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The Spectacle Blog
Anthony Weiner just admitted that he’s sent inappropriate pictures of himself to at least a half-dozen women, none of whom he knows personally. When he was caught, he spent a week lying about it. And already we’re hearing a familiar refrain: It’s just his personal life, so what’s the big deal? As Ezra Klein puts it:
Weiner’s photos have no clear bearing on his job performance. If you thought he was a good legislator last month, he’s a good one today.
Really? This incident paints a picture of Weiner as a guy with incredibly bad judgment, who lied shamelessly, and who recklessly put himself in a position where he might very well have been an easy target for blackmail. And we’re supposed to believe this has nothing to do with his fitness to wield power, and that he’s no different than any other politician with similar views?
There’s a reason that political sex scandals keep happening: The work of a politician involves getting as many people as you can to like you, and that naturally attracts the sort of narcissist for whom the love of a wife is not enough. I’m seeing a lot of people saying that sending dirty pictures over the internet isn’t as bad as being caught with a mistress or prostitute the way other politicians have been. While this may be true from the perspective of the politician’s wife, I’m not at all sure it should be from the perspective of the public. At least you can look a mistress in the eye and ask her to keep a secret. Weiner was sending pictures to women he’d never even met (and he’s not even sure they were all of age!). Given how obviously risky this was, the lapse in judgment here is pretty extreme. Indeed, it’s probably safe to assume that a big part of what turned him on about his exhibitionistic behavior was precisely the fact that he was playing with fire.
Weiner may well weather this storm and remain in Congress for many terms to come (unless he becomes a casualty of redistricting), but talk of him becoming mayor of New York City is over. This is as it should be, and anyone who claims otherwise isn’t thinking through the implications of a mayor with a fetish for recklessness.
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More Blog Posts by John Tabin
http://spectator.org/blog/2011/06/06/yes-weiners-behavior-matters
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beebop| 6.6.11 @ 6:30PM
He is an internet flasher. He has no regard for truthful speech and indeed would say anything to (pardon) cover his pathetic ass. He has learned NOTHING from those who have erred before him. He has no regard for the person he swore to love, honor and be truthful to so how does that make his constituents feel?
I would opine that his political future isn't.
Timothy L. Pennell| 6.7.11 @ 8:02AM
NOTHING will happen to him. Zero. Just ask CHARLIE RANGEL. He has a D next to his name. As in, Disgusting, Deceitful, and Deranged. He's a LIBERAL. That means he HATES his own Country. HATES his own Race (if he's white) and HATES his own Religion.
He LIED. He made FALSE CHARGES of being hacked, and pranked, and whatever. He's Arrogant, and Dismissive of anyone who thinks differently from his Marxist Ideology. He's Nasty, and Snide, and only a fellow DIRTBAG could wanna be anywhere near this Sc*mb*g.
But, that's OK. Cause he's got a D next to his name.
Bill Clinton EXPOSED himself to a woman he didn't know. He was accused of RAPE and Molestation, on National T.V. He LIED about using an Intern as a Humidor, and a DNA Collector. But, it's OK. He had a D next to his name.
Elliott Spitzer got his OWN SHOW, on CNN.
As Warrior points out, Alcee Hastings was IMPEACHED for taking BRIBES, as a Sitting Federal Judge. His punishment? The Brain Dead Black Racists, where he hails from, elected him to a House Seat.
A D next to your name means that these things are all right. It's your "Private Life" , you're supposed to LIE, and if anyone wants the truth? They're nothing but sex crazed PERVERTS, like Ken Starr.
Liberalism is a Mental Disorder. A recent Research, on Mental Disorders. found that, roughly 20% of Americans suffer from a Mental Disorder. Gallup has found thta, roughly 20% of Voters, consider themselves to be Liberals. And, in the 2008 Election, Obama got, roughly 20% of the American People to vote for him.
simon templar| 6.6.11 @ 6:41PM
What about making false claims he was hacked as a congressmen..is this not an offense? How about slandering and accusing Breitbart of doing the hacking and false reporting? That just OK? No criminal offenses here? No ethical violations of his office or breach of his oath of office?
Occam's Tool| 6.6.11 @ 9:20PM
Ummm, the fact that he acts like a scumbag and lies about it might be pertinent...Grover Cleveland told the truth about his illegitimate child and WAS elected to the White House.
People screw up and make mistakes. It is the stonewalling afterward that is the problem, usually.
Warrior | 6.6.11 @ 10:36PM
Charlie Rangel still holds elected office. Alcee Hastings as a federal judge solicited bribes and lied under oath at his trial multiple times prior to him being impeached, yet elected later to Congress. I'm still waiting for the Maxine Waters ethics trial...do I need to keep going?
Thom| 6.6.11 @ 6:42PM
I strongly suspect all he has to do is say "I tried and failed" like Clinton did and all will be forgiven. This is New York after all. This is expected behavior.
RandallG| 6.6.11 @ 10:09PM
Really??!!
Most people don't respect a sleaze ball - even in New York.
NoLib| 6.7.11 @ 12:24AM
They re-elected corrupt, tax-cheating Charlie Rangel. He's considered pretty sleazy where I live.
simon templar| 6.6.11 @ 6:42PM
Apparently not. Where are the consequences?
irish19| 6.6.11 @ 11:42PM
He's a dhimm. I doubt there will be any consequences.
around the track| 6.6.11 @ 6:48PM
He will remain in office, get reelection and continue to yell obnoxiously in Congress how immoral the Republicans are.
Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 6.6.11 @ 6:52PM
He's a sex pervert. That's all he is and if you want sex perverts in the legislature, then Ezra Klein is right, it's not something you would care about. Unless you don't like sex perverts. Which makes you wonder about Ezra Klein also.
R Martin| 6.6.11 @ 7:34PM
He certainly is a sex pervert, but that's not all he is. He is shockingly stupid. Exchanging intimate thoughts and photos with unknown internet contacts reveals an intelligence unworthy of a legislator. Not only did he not know the ages of his contacts, he didn't even know their gender. Good grief, he's from New York. Hasn't he seen that famous New Yorker cartoon of two canines at a computer with the caption, "On the internet, no one knows you're a dog."
NoLib| 6.7.11 @ 12:26AM
He's compulsive and he does all his thinking with his little head.
kingsmill| 6.6.11 @ 6:54PM
This is another Gerry Studds (deceased former Dem homosexual molester of a 17 year old page from MA) situation.
Weiner will weather the storm because he has the Dem force field protecting him in a lib/left constituency.
At the time of the Studds abuse, Congressman Dan Crane(R-Ill) was caught in a heterosexual sexual abuse situation with a female 17 year old page. He was defeated in the next election.
hook| 6.6.11 @ 7:08PM
Weiner is from a safe Dem district; he is a distraction; and Pelosi will force him out--I think.
I hope he stays but I doubt it. I do agree with you. Mr Tabin that what he did is weirder than having a mistress. It is way more perverse.
beebop| 6.6.11 @ 7:34PM
His opponent in the last election received more than 40% of the vote in an area trending republican. Is this really where dems want to spend their political capital? Where's his pal Shumer during this?
CASEY| 6.6.11 @ 9:05PM
The Brooklyn portion of his district will likely be removed from what is left of the 9th District which will result in making Anthony Weiner much safer since he won only 52 percent of the vote in Kings County in 2010. The district if it is not gerrymandered as currently will go from 55 percent Obama to 63 percent Obama after redistricting if NY does a independent commission.
Conservative Bob| 6.6.11 @ 7:10PM
If the people he represents have no problem with his outragous lies over the past week they will re-elect him. And they will have what they deserve... maybe all they really care about is their chcks and big government programs.
We know they have no shame.... they prove over and over again they also have no honor.
What was most shocking at his press event was the several reporters who dutifully served up softball questions for him to shift blame...
talk about no shame or honor...
nohype| 6.6.11 @ 7:24PM
"And they will have what they deserve"
The good or bad that a congressman does affects everyone, not just his or her district. So if the people elect a fool, we all suffer. It may actually be worse than that--congressmen have an incentive to try to raid the common pot for the benefit of their constituents, and this incentive leads to programs that cannot be justified on a cost-benefit basis. So a congressman can be good for his or her district and a bad for the overall county. It is different with a mayor or governor--in these cases the people who vote bear most of the results of their collective decision.
NoLib| 6.7.11 @ 12:27AM
Give me a break. Clinton is more popular than ever among democrats and he did far worse.
Conservative Bob| 6.7.11 @ 7:56AM
At one level I hope Weiner fights to hold his seat... he has rendered himself meaningless and if he remains in the house will only spread the shame he has brought upon himself to his party.
Weiner lied with great passion and conviction about his innocence. Just like he spoke about some many of the policies he has advocated.
His lying skills are quite well developed even for a politician. Every day he stays in DC he will be a reminder of what wonderful self serving lying bastards they are… and so smart too, brilliant actually.
So smart that he sends pictures of his face and naked body to anyone who will accept it.
Last night I watch Lanny Davis talk about all of the mistakes Weiner made. He said from the very beginning he handled it wrong he lied and dissembled and didn’t get ahead of the story… my first thought was no Lanny you missed his first mistake, you know the one where he betrayed himself and his family and his office.. After those egregious failures he compounded them by lying and dissembling and playing the victim card.
I hope he stays on for a while to remind us all about the lying skills of the progressive left, of which he is a leading spokesman.
Weiner lied with great passion and conviction about his inocence. Just like he spopke about some many of the policies he has advocated.
He lying skills are well developed.
c. j. acworth| 6.6.11 @ 7:22PM
I don't think any congresscritter is going to submit to the threat of blackmail. That would mean that they actually fear real consequences if their actions were exposed. What consequences do any of them face? Loss of committee seat? Loss of seniority? Loss of job? Loss of spouse? Maybe being sent to bed without thier supper? What kills me is the way these mutts expect us to trust them to do the right thing with things like our tax dollars and our men and women in uniform, even after they have betrayed their wives and children, holding them up to ridicule. I for one hope that Mrs. Weiner waits for Tony to fall fast asleep, then reaches for a big pair of scissors and....
Bob Grant| 6.6.11 @ 7:31PM
THIS is what we send to congress to do the people's business? Are we suppose to look the other way because he's one of the best and brightest?
Among many other things, this too shall come to an end as our country heads closer to a civil war.
Massive incompetence, massive corruption, massive ego's running the show who show not an ounce of decency, or common sense.
It saddens me to see our once great county tear apart at the seams from all directions, and in real time; socially, economically, spiritually.
Trinacria| 6.6.11 @ 7:46PM
"Weiner's photos have no clear bearing on his job performance. If you thought he was a good legislator last month, he's a good one today."
Who thought he was a good legislator last month?
florin| 6.6.11 @ 9:18PM
So, if someone does a good job but - let's say gropes little boys on the side, or little girls, leave him on the job? Personal behavior matters - we can't separate ourself - we are who we are in public and in private. and, what Weiner did was not 'inappropriate' - it was lewd, pornographic behavior. He obviously lacks judgement and self discipline. He obviously has no regard for women if he is sending them pictures of his crotch...he reminds me of a rabid pit bull and he will tear up anyone who tries to cross him. He interrupted his 'remorse' to announce that he will not resign...and he will learn how to continue his lewd behavior secretly...he should not hold Congressional office...if New Yorkers want him, they can have him.
Trinacria| 6.6.11 @ 7:51PM
Never before in the history of man has an individual inherited a name so befitting of his character...
Gold BC| 6.6.11 @ 8:51PM
Just over the hotline, there is proof Weiner did use government resources to facilitate his sexting therefore he lied again. What say you Nancy Pelosi...RESIGNATION.
Bob Grant| 6.6.11 @ 9:10PM
We'll have to read the sex text's to find out what's in the sex text's.
- Nancy Pelosi
NoLib| 6.7.11 @ 12:28AM
Too bad Nanzi never cleaned up the "swamp" in her own party.
RandallG| 6.6.11 @ 9:53PM
To Mr. Weiner and his ilk:
Why do you guys all maintain that your "mistakes" and "poor judgement" do not have any bearing on your performance in elected office? I am so revolted by the sleazy behavior of an incredible number of high profile political figures. Republican or Democrat, Conservative or Liberal, domestic or foreign, you are all pathetic, self serving power seekers; comfortable lying, cheating and exploiting women. Raise your hands, you arrogant, bloated big shots who feel entitled to ignore all standards of propriety, ethics and morality. Ah yes, quite a group.
So - Newt, Bill, Arnold, Mr. Weiner, Johnny, et al. - all you politicians who like to be "bad" - your lack of respect for your wives is an EXCELLENT measure of your character, and not incidentally, a measure of your respect for your constituents and your office.
Do you feel like a man? Well, you smell like a pig.
danimal| 6.6.11 @ 10:48PM
Does Weiner's behavior matter? Did David Vitter's behavior matter? Just askin'.
BD57| 6.6.11 @ 11:43PM
I see the talking point has gotten out here too - saw it at Powerline .... "Vitter Vitter Vitter!!!!"
Notice how the people bringing up Vitter don't do so after saying "Weiner should go." It's never "Weiner should go - and so should Vitter"...
No, what you get is the equivalent of "Weiner gets a pass because Vitter did" or "What Weiner did isn't as bad as Vitter ..."
danimal| 6.7.11 @ 12:31AM
No needs for talking points on this one. Conservatism used to be about values, now it is about power. Vitter simply serves as a symbol of an increasingly depraved ideology. Conservatives now employ the same relativism they deplore in liberals. Nancy Pelosi is already paving the way for Weiner's exit; Vitter was re-elected with the good graces of the 'family values' GOP.
NoLib| 6.7.11 @ 12:30AM
Guess Spitzer's disgusting behavior didn't matter to CNN. Just sayin'.
TruthSayer| 6.6.11 @ 10:58PM
This scumbag wants to decide how much me and you pay in taxes to be re-distributed to the growing hoards of moochers and loosers! This scumbag wants to force me and you to buy health insurance under Obamacare! This scumbag wants to decide for you and me what we can eat, drive, and a multitude of other decisions that are none of his or the US government's Goddam business! Congress is full of these liars, cheats, and pathetic wastes of human flesh - most of them Democrats. All of them want to tell you what to do and how to do it! Hey Wiener and the rest of your compatriot pieces of crap - GO TO HELL!
summer brands | 6.6.11 @ 11:40PM
he will tear up anyone who tries to cross him. He interrupted his 'remorse' to announce that he will not resign...and he will learn how to continue his lewd behavior secretly
albert constantine jr.| 6.7.11 @ 8:38AM
The most accurate word in the above piece is "Shameless". In the absence of shame, like Clinton, the only cause for Weiner's remorse is the downward spiral of his poll approval numbers.
Dr. Sheila Dunnells | 6.8.11 @ 4:47PM
Weiner's job could have been compromised; he put himself in a position to be blackmailed. And, he caved immediately when he thought his powe was about to be caught: A liar, a man obsessed with his parts, has a mental condition, and lacks backbone. If that adds up to a respectable Congressman of the US, your bar is much lower than mine.