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The Slaughterhouse
Paterson’s Predecessor
Eliot Spitzer expected to become president.
Journal
of the Plague Year: An Insider’s Chronicle of Eliot Spitzer’s
Short and Tragic Reign
By Lloyd Constantine
(Kaplan, 287 pages, $29.95)
With the vertiginous decline of the Democratic Party, a new genre
seems to be making its appearance on the literary scene, namely,
the memoir of a disillusioned aide to one of its major political
figures. The latest entry into the sweepstakes is Lloyd
Constantine, “former senior adviser” to the fallen governor of New
York, Eliot Spitzer. The latter, it will be recalled, felt obliged
to resign after a mere two years in office because federal agents
accidentally came upon the fact that he was patronizing a high-end
prostitution ring in New York and Washington, D.C., possibly paying
for their services with illicit electronic cash transfers. Perhaps
the whole affair would have had less devastating political costs —
indeed, Spitzer might well have survived it — if he himself had
not been so humorless, sanctimonious, and abrasive throughout his
meteoric career. The man had a positive talent for making enemies.
When the news of his scandal became known on the floor of the New
York Stock Exchange, there was spontaneous applause.
Inevitably one compares this book to the confessions of Andrew Young, John Edwards’s former aide, in The Politician (already reviewed in these pages). But whereas Young affords us a lurid look at his smarmy former boss and his Lady Macbeth-like consort, there is a troubling opaqueness to Journal of the Plague Year. We learn really very little about Spitzer as a person — what makes him tick, what he thinks when the television cameras are not on, or when he is relaxing in the privacy of friends (maybe he never does?). This is particularly regrettable since Constantine claims to be Spitzer’s closest male friend. The only quote in the whole book that gives us a sense of who Spitzer really is — in fact, Constantine repeats it twice — comes from an argument the governor had with the Republican (minority) leader of the state assembly. (“Listen, I am a f—king steamroller and I’ll roll over you and everybody else.”)
Thus people who buy this book expecting juicy National Enquirer revelations will be sorely disappointed. Most of the time the narrative is extremely tedious — like reading a plumbing contractor’s description of a major installation in an office building (with the important distinction that the plumbing — unlike the New York State government — would actually work). There are dollops of political sociology ici et là, some interesting, most not. There is a huge cast of characters we are expected to keep track of — most pass by in a blur. The closest thing to excitement is the chapter on Spitzer’s attempt to “get” state senator Joe Bruno, leader of the Republican majority in the state senate, by instructing (apparently) the state police to monitor his misuse of the state air-craft for personal as opposed to public purposes. You didn’t know that New York State had its own air fleet, including helicopters? Well, now you do!
The Bruno anecdote is useful only insofar as it illuminates the vindictive quality of the former governor — his tendency to personalize political differences and to seize the nuclear option when other more discreet and moderate measures might in fact produce just as good a result. “How could such an A+ student of government fail to recognize that success as governor required skill in, and respect for, consensus building, conciliation, and compromise?” Constantine asks. Maybe he didn’t know the governor as well as he claims to.
Readers of this book may be surprised to know that Spitzer and his aides regarded his election to the governorship in 2006 as a virtual prelude to the presidency. Constantine cites as evidence of the governor’s supposed appeal to a wide swath of voters the fact that he won the office with a 40 percent advantage over his Republican opponent. But after all, in New York, statewide elections for some time now have come to resemble those in the former German Democratic Republic, complete with a cardboard “opposition” candidate. Moreover, no governor of New York State has been elected to the presidency since Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1932, and neither political party has nominated a New York governor since Thomas Dewey in 1948.
One point that constantine, a high-flying lawyer who bills at thousands of dollars an hour and vacations in Paris and Thailand, seems not to notice is that New York State — over-regulated, over-taxed, over-governed, over-patronage-distributed — has been hemorrhaging jobs for decades. The fiscal consequences of this should be obvious, but all Spitzer and his aides can think of is new ways to spend money — money that they don’t have and won’t have. Even Constantine admits that Spitzer’s $120.6 billion budget represented a growth rate twice that of inflation. The presumption was that the go-go good times on Wall Street and the rise in the value of real estate would somehow produce new revenues. Or perhaps not, who knows? As it is, after 12 years of Democrat Mario Cuomo and 12 of “moderate” Republican George Pataki (plus two of Spitzer) in the governor’s mansion, New York State is a huge white whale sinking into the swamp of bankruptcy.
Quite the most interesting revelation in this book has to do with the undisguised contempt of Spitzer and his people for Lieutenant Governor David Paterson. More than once Constantine suggests that the latter was clearly unfit for major state office. Yet after all, it was Spitzer who accepted him as a running mate. Could it be that the governor was encouraged to knock over the tracings of decency in his personal life on the basis that nobody would want Paterson in the governor’s mansion? Constantine tantalizes us with the prospect without confirming it. Unfortunately the unthinkable has come to pass, and — surprise, surprise! — the new governor shows no signs on wanting to bow out gracefully, much to the discomfort of the Democratic state machine and the White House. The A+ students of government weren’t so smart after all.
About the Author
Mark Falcoff is resident scholar emeritus at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (77) | Leave a comment
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Kenny| 5.5.10 @ 6:49AM
You know, at one point I would have said the idea of someone like Spitzer winning the presidency would be absurd.
But after seeing the election of Carter, Clinton (twice) and B. Hussein Obama, and the presidential nomination of men like Gore, McCain, and Kerry (with Edwards as VP no less), it is clear that our systems for the selection of leaders is seriously flawed.
If anything our systems does not filter out the liars, the cheats, the fools -- only the potential statesmen.
I suppose when you dumb down the population via the public schools and purge God from the public sqwuare, anything is possible, even a Spitzer.
Alan Brooks| 5.5.10 @ 4:19PM
''But after seeing the election of Carter, Clinton (twice) and B. Hussein Obama, and the presidential nomination of men like Gore, McCain..."
You left out Dole. Too painful a memory? the Viagra- advert guy?
Bruce | 5.5.10 @ 5:07PM
Only a moron could possibly equate Dole with the likes of Carter, Clinton, or Obama.
Oh wait ... this is Brooks talking.
I rest my case.
Purpleguy| 5.5.10 @ 10:03PM
Brooks is right, and I'd add the doddering old fool, Reagan, who is in his second term was suffering from Alzheimer's ... sad but true, I liked him at one time.
Old Soldier | 5.5.10 @ 7:57AM
I was at an insurance convention when the scandal broke - cheers and toasts all around.
Spitzer has never received the criticism he deserves for the destruction of AIG and the damage to NY that he caused merely for his own political gain.
P.Smith| 5.5.10 @ 8:32AM
After reading several stories about Spitzer and Hank Greenberg of AIG, I have come to the conclusion that Spitzer inadvertently caused or made worse the financial situation we are now in., The AIG Board of Directors removed Greenburg because of Spitzer’s unfounded investigation and replaced him with Martin J. Sullivan who during his tenure began to invest heavily in mortgage-based assets owned or guaranteed by AIG. I believe AIG could have handled the financial crisis in 2008 under Hank Greenburg’s leadership, because one, Greenburg did not like these mortgage based assets, and at the time of his departure AIG was not heavily invested in them. Two, he has said it was ridiculous that AIG had to pay out dollar for dollar on the losses that these investment groups suffered and that many of, or maybe all would have been happy with far less, as he said “you can always make a new deal” (or something to that effect).
I have come to the conclusion that people who hold the office of attorney general should not be allowed to run for higher office, or at the very minimum be restricted from running for many years after their stint. This is an extremely important and powerful office that can tempt those who are less than moral to make their names widely known. How many innocent or a least not-so guilty citizen’s lives are ruined, just so some AG can grandstand for a future political career?
P.S. Senators should be restricted from running for president for the same reason.
Lullaby's, Legends and Lies| 5.5.10 @ 8:37AM
Being from NY, I had watched this guy for years, and he was an arrogant Foxtrot Uniform Charlie Kilo. It was obvious just watching him, that he thought he was going to be President someday, but then he screwed up big time (literally!!). But I've got bad news for the Spitz, he was never going to be the President anyway, because he's got no personality to speak of, and on top of that, he's bald. And traditionally, America doesn't tend to elect bald arrogant men, who have no personality (call us mundane if you will, but it's a bad combination for the highest office). Eisenhower was the exception to that rule in modern times, but that's because he was a tough guy, and had defeated the Nazi's. Spitzer must be so pissed at himself, for getting caught!! New York is happy!!
Doctor Right| 5.5.10 @ 10:15AM
Reminds me of a line from a late 80's-movie starring Timothy Hutton as a young, idealistic D.A. in NYC who accidentally stumbles into a cover-up that reaches into the highest levels of NY city and state Government.
When told how that the beneficiary of the cover-up, played malevolently by Patrick O'Neal, will not only get away with his crimes, but plans to run for Mayor, and then Governor, Hutton proclaims "My God...He could win!", to which his friend and mentor says:
"Naaaah. He's a prick. The voters will smell it."
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MOS was 71331| 5.5.10 @ 12:09PM
What movie was this? I always enjoyed Patrick O'Neal's villain portrayals, but I don't remember this one.
Lullaby's, Legends and Lies| 5.5.10 @ 6:24PM
MOS: The movie was Q & A (1990) Nick Nolte, Timothy Hutton, Armand Assante, & Patrick O'Neal.
Or at least, that's what Google said!!
Northern Rebel| 5.5.10 @ 12:35PM
Spitzer, Like Blumenthal, definitely believed (believes) they could ride their northeastern liberalism to the land's highest office.
They are deluded, thinking the rest of America is like the socialist bubble they inhabit. If John Kerry (who by the way, served in Vietnam) couldn't win, these camera stalkers are surely living in their own fantasy world.''Unfortunately, Blumenthal will win in Connecticut, and further damage the original Constitition State.
I don't know what is in the water here in the northeast, but it didn't affect all of us, thank God!
Lullaby:
What part of Yew Nork are you from? I reside in Madison county, the most conservative county in the state, although that's not saying much!
Lullaby's, Legends and Lies| 5.5.10 @ 6:16PM
Rebel: I was born in the Bronx, but grew up in Putnam County (about 60 miles North), the smallest County in NY State, but interestingly has the highest percentage of gun ownership (Don't ask me why?), then moved back to the Bronx when I moved out of the house. I love the Bronx!! There's just something about it? So you're up there near Syracuse? It's nice country up there, but the winters must suck huh? Lake effect?
monty.crisco| 5.5.10 @ 1:01PM
Q& A by Sidney Lumet
Northern Rebel| 5.5.10 @ 1:08PM
OK, I do know what is in the water:
Naked, shameless ambition.
Connecticut has it's share of communist zealots, but Blumenthal is not one of them. He, like Chris Dodd, John Larson, and Bill Curry, use this fanaticism to further their agenda:
personal power.
They don't believe any of the things they crap out of their stinking lips. They know that in order to move up the ranks of a long time blue state, they must spout the mantras of their party.
Connecticut is populated by wealthy, productive individuals, that prosper in spite of their naive ignorant views, if they even take the time to think about them.
The politicians bleed them, and believe they can never slay such an enormous golden goose. They may be right. The rich here have more money than they need, and they agree to be extorted, in order to remain near NYC, and Long Island Sound, where they park their yachts.
However, for the middle class blue collar worker, the situation has become unteneble, and they are fleeing to Florida, Texas, and Arizona.
It is just a matter of time before it's economy collapses permanently, allowing Chairman MaoBama to do what he has been attempting to do since elected:
Remake America into a fascist, "progressive" socialist state in the mold of Europe.
We used to be so powerful, we could say, "OK assholes, we'll do it alone, if you won't help us save you."
"President" Anti-Christ seeks to weaken us so we are beholden to his idea of one world government, and must work with the dictators he seeks to emulate.
Hopefully the "Golden Gooses" will wake up to the fact that he will come for them too, eventually.
Just ask Goldman Sachs.
Anthony| 5.5.10 @ 2:25PM
Naked, shameless ambition seems to cover it. America has spawned a generation of politicians who are amoral, sociopathic, self absorbed, and skillful liars.
We need to rid our country of these ticks.
And speaking of ticks, the miniature mayor of NYC, Mike Blumberg, first a D then an R and now an I, managed to bribe the NY city council into reversing NY's term limit policy. Seems that midget Mike believes NYC cannot survive without him. Or maybe a bored billionaire just has to have his life size playground whenever he wants it.
Anthony| 5.5.10 @ 2:04PM
And the moral of Spitzer's downfall; a political whore should never go to bed with another (albeit far more legitimate) whore, with his socks still on.
Imagine having sex with this guy??? Ugggggly.
rdman| 5.5.10 @ 3:36PM
The Only Solution… Constitutionalism
Its time to stand up, find these career-politician tyrants in gross violation of their Constitutional Oaths and purge them from the halls of our government.
Eliminate the Washington DC snake pit of entrenched appeasing, expedient, placating and crab-walking despots by voting these delusional, parasitic, megalomaniac realpolitiks out our government… they are not worthy to represent We, The People of this magnificent Country. They are, in fact, a scourge upon the land.
1. Establish term limits by organizing States to convene State’s Conventions for the sole purpose to modify Article I, Section 2, Section 3, Amendment XVII and any other pertinent parts of the Constitution to read: “Citizen Representatives will serve a maximum of two terms in the Senate and three terms in the House. Ex-incumbents may run again after two terms have transpired.”
2. Reject all career-politicians running for re-election. They have become corrupt and no longer fit for Leadership or Statesmanship.
3. Recruit and elect true representatives of We, the People… Citizen Representatives who demonstrate strict compliance to the Constitution in every respect. Citizen Representatives whose attributes include excellence in management performance, integrity, patriotism, pride and optimism, chivalry and civility.
The intent and purpose is to re-establish the public service model of our Founding Fathers… Leadership, Statesmanship, Dignity, Honor and Duty.
Bruce | 5.5.10 @ 5:17PM
As a lifelong resident of the Peoples Republic of NY, all one REALLY needs to know about the despicable puke Spitzer is that he actually thinks (and has plans to) he can come back from this fall from grace to run for President. NY seems to breed this kind of political scum, as any casual look at the history of our politics makes obvious. He - as most NY politicians apparently think - his ONLY fault was getting caught with his pecker in the wrong well. Rather Clintonesque, but a common trait amongst NY politicos of EITHER party. "It's only bad if I get caught" is the mantra.
Unfortunately - a growing majority of NY'ers are stupid enough to keep electing these morally bankrupt scumbags and putting us ever deeper into the hell hole we call "home". At least until we can afford to get ourselves and our families the hell OUT of here.
Shamus| 5.5.10 @ 6:52PM
Spitzer is a bigger whore than Obama.
Purpleguy| 5.5.10 @ 10:05PM
Hmmm, takes one to know one, doesn't it - Pot?
Douglas Fletcher| 5.5.10 @ 9:58PM
From what I knew of Spitzer, I always regarded him as an evil snake who wouldn't think twice about using his office to further his own ends. That he had presidential ambitions wasn't any surprise to me, and I was glad to see that possibility come to an end.
I don't know much about Andrew Cuomo but I wonder if he isn't cut from the same cloth as Spitzer.
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