The American Spectator : The Joke's on Weiner

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The Joke's on Weiner

By Ross Kaminsky on 6.7.11 @ 6:08AM

The growing odds on his resigning.

Look, everybody's going to be talking about Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY), making weiner jokes, wondering how many 16-year old girls were among his Facebook "friends" and Tweetees, and so on. So I'm not going to. Instead, let's start with the sickening behavior of the media, at least as I heard them on satellite radio while I was driving for an hour or so on Monday afternoon.

CNN's Wolf Blitzer, who had actually asked Weiner some hard questions on the topic, ended his report following the congressman's various admissions by saying that this is basically an issue between Weiner and his wife.

Similarly, CNN's Jeanne Moos, in a segment about an hour later, described one of the images Weiner sent to some unknown Internet acquaintance-ette as funny (or something like funny) and pointed out that a picture of him holding a sign saying "Me" had "his wedding ring in plain view."

So now, the media isn't just trying to save a left-winger's job, but also his marriage?

Even Nancy Pelosi isn't going for this, as she called for an ethics investigation into a man about whom we no longer have to ask "boxers or briefs" (not that it ever actually occurred to me to ask such a question of Weiner or any other guy).

Weiner's going to try hard to hang on to his job. If I had to bet on it, I'd say it's about 60% that he ends up resigning. This is for two reasons:

First, Weiner would stand a good chance of losing his seat if he runs again -- his district includes many Orthodox Jews who are tending to vote more Republican. Therefore, if the Dems want to keep the seat, they need him to go and allow some other Democrat to be the 2012 candidate for New York's 9th Congressional District.

Second, Weiner will be the poster boy for all things Democrat in ads run by third party groups on behalf of Republican candidates, even in districts thousands of miles away from Brooklyn. His presence damages the entire Democrat brand (a remarkable fact given that having Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, and Barack Obama as the face of the party for the last few years has not done nearly the damage to the brand that they have done to the country).

It's not inconceivable that New York, which will lose two congressional seats due to redistricting, solves their Weiner problem by eliminating his district. But Democrats really don't like the idea of losing a New York City seat that, even while less Democrat-leaning than it used to be, is still nevertheless reasonably likely to elect a Democrat other than Weiner given the opportunity. Furthermore, redistricting Weiner out of a job leaves him in office and in the public eye through the next election cycle, thus not solving the second Democrat problem noted above.

Republicans have routinely forced out of office their House members who have made similar indiscretions, but Democrats' standards are lower. In part, as I've argued many times, it's because you can't charge someone with hypocrisy who has never actually run on the basis of a particular principle or core set of values. After all, Weiner didn't run on a platform of "I am not a schmuck."

But while Democrats' standards for behavior of their members might be too low for even a champion limbo dancer to sink beneath, it's another thing entirely when that behavior poses a broader threat to Democrat electoral prospects.

So, my prediction is this unusual situation: Democrats on the House Ethics Committee will find a way to make a more aggressive push for Weiner's expulsion from the House (thus forcing him to resign prior to that indignity) than House Republicans will. Republicans will say "Let the Dems take out their own trash -- while the whole country watches"...and the Democrats will have no choice but to do just that rather than leaving it around for another year, stinking up the place.

About the Author

Ross Kaminsky is a self-employed trader and investor and is a senior fellow of the Heartland Institute. He blogs at Rossputin.com and is the host of The Ross Kaminsky Show on Denver's NewsRadio 850 KOA at 11 AM on most Sundays.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (98) | Leave a comment

Alan Brooks| 6.7.11 @ 9:44AM

No way, Weiner has made such a fool of himself he'll be out of office before you can say "Oscar Mayer". He is a kid who swears he didn't know how the cookie jar broke, or says "Fido ate my homework."
C'mon, he is already gone.

SonOfSam| 6.7.11 @ 10:03AM

A bigger fool than Barney Frank or Charles Wrangel? Seriously, I would LOVE to believe that liberal democrats will start resigning because they're "foolish" or from a sense of shame, but that's not possible. Their whole party would implode in a reek of stupidity and embarassment

Purpleguy| 6.7.11 @ 12:58PM

Ever hear of Elliot Spitzer? you should read more

solo| 6.9.11 @ 6:28PM

The democrat party may force him out...but it won't be because of what he did. Hell...in most democrat circles, what he did is a resume enhancement.

How else does a Barney Frank, or Charlie Rangel, a Maxine Waters and, of course, the now burning in hell Ted Kennedy manage to rise to the heights of Marxist Rock stardom. Corruption and general sleaziness pays dividends for democrats.

They may force him out for no other reason than a general nervousness over Barry's diminishing chances for re-election.
The last thing they need is yet another poster boy for democrat party decadence while Barry is busy destroying the American economy.

Dollface| 6.8.11 @ 1:26AM

Democrats aren't very good at taking out their own trash either. Witness Rangel, Waters, etc...Also, its Weiner as in whiner. The body part and the sausage is wiener. Just ask Oscar Meyer.

Dr. Benway| 6.8.11 @ 1:16AM

"-welcome to der weinerschnitzel, may i take your order please?
-yeah i want: two large cokes, two large fries chili-cheese dog, large doctor pepper super deluxe, with cheese and tomato
-you want bill sperm with that?
-no! "
(courtesy of The Descendants)

mark| 6.8.11 @ 12:11AM

At least Wiener is flirting with a girl. Many Republican sex scandals involve man on man action. OHHHHH, I know that hurts!

mark| 6.8.11 @ 12:05AM

Your assessment that this scandal is going to hurt the democrats is absurd! A month from now, we won't be talking about Wiener. Did all those sex scandals involving Republicans bring down the party? No!

If Republicans make this their theme for the next election, they will be blown away!

Mary Kay| 6.7.11 @ 10:26PM

What kind of person is so comfortable with lying and betraying oaths sworn to keep. Its a sad day for many let down by such selfishness and arrogance but a lesson to be learned...its better to be able to put ones head down without regret and wake-up not worried. Integrity is cool.

Richard Baker| 6.7.11 @ 8:38PM

Weiner (what a name in this situation) won't resign because, as Rush says, this is a job enhancer for him. And to think that he has co-sponsored legislation against on-line sex offenders. What a hoot from Anthony Weiner (Putz-NY).

fbanta| 6.7.11 @ 5:50PM

Weiner’s digital indiscretions are sophomoric, stupid, and of little note. What is serious is what they say about his loyalty, judgment, character and honesty as an elected Representative. Does his behavior represent the character of his constituents? Does it not greatly inhibit his credibility among his fellow Congressmen? The idea that some Congressional Ethics Committee is going to investigate is laughable in it’s own right since the probability of finding any ethics in that body is clearly a futile quest-but that’s a different issue.

Weiner probably doesn’t buy into the “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” morality, but imagine how his bride of 11 months must feel: how would he like to find-out that she was texting topless pictures of herself; or pictures of herself in her underwear to virtual strangers on the web in concert with verbal foreplay on the phone? If he would do this to his bride without thinking, what should his constituents expect?

The utter inconsideration and disrespect of his family is stunning; and while this may be a personal matter that some may feel isn’t appropriate for public scrutiny, it necessarily speaks volumes about Weiner’s character-or rather the absolute absence of it.

What does this say about the influence of his mentors Schumer and Clinton?

Equally offensive is Weiner’s obvious sense of entitlement: that America should just ‘blow it off’ as a silly prank because he said to. This epitomizes the ever growing sense that our elected Representatives believe that they can do whatever they please without accountability; that the rules of decency and honesty don’t apply to them.

Weiner claims that he didn’t abuse his office or commit any chargeable offense by his bald face lies; by his smears of the reputation of honest reporters honestly reporting the facts; by his arrogant, cynical, and sarcastic rebukes to all the network reporters searching for the facts. What does it say about his character to claim to be a victim in the despicable events he precipitated? Does he really believe that there is anyone who will believe what he has to say on anything in the future? Does he really believe that he retains even a modicum of righteousness?

What does it say about the MSM that carried his water, ridiculed those who actually spoke the truth; and failed in their primary responsibility to present the truth to the citizens in our Constitutional Republic to enable them to make informed decisions?

To ‘preserve, protect, and defend the COTUS’ requires good judgment, honesty, and sufficient character to “do the right thing” even if it is difficult or counter to what one might rather do: is there anyone who actually believes Weiner meets those criteria?

I don’t think so, and I surely hope that there are a majority of Americans who agree.

insanity| 6.13.11 @ 10:59AM

good to hear that

Alan Brooks| 6.7.11 @ 7:18AM

Do you guys really think he could last out so much as Tuesday morning??

Alan Brooks| 6.7.11 @ 9:46AM

You of all people to be so gullible on this-
Weiner is not a hotdog, he is TOAST.

simon templar| 6.7.11 @ 11:39AM

Alan, stranger things have happened and we, conservatives, never underestimate the power of a huge sycophant media that can make the impossible happen at times when they put their little devious minds together. The product of that is sitting in the white house.

Mutch Moore| 6.7.11 @ 1:49PM

touche' simon!

c. j. acworth| 6.7.11 @ 6:33PM

EXactly, templar. Remember Whatshisname, the Hero of Chappiquidick?

Die Fledermaus| 6.7.11 @ 7:06PM

Templar, and never forget the fact their base are total morons that just don't care as long as abortion is legal.

Too damn bad liberals don't abort themselves out of existence.

simon templar| 6.7.11 @ 11:46AM

Yeah, in fact he still may have a chance at New York mayor. Your side has no shame, never waste a good crisis, is willing to lie, distort, kill if necessary to get your way. Your group has a great way of circling the wagons even around a pile of shit as this. You know, if you really believe what you are saying, I think there is hope for you yet. Perhaps, someday we will be reading the book by Alan Brooks, My Days As a Brain Dead Liberal.

Dan Hirsch| 6.7.11 @ 7:48AM

I said it last Wednesday: The Democrats are usually very attuned to tipping points. Little Anthony went past the point of no return last week. I say he's out and out now. His vote gets them nothing, his presence is a substantial negative-probably moreso with the independents...

John Navratil| 6.7.11 @ 8:39AM

Dan Hirsch,

In addition, getting someone else into the seat quickly improves the chances of keeping in the next election.

Alan Brooks| 6.7.11 @ 10:53AM

It is the smallness of it that sinks Weiner, SonOfSam;
the big lie works better than the small.

Al Adab| 6.7.11 @ 11:19AM

Interesting bit of cynicism there Alan. Weiner should of course resign, having embarrased Congress. Unbecomming is the word I believe. Nonetheless, the liklihood of that is still small as Sam's Son notes above. His list is shameful but they still serve.

What we need, frankly on both sides of the aisle, is men of character and principle not simply trough feeding, self-serving demagogues. If we cannot trust them with small matters, like personal restraint, how can we trust them with big matters like national governance and Freedom?

Patrick| 6.7.11 @ 2:13PM

Ah, what you are suggesting is to eliminate the Democratic Party all the way down to dog-catcher.

It would get rid of 3/4 of all Republicans, but who needs RINOs?

fbanta| 6.7.11 @ 5:56PM

Patrick: have you ever noticed that the COTUS makes no mention of political parties?

Has anyone noticed that the authorities and responsibilities of the federal government as defined in the COTUS don't change based on the political philosophy of the office holder?

Political parties exist solely to pervert the electoral process: and to distribute the spoils to their myrmadons.

SonOfSam| 6.7.11 @ 1:52PM

Alan, please tell me that the "smallness" you refer to has nothing to do with Weiner personally? And seriously, don't insult us as citizens and taxpayers by claiming that we can somehow only "understand" smaller lies. We the people have known for decades what the hell is going on, and we are mad as hell. That's where the Tea Party came from, and its why "progressives" and RINOs alike better watch their back

Al Adab| 6.7.11 @ 2:58PM

The Weiner boner has brought out many PUNdits.

beebop| 6.7.11 @ 5:35PM

He is a loud mouth who didn't know when to shut up. It's the LYING stupid!

Au Contraire| 6.7.11 @ 8:09AM

He's a wiener. Case closed.

Mimi| 6.7.11 @ 8:25AM

The House needs a GOOD -CLEANING !! Out with this blatent, straight faced LIAR.....How could any HOUSE MEMBER trust him ever again!
How could his PEOPLE in his district trust anything he says or does. TRUST is everything...once it's lost it's gone forever!

Redstateboy| 6.7.11 @ 9:08AM

Liber-uls like Weiner obviously never heard De' Gaulles' quote: "The graveyards are filled with indespensible men."

Weiner.. just like Hussein, believe they're absolutely indespensible.

WRTolkas| 6.7.11 @ 8:28AM

Take a good look at the pictures of Representative Weiner taken at the Press Conference. These pictures were not of the face of a man making amends. These were pictures of the face of pure hate. This guy isn't going easily into that long good-night.

Conservative View| 6.7.11 @ 12:10PM

I think you have hit upon something imp0rtant in the equation, hate. If you have listened to the man carefully you heard him mention how all his life, starting from when he was a child, he had to listen to weiner jokes. He acts as though he hates, hates all the "little people" who made him the butt of those jokes. But now he is a US Congressman and now and what are they, shoe salesmen? Take his position away from him, reduce him to nothing, and he becomes just as little as the little people have always said he was.

Yes he hates. He lives a life built upon hatred. His one defence is his power and position. And now the little people are attacking that, taking it away from him, making him small enough once more to become the butt of the weiner jokes.

This man is dangerous. Even if he resigns he will be dangerous. We haven't heard the last of him.

mmercier| 6.7.11 @ 1:18PM

You hit a point there.

I understand hate and recognize it. Could not quite understand what he was showing on his face during the conference.

Hate is a bad thing for the soul, best avoided.

Generated within others, hatred is a quite effective mechanism of control.

Groad| 6.7.11 @ 8:28AM

If William (cold cash) Jefferson D-LA can last as long as he did, and then there is Charlie Rangel, Weiner is a small thing and may be able to stick it out awhile longer.

glenny| 6.7.11 @ 9:25AM

Groad, and let's not even mention Bawney Fwank with his house of prostitution!

Purpleguy| 6.7.11 @ 1:02PM

Hmmmm, Senator David "Prostitution is My Way" Vitter, R-Louisiana rings a bell hear, no? - ding dong, ding dong.

SonOfSam| 6.7.11 @ 1:55PM

Republicans resign in shame because they have some possibility of feeling ashamed

Democrats don't resign in shame because they have the morals of alleycats and the souls of vampires

and dumbasses like PurpleDouche cannot tell the difference because if they were any less evolved they'd be an invertebrate

Old Joe| 6.7.11 @ 10:08AM

Lets remember that Frank and Rangel are members of the protected "Minority" class and representative Hot Dog isn't.

Ned| 6.7.11 @ 10:52AM

As long as Nancy can depend on the weenie to vote as she wants - and he will - he's safe... the moment he gets his back up around her, he's gone... and since he won't ever do that, all he has to do is keep his head down and his mouth shut until they can gin up another smear of Palin...

Redstateboy| 6.7.11 @ 8:39AM

"Republicans have routinely forced their House members who have made similar indiscretions out of office, but Democrats' standards are lower. In part, as I've argued many times, it's because you can't charge someone with hypocrisy who has never actually run on the basis of a particular principle or core set of values. After all, Weiner didn't run on a platform of "I am not a schmuck."

This is the most Telling Paragraph in the whole piece. Slave (Democrat) Party standards Are low.
That Upstate (R) NY Congressmen was Gone immediately.. yet Weiner?? "I'm not resigning" Now C'mon.. if this was a Republican - he/she'd be Gone NOW but since Weiner is a Liber-ul and Liber-uls have No standards they adhere to.. He'll stay. If the Slave Party slaves re-elected Charlie Rangle... Weiner can certainly keep his gig.

Pat Spooner| 6.7.11 @ 10:31AM

Weiner will never resign and the House ethics panel (which is set up to have an equal number of Democrats and Republicans I believe) will merely slap his hands and tell him to be a good boy until the next election.

Uncle Jetski| 6.7.11 @ 9:01AM

Once again, a Republican pundit proves his bias by using the word "Democrat" as an adjective.

SonOfSam| 6.7.11 @ 9:35AM

Once again, an ObamaNazi jackass thinks he can prove a point by stringing words together. Run along, baby blue, yo momma's callin' you

Ross Kaminsky| 6.7.11 @ 10:28AM

Uncle,

Are you suggesting that a REPUBLICAN Pundit should not have any bias about Democrats, or that a DEMOCRAT pundit should not (and that they generally do not) have bias about Republicans?

Let me make this very very clear so you don't have to waste your time accusing me of bias against Democrats:

I AM biased against the Democratic Party, its leadership, and many of the party's policy stances, including essentially all of its economic policy stances.

Of what use is an opinion writer who has no bias? If you don't like my bias, go read Maureen Dowd or some other NY Times econo-moron. (And yes, that includes Paul Krugman.)

Shouldn't someone be biased against a group which intends to "fundamentally transform" the greatest, freest, most successful nation in the history of humankind?

Shouldn't someone be biased against a government whose fundamental premise was adequately expressed by Michelle Obama: "for the first time in my adult life I am proud of my country." Seriously? Never proud of the US until the nation was gullible enough to nominate a never-done-anything guy to the presidency just because of his skin color? (To be clear, I don't hold his skin color against him; he could be purple for all I care. But he would never have gotten anywhere near the nomination with that resume if he were a white guy.)

Shouldn't someone be biased against a government which is doing everything possible to bankrupt my children and their children in order to transfer money from the citizenry to public sector unions?

In short: I am biased and I don't apologize for it.

Steve A| 6.7.11 @ 10:47AM

Ross, Nicely done.

SonOfSam, Thanks for playing. Have a nice day.

Ned| 6.7.11 @ 10:56AM

"Democrat" is not an adjective, it is pejorative...

Mr. Johnson| 6.7.11 @ 12:17PM

Why not use "Democrat" as an adjective? "Republican" is used as an adjective. Besides Democrats are far form "Democratic".

beebop| 6.7.11 @ 5:40PM

Do you think Weiner can really ALTER his behavior? It is acting out that he appears to do compulsively. Denied this release, where will it manifest? I think he is seriouslya deck short a couple of cards ... the face cards probably and my guess would be the queens ....

devilbloggger| 6.7.11 @ 9:03AM

Love it! Blogged it at Satan’s Blog! Weining! http://wp.me/s14HPl-weining

Andrew P| 6.7.11 @ 9:22AM

If the Democrats bring a resolution to expel Weiner, the Republicans should vote it down just to keep him around. It requires 2/3 to expel.

Scott| 6.7.11 @ 10:02AM

Andrew - good point! On the one hand, it would be sort of like the ugly cousin that everybody is embarrassed over. On the other hand, though, the Libs might be too ignorant to be embarrassed by his presence. Interesting experiment, though.

John Navratil| 6.7.11 @ 10:06AM

I like the way you think.

Michael Tomlinson| 6.7.11 @ 10:38AM

Nah, he's supposed to be occupying a Republican leaning seat. If he were to get the boot the GOP might just take his seat if the Republican state officials didn't screw up another special election (they're 0 - 3).

I'd like to see him go, but Pelosi is going to make sure he's just spanked on the head. Guess he'll like that.

Patrick| 6.7.11 @ 2:29PM

No, Republicans should just vote "present", citing that any Republican guilty of this would have been horsewhipped out of town by now, and it's time for Democrats to display their own ethical standards.

glenny| 6.7.11 @ 9:27AM

Sexting images of your junk all over the country =s RESUME ENHANCEMENT !

ncatty| 6.7.11 @ 9:29AM

He is a young guy who has a great job. What does he do if he resigns? He will stay as long as he can, including another election. I hope he does. Thank goodness guys like him and Edwards self-destruct before they can rise any further. Let him remain a congressman from NYC.

beebop| 6.7.11 @ 5:43PM

Sadly, taxpayers will fund his retirement and with any luck he can teach at City College where he will meet lots of coeds who will be happy to have his tweets whilst they titter ....

Mcbain| 6.7.11 @ 9:31AM

With the number of women and amount of contacts he must have been doing this on the taxpayers time, from his office, etc. Every 6 months or so you read about government workers spending 30 hours a week watching porn on their computers, this is another example of why we need less government and not more taxes. It is just one big spend/party fest in DC.

Rick V.| 6.7.11 @ 9:54AM

The Congressman Oscar Mayer Weiner Song:

I’m sorry that I tweeted you my wiener –
That is something you don’t want to see –
Now ever since I tweeted you my wiener –
Everybody wants a piece of me.

I always thought I had the nicest wiener –
A point on which the whole world would agree –
Now I’m having second thoughts about my wiener –
It now seems to be a liability.

I was a congressman to be afraid of –
Republicans would tremble as I passed –
The halls of Congress now are filled with laughter –
My flag is only flying at half-mast.

So I offer this advice to my successor –
It now seems as plain as day to me –
If you want to show the voters what you’re made of –
You shouldn’t do it in your BVD’s.

SonOfSam| 6.7.11 @ 10:11AM

you bastard!!!! You just made Jolt cola shoot out my nose!

omg that was way the hell too funny!

Rick V.| 6.7.11 @ 10:14AM

Thanks Son - somebody had to do it. Sorry about your nasal ejaculation, though.

Ross Kaminsky| 6.7.11 @ 10:17AM

Rick, did you write that yourself? And can I blog it (with attribution to you, of course)?

Rick V.| 6.7.11 @ 10:23AM

Ross - how kind; yes I did and yes you may. Glad you like it.

SonOfSam| 6.7.11 @ 1:57PM

Does that apply in general, for all of us? Because I swear I'm about to make this thing go viral

Rick V.| 6.7.11 @ 5:07PM

Son - sure. Ross already has, on his blog, complete with a clip of the original Oscar Mayer Weiner commercial from the 50's. I'm just glad that people enjoy it. Keep it up; let's not get flaccid.

Rick V.| 6.7.11 @ 5:39PM

With attribution, of course. Please.

The Ghost Of Michael ODonoghue| 6.7.11 @ 10:50AM

If nothing else, this is a cautionary tale to anyone who texts, emails or tweets. The Internet has a schlong memory.

Ned| 6.7.11 @ 11:06AM

You guys are TERRIBLE! And I LOVE IT!!!

Al Adab| 6.7.11 @ 12:49PM

We now have a new definition of PUNdit.

J.C.Eaton| 6.7.11 @ 11:18AM

I bet the Goldline guy whose company Weiner was so sanctimonious about is slapping his thighs in high chortle now.

cowgirl| 6.7.11 @ 11:55AM

The best part of this whole fiasco.... Bill Clinton performed the marriage ceremony fo Weiner and his wife. You just can't make this stuff up!!!!

Anthony| 6.7.11 @ 3:44PM

How can this be? Clinton is not a JP, judge, or other NY official which would allow him to perform a civil marriage ceremony, unless he was granted some title by the NY legislature.
No matter, it's a good thing Anthony's Weiner's wife is a Muslim, or she would have been forced to enjoy a Clinton cigar after the ceremony, or afterwards in a dark corner when the revelers were doing a Conga line with Hillary as caboose.
Can you imagine Clinton speaking on the sanctity of marriage with a straight face?
My God, the left have absolutely no shame at all!!!

nperry| 6.7.11 @ 12:01PM

After all is said and done, Weiner's going to get off (no pun intended) with a slap on the wrist. That's all any Democrat gets for "inappropriate" behavior. And none of them ever, ever, resign. Ever.

Had this happened in the private sector, Weiner would be gone in a NY minute. So why do pols get a pass?

Patrick| 6.7.11 @ 2:32PM

Because Democrats enjoy putting it to everyone else.

Controse| 6.7.11 @ 12:03PM

Depravity is ok if you feel the pain of the unfortunate. Depravity is ok even if you almost drown while being serviced by a young woman of recent acquaintance. Depravity is ok. That's how you get some name recognition in the Democrat Party.

David| 6.7.11 @ 12:06PM

No Democrat has ever resigned from scandal. Barney Frank ran gay brothel, still in power. Charlie Rangel is tax cheat, broke campaign finance laws, and broke public housing laws - still in Congress. Bill Clinton sexually assaulted women, including calling the cops to pick up women - served 8 years.

Weiner will never resign because he knows he doesn't have to. I can't think of a Democrat that has ever resigned.

Joe D.| 6.7.11 @ 12:33PM

Ross, lets just say I have my reservations about them taking out the trash. Just remember William, cold cash, Jefferson and others.

syd chaden| 6.7.11 @ 12:45PM

Weiner's constituents will forgive him and vote for him again. There is no reason for him to be remorseful, except, of course, for getting caught. He has, to the best of his ability, emulated Bill Clinton, and accordingly, should enjoy the same response that Clinton received. Questionable morals, lying, falsely accusing others, are, as Weiner says, not against the law, and therefore, not a reason that he should not remain in office. Further, since he has acted presidential, WEINER FOR PRESIDENT!

Rick V.| 6.7.11 @ 1:49PM

Syd, I believe we already have one.

Erik| 6.7.11 @ 12:47PM

Well-reasoned. But, a slightly off-topic note. I am a liberal shading towards socialist but am always seeking to broaden my perspective by reading conservative/libertarian perspectives. But the moment I read the words "democrat party" I just turn off. It's so schoolyard. It's so irrelevant. You can hear the kind of passive-aggressive defensiveness in it, every time ,"I dare you to try to call your political party what you want to call it." Trust the clarity and coherence of your arguments; calling names cheapens them.

Steve A| 6.7.11 @ 2:10PM

Erik, Here's a clear challenge for you. Please provide us with some shining examples of socialist exceptionalism in world history. ....... we will wait while the crickets chirp.

SonOfSam| 6.7.11 @ 7:20PM

Notice, Steve, how much the so-called "liberals" have always LOVED the idea of a socialist "Workers Paradise". Whether its Fascist Italy -- run by a former bigwig from the Italian Socialist party-- "scientific" socialism in Lenin and Stalin's Russia, "national" socialism in Germany, or just plain old Ben and Jerrys vanilla socialism in Europe, libs just LOVE the whole socialist "ideal", just so long as it doesn't cut into THEIR bottom line. All the limousine liberals in this country love to talk about how we are somehow "undertaxed", but they're never volunteering to pay more of their own money

TR| 6.7.11 @ 2:52PM

The democrat party has been the democrat party my entire life (over 50 years). A couple of elections ago it suddenly changed to "democratic" party, but when a politician is identified it is shown as "democrat, NY". So how does identifying a political party by their name become irrelevant or schoolyard?

You liberals and your goalpost moving actions are morons.

SonOfSam| 6.7.11 @ 7:22PM

America: you have free speech, but only if it doesn't piss off the so-called "progressives". Don't you DARE to call out the enemy by name; why, people might start to take notice. And maybe vote differently. Or maybe they'll march on Washington, and half will bring the tar, the other half will be the feathers

skip| 6.7.11 @ 3:10PM

Liberalism is wholly lacking in intelligence and wholly lacking in honesty; has not produced a policy of benefit to this nation, has only produced policies harmful to this nation.

My argument is point blank on-topic, you can not refute this with a well-reasoned perspective or with any clarity or coherence.

John Navratil| 6.7.11 @ 3:21PM

Erik,

I've been rebuked for calling the party the Democratic Party and now I'm told it's not the Democrat Party, either. Let's just call it by the source of its name... the Jackass Party.

Joe D.| 6.7.11 @ 12:58PM

One other thing, Ross, and people like Alan Brooks and Liberal Erik. Where is Maxine Walters these days. She is guilty of far worse and still sits in congress. Charlie Rangel should be in jail like James Trafficant was. But liberals are above all of us and can get away with anything. That is the sad state of the DEMOCRAT PARTY, ERIK.

what?| 6.7.11 @ 2:58PM

Is that a wad of cash in your pocket Mr. Wiener, or are you just glad to see me?

TR| 6.7.11 @ 3:52PM

It's a roll of dimes.

hardcard| 6.7.11 @ 4:25PM

what would the slickmeister do ???

nike shox| 8.9.11 @ 2:41AM

is good

Robbins Mitchell| 6.7.11 @ 7:11AM

Pelosi has already signaled by asking for an ethics committee investigation that she is no personal hurry to bring pressure on Weiner to resign...so why should anyone else in the House Democrat Caucus do so?