he kept dodging the “is it you?” questions last week,) I really don’t care about this story and wish Weiner and everyone following him in the media would just shut up about it for five seconds. That being said, I am sad that a known liar (Breitbart) will try to use this to keep himself out of hot water for drumming up a scandal based on fraud, and will continue to smear people based on the idea that a smear “might” have some truth to it.
This x infinity.
QuietObserver, I feel like your tag name. I like to sit and listen to everyone usually before I make a statement. That being said, I’m with Lisa in that Karma is a bitch, yet it seems to bite Dems harder. I’m still waiting for all of those very, very hateful rethugs to take serious falls, of any kind, as they smear our President worse than any Dem rep has so far. Further, though, I have no pity on anyone, and I mean anyone who attacks my President in unfair and deceitful ways, so Mr. Weiner should’ve kept his little wiener under wraps. Like, ugh….how disgusting. So the mouth falls. I don’t care. I have no respect for him, don’t know his work, but I sincerely don’t care for any in the Dem party who doesn’t tow the line for the party. Dems cannot be successful always in a fractured state. I say, be an individual in your personal life, but when you are part of a whole, you should pull your weight, or get the hell out.
Should be “the mouth” fails, not falls.
How does it go, “It’s not the deed but the cover up.” If he would’ve been truthful out of the gate this story would be on its way to being over.
A simple statement in the beginning of “Yes it was me and, yes I did tweet that photo. I will admit that it showed bad judgement on my part and yes I am a idiot. I’ve never claimed to be chasten and as you can see by the photo I’m not shy. Lastly I only hope my wonderful wife will have pity on her dunce of a husband…..end of statement!
Sorry to say but it’s the lie that will sink him.
Agreed. He wasted two weeks of our time when he should have ended this the second the pic surfaced. Yeah, it’s embarrassing and arrogant as hell but he’d have far better cred if he just came out and admitted it was a dumb thing to do. That presser was so awkward I had to turn it off. It makes me angry when a person so bright and passionate still can’t think with the right head.
This is such a distraction, especially when the bigger issues are still in play!
“can’t think with the right head.”
LOL… I’ve used this line countless times when ripping a male who does stupid sh–. I say, man is of the “fickle” sex. That little thing goes off like a Geiger counter if one isn’t sound in mind 😀
I still like Weiner, the dumb cluck. I love to hear him yank Republicans over the coals and slap the microphone down when he’s finished.
Sigh.
I also heard it had something to do with Justice Thomas and feel sorry I won’t, perhaps, hear Representative Weiner questioning that hypocrite.
What I can’t understand about our deplorably shameful MSM is how they treat the liar and manipulator, Breitbart as a credible source of information. Or Sarah Pailin, for that matter.
But then, the MSM is all about showing off freaks.
Right on the money Joan!
I forgot to add another “Sigh at the end!”
+ 25 trillion!
The msm depends on trash to bring them trash, otherwise it’s a slow day in the “news” /snark…”news”!?
His juvenile behavior is disgusting to me.
IT’S A SHAME…THEY NEED TO THINK ABOUT THE CONSEQUENCES…SOONER OR LATER YOU PAY THE PIPER!
I really admire him, and thought one day like 2020 he would be running for President. What a fool, is the devil so busy that these politicians have destroy themselves? What a waste.
If I’m Honest, I have to admit I could care less about Weiner. In my own mind, I declared him probably guilty when he started saying “I cant say w/Certitude that it’s me in the photo” His statements were progressively weasal-like from then on. He just sounded guilty to me. He’s also normally loud and abrasive which doesn’t always sit well with me; especially when he directs it towards the WH, which he frequently does when he makes TV appearances.
I have a lot of sympathy for his wife, who works for Hillary at the State Dept. I don’t think they’ve been married for a year yet even. I feel bad for her.
Totally agree with you Cat48. Truth always pays off and Weiner lied from the beginning – lies have consequences. Just because others did it and get away still does not make it right. I have to teach that to children everyday. If he had not done anything wrong then Andrew B would not have a leg to stand on. I remember only too well Weiner saying our President had no values- we now see that if Weiner had a smidgen of the President’s values and smarts he would not be giving that pitiful press conference today.
Like you Cat48 – I have sympathy for his wife and I just hope he learns a thing or two from our President.
*tries to give a damn* *fails*
🙂
Call me a dreamer, but I like my politicians to be honest. Anthony Weiner wasn’t honest. And that’s sad because I have seen him on the Daily Show and MSNBC and I like him, just like I like Alan Grayson. But once the seed of dishonesty has been sown, it’s hard to trust. I’m pissed at him for this sophomoric stunt and even more for the lie. It’s not as bad as John Edwards — I still have my Kerry Edwards sign in my garage — but I feel let betrayed. Yes, it’s between him and his wife; but he’s not a regular guy once he’s in office — he’s a public official and they are held to a higher standard. Sure, Breitbart had it in for him, but, he and he alone is responsible for the action and the cover up.
He really pissed me off all the times he went after Potus, but I care less what he does in his personal life. He though is a good fighter in congress and he isnt like one of rightwing moral values guys i.e Vitter the prostitute buyer etc. And I dont think he should resign, and why should he? He has served his constituency well that is all that matters to me. Call me a blind follower, as I stood for Rep. Rangel not to resign and face the decision of his district, I will as well stand by weiner.
As I said over at TOAITR,I agree with Steve Benen’s assessment of this whole thing.Republicans are SUCH HYPOCRITES, and should be reminded of that over and over and over and over again.
I think the time the media particularly the right wing media and the famous right wing blogger Andrew Briethart spent on Weiner’s private sexual fantasies is waste. Why don’t the media report on the other aspects of Paul Ryan’s medicare killer bill? Or Boehner’s lack of job bills? or even what Republican governors all across the nation are doing to maintain unemployment at a high level?
It is a media a circus all over and every day.
M.
Because Americans, and specifically the main stream media, want to be entertained more than they want to be informed. There are serious, life-altering, country-destroying, global problems facing this country right now. And there’s a presidential election underway with no serious contendors but a bunch of racists who want to take the country back to where it was 55 years ago. But, the media and the country just spent two weeks following a man’s journey through the gutter instead of focusing on what matters.
Totally spot on Theo!!!
It is amazing that a dude who sends out pictures of his skivvies gets as much press as a Gov. who fathered a child while the woman was in his house everyday. What’s next? A reality TV show where EVERYBODY’S in the room when people do what they do.
What Weiner did was wrong, but only deserves “Honorable Mention” in Capitol Hill sexy, freaky, salacious behaviour.
As disgusted as I am with Weiner’s juvenile behavior, I do NOT want him to resign. To do so would be empowering sleazeballs like Breitbart, Drudge and O’Keefe. These guys are trolling to unmask people, whether they are guilty or not. They have gone after the NAACP, ACORN (with success), NPR, Planned Parenthood, Sen. Landrieu and many others. I’m sure they are busily working on trying to find Something, ANYTHING on the President so they can blow it all out of proportion and claim to have taken down another person in power.
I realize that many of the wounds suffered by politicians including this one, are self-inflicted–Clinton, Edwards, etc. But have you noticed that the Republican scandals are a little harder to pull out–i.e., Swartzenneger, his son is 13 years old!–I do NOT believe nobody knew about that until now–AFTER he served 2 terms as Governor and was OUT of office.
What Weiner did was foolish, but he didn’t hurt anybody but his wife, family and himself. I don’t know what he was thinking, but I am thinking that I do not want to see Breitbart strutting around claiming to have taken down a Democratic congressman.
Anytime a Democrat has to apologize to A Right Wing Hack such as Breitbart, and boost his credibility, is not a good day for me. I was so wishing that he was indeed hacked.
The RW media will not rest until Weiner is forced to resign. They are planning to drag this out all through the summer.
I was wishing that he was hacked as well. I don’t care about Weiner’s cybersex or whatever; I’m not married to him and he’s not running a “moral majority” or “family values” con, so why should I care that he’s a freak? I just hope that now that he’s had a taste of the hot seat, his stridency and sanctimony towards President Obama is dialed down a notch or two hundred, and that people begin to ask themselves whether all of that drama and red meat serves any positive purpose for progressives. I think that he should step down if and only if his constituents’ reaction to this story is so negative that we would risk losing that seat. I agree with hopefruit; this is now the summer’s story, and I resent Weiner’s choice to play cat and mouse with the press, thus enlarging the story.
I’m with you, Virginia. I believe a lot of folks knew all about Arnold. But he got a pass because he was a republican. Where was Breitbart and his minions on that? That man is pure evil and needs to be run out of the public eye. He always looks like he just got out of bed and didn’t shower or shave. His victim act at the press conference was totally disgusting.
Wonder how Shirley Sherrod’s lawsuit is going? She’d better stick with it.
I remember calling his office, when he was making his rounds in Media and bashing our President, talking about we need a leader that value the progressive agenda…blah blah. I was so pissed I called his office and to my surprise he answered, I was just ready to leave a message with his secretary …as soon as I said “How Dare you, or Shame on you for even questioning This President’s values” ……lol He hang Up on Me.
So I say this; To all you backstabbers that bash this President, just remember one thing that the Higher Powers have a way of channeling things when you least expected….and Yes “Karma” is a B.
I feel for his wife and family, and the Democratic party, Weiner NO.
Should he resign? NO. Then Newt shouldn’t be running, he cheated on All 3 Wives leaving each for another.
Senator Vitter would resign for hiring prostitutes, Rudy Giuliani Married his Cousin, while Mayor of NY.
The Governor from was it Georgia, had an affair and went on trips to Argentina….Ensign only resigned once he found out, he was about to be charged.
President Clinton survived his scandal. Anthony was powerful and fearless in debating issues on House floor, unfortunatelly, what Weiner lost beside Trust from his Wife..is Credibility.
All politicians should just admit that their ideal setup would be a “sister wives” sort a deal. Have an honest arrangement with the harem and there would be nothing for Breitbart & Co to “discover.” That would clear up all confusion on both sides and allow them to carry on with love, sex and politics.
Since many of them have no respect for women, I’m sure this would appeal to many of them… Not good.
Was a fan of Rep. Weiner. Now, I feel like he has lost credibility due to his adamant lying. It will now be difficult for him to challenge any republican for not being truthful. I wish he had simply admitted that he had sent the original photo when questioned.
The irony of having Bill Clinton officiate their wedding will not be lost on all of the comedians.
I haven’t read through all the posts, but what bothers me are the lies. I had a bad feeling when he was very defensive early on. Followed by one on one interviews with the media where the lie was less obvious. (aside from the fact that he said he was hacked) Now today he comes forward to say he has lied and made horrible mistakes??? I heard there are more pictures that are out there. But I fear that there’s something bigger.
I keep hearing him call a reporter a jackass when the guy pressed him for answers. But who is the jackass now. In my opinion, he should have stayed clear of the press in the beginning, then talked to his wife. Get all the crap out on the table. Somehow I doubt he has been completely honest with her. If he chose to come forward later and say that he made mistakes or was carried away with social media, maybe it would not have turned into such a media mess.
Has anyone mentioned the issue about Justice Clarence Thomas and his wife’s involvement with rightwing groups? Is this whole Weiner thing to pull attention away from Thomas?
Let’s hope not!!! Clarence Thomas and his wife Virginia must be exposed and must pay for their evil dealings!!!
THIS.
And if Weiner is so demonized for being nothing more than an idiot, HOW DOES VITTER GET A PASS FOR HIRING PROSTITUTES????
And incorporating diapers into his act. Baby Vitter….and we thought nothing could top Newt in his mankini. Looking for my brain bleach yet again.
I have to say that I respect the role that those to the left of the President provide. I do wish they would be more careful and respectful in their rhetoric. You can disgree without demeaning and commiting character assasination in the process of expressing your positions. President Obama sets a fine example.
I think Anthony has earned his embarrassment, and will have to rebuild his credibility. As with Clinton, it was the lying that I find to be most upsetting. We always need to be responsible to the relationships we engage in. Elected officials represent alot of people, Anthony used exceptionally poor judgement in his actions and seemed not to give much thought to anyone beyond himself and his need for gratification. He has let alot of people down. Provided he did nothing illegal he needs to get back to the business of repairing the damage.
I don’t know him personally and I’m not a NY constituent, so admittedly there are quite a few people who should be in line ahead of me, but I could shake the snot out of him, because the nation is now focused yet another salacious sex scandal instead of the real problems that need to be solved. Not to mention giving that slimeball Andrew Breibart the opportunity to play the “victim.” This was a colossally stupid lack of judgment. It’s the same feeling I had when the Monica Lewinsky story broke. [How could an otherwise intelligent man, do something this dumb especially after watching some many other politicians come to their downfall? And why wouldn’t you own up to it right away rather than taking the petulant child’s approach, wasting all that time lying about it, emphatically, no less. That just made it worse.]
I saw him as a great champion of progressive causes in the Congress — the firebrand we sorely needed and still do. I pray this his family is able to heal from this and that he can get back to doing the important work that must be done. Ultimately, if that doesn’t happen, he has only himself to blame.
I’ve done all I could today to avoid the news, cuz it just makes me ill, but of course, it can’t be escaped. So I thought I’d submit for your review Rachel Maddow’s “antedote” to this story presented on her Monday night show. She ran video of Mark Kelly’s dedication of U2’s song Beautiful Day to his wife, Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, by satellite from the International Space Station during a U2 concert. I just cried it was so sweet:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/#43304298
Rachel kocks the ball out of the park once again.
OMG EPIC WIN!!!! I’m crying like a baby for all the right reasons!!!
THANK YOU DUDETTE!!
❤
There’s no doubt that Anthony Weiner lied and let this thing drag on much longer than it should have. That was a stupid decision on his part.
However, I don’t doubt his politics and his passion about doing the right thing for the people of this country. And he still has my support.
I never like his attack of the President, but I don’t know what to say about this Weiner scandal.
I feel sorry for his family and for his staff who now have to deal with the fall out from this. It is always astonishing to see a man of stature fall due to sexual impropriety, even more astounding is the fact that they do not learn from other’s mistake. What will make a married public figure engage in this kind of risky behavior? We probably will never fully know. Wiener though will not be the last, especially in current technological environment, many more will fall. This is very sad indeed.
I mean ‘Weiner’
WOMP WOMP WOMP WOMP!!
Could not care less. Go sit down crybaby.
Why aren’t we calling out Breitbart for being a hypocrite for not going after VITTER, The Governator, Lee, etc x infity, with the SAME ENTHUSIASM?
I have a question, and I think everyone needs to ask themselves this: Why exactly, am I angry about this? I think everyone has different reasons. I just think our outrage-meters need some calibrating, and I’m sick of the RightWingBlowhards™ instructing me on where my rage should lie.
Is it the lying?
If it is, that’s fair, but I think there are degrees of lying, and that it’s not a black and white issue. (And before I say what I’m about to say, I KNOW that people in public office are held to a higher standard…..yeah yeah..) But he didn’t lie about WMDs or get us into a war. He didn’t lie about Death Panels, and the POTUS paling around with terrorists.
Weiner’s lie – TO ME – is the equivalent of a child saying he didn’t take the last cookie. And before anyone gets all righteously indignant in my grill about being married, and respecting his wife – etc….. ok…… I know I’m going out on a limb here, but I do not know Rep Weiner, nor his wife. What if this turns his wife on? I’m not kidding. Stranger things have happened, (and yeah, I know some pretty kinky people…) and he has already said she knows about it. TO EACH HIS OWN, that is why God made Baskin Robbins (even though they need to bring back CHOCOLATE FUDGE FOR FRAKSAKE!!)
What creates a healthy relationship between people IS NONE OF MY/ANYONE’S BUSINESS, nor should it be. There are few men on this planet (and women too – as most of us have a higher sex drive than men, we just don’t get caught because we’re not idiots) who wouldn’t lie in this situation. SEX CAN BE LIKE HEROIN, and anyone who has had AMAZING sex, KNOWS this is true. It causes all of us to do stupid things (stay with the wrong people, etc…) And if it never has caused you to go a little crazy/lose control, then you need to have better sex. I’m not kidding. We are biologically designed that way – the sex drive being the strongest force in nature: FACT – to keep us from extinction.
To my knowledge, he never broke the law. If being stupid were illegal, then Sarah Palin wouldn’t be on a bus tour, and Michelle Bachmann wouldn’t be employed (hmmm.) If he violated House ethics and rules, then he will be censured or expelled, or whatever.
Is it the stupidity? Sharing photos online with consenting adults isn’t illegal, but if you’re in any way famous, IT WILL GET OUT, you can count on it. So yeah, this is a BIG part of it for me…
Is it the cowardice? This is also part of it for me…. Why not just OWN IT? “You BET that’s me. Nice package, eh? My wife loves it, and we play games with strangers online. It’s HOW WE ROLL. We are even in talks with a porn star to move some of that industry away from SoCali and get some film jobs rolling here. You really should join my gym Andrew, I can get you a friends introductory rate.” For ONCE I want someone to step the hell up and say, “YOU BET. ABSOLUTELY. You got a problem with it?”
Like Steven Benen’s said in the quote Chips included in her original post at the top of this page: “On the Political Sex Scandal Richter Scale, I’m still not altogether sure why this even registers at all.” – I just think that all the outrage is a little much considering all the other stuff. This is NOTHING, and we are allowing that douchbag Breitbart to pull our collective chain, when we are the ones who should be screaming at his hypocrisy.
When I vote for people in public office, I’m not voting for Pope. I’m voting for someone who will make all our lives better. If they sleep naked with a iguanas, I could care less. I do, however want them to be smart, not break the law, but I can’t expect them to not be human.
{/soapbox]