No, politicians don’t have private lives like you or me, because they’re not private citizens.
It has become a stereotypical pattern with men. A lad with a salad-days libido has a girl in every port, plays fast and loose with feelings and breaks hearts. Then he gets older, marries, has a daughter, and becomes very protective. He doesn’t want her dating guys who are just like he was.…
Article comments
26 - Baritone
Most of McCain's shifts have been made since he threw his hat into the presidential ring this time around. Does that sound like a true change of conscience or political opportunism? Again, it seems that nobody gives a shit because McCain is a "straight talker."
Obama shifts some positions and he's suddenly a soulless flip-flopper.
Duke had me for the most part until he turned it into a slam against Obama - making all the same bullshit charges against him that have been paraded out by Obama's detractors with the same half truths and obfuscating language.
Duke destroys the entire thrust of his article by turning it all, in the end, against Obama and in so doing, through his long winded supposed high minded set up, equating Obama's character with Edwards' pecadillo. Duke revealed his own penchant for political sleeze.
B
27 - El Bicho
I get a laugh from McCain running on foreign policy, yet he keeps making statements that a) he either believes or b) are misstatements. Either way must have the ghost of Gerald "There is no Soviet domination of Eastern Europe" Ford shaking his head.
"In The 21st Century Nations Don't Invade Other Nations" HUH?! Even if he meant "shouldn't," then that certainly doesn't jive with his support into Iraq or Afghanistan. In a world where perception is reality, McCain looks like a man out of step and past his prime.
28 - Zedd
Character does matter. Lets sober up. Politicians make a living by telling people what they want to hear. Not sure if many of them have character.
Edwards had an affair. 60% of men will have an affair. While it is shameful, weak and dishonorable to cheat on a spouse, it is no more an indication of less character then any other "sin".
The issue in this situation is not whether Edwards is a man of character. The truth is, Edwards is tarnished because he did not living up to what we hope to have in a President. He is no longer a super hero. He looked foolish when he had to admit that he had been fibbing about the affair. The entire matter is/was icky and it seems as if he still hasn't come clean. That kid may very well be his. Edwards is guilty of letting us down. We like happy endings and heroes and he didn't deliver.
However on the issue of character, Selwyn you are not the person to chide anyone regarding this matter. You uphold the most vile and dangerous principles that our species has conjured up. Your ideas are a stain on what humanity has accomplished. What you promote is anti human and anti God. You hide under the ideals that decent men and women cherish as you seethe in your dungeon of putrid lust for destruction (destruction of the human spirit). You are Hitler and far worse because you have his example to learn from.
Please don't use our ideals to hide your inability to live out humaneness. Take your carny act to the abyss where you will keep the gargoyles entertained. Good luck living out your life as the devils favorite fool. Now go slip on your tall white dunce's hat and be merry with ya.
29 - Dr Dreadful
My goodness, Zedd - (good evening, by the way) - what brought this on?
I'm guessing it wasn't this - for Selwyn, pretty mild - article.
But I'll grant you that his overall worldview ain't pretty.
30 - Baritone
Yeah, Zedd. Don't hold back. Say what you really think.
By the way, I know that the following is not the thrust of the article or most of the comment thread, but I just thought it worth noting that for every guy who cheats on his spouse, there is a woman (or man, if the fellow happens to be gay) who is the recipient of said cheating. It takes two to tango. What of the character of the "other" woman (or man) who knows full well that her new playmate is married or otherwise involved?
I won't argue against the notion that, as my wife puts it, cheating men are "dogs." But let's not let the other woman (or man) completely off the hook. What goes on in their minds when getting into such a relationship? Isn't there at least some shared guilt and responsibility? I believe that in many cases the paramour knows the spouse, sometimes very well. I mean, what's up with that?
And I haven't even gotten into cheating wives.
B
31 - bliffle
It certainly appears that this Rielle woman was an opportunistic political groupie. But political types are surrounded by such types, according to Kissingers famous mot.
But politicians must learn self-restraint: they are constantly surrounded by intriguers with flattering blandishments. The weak will succumb, and other people will suffer.
32 - Baritone
My comment regarding women and their share of responsibility was more of a general question, not particularly relating to the Edwards situation. Obviously, the stakes for Edwards were much higher than those of your average Joe with a seven year itch. Frankly, everytime his pulsing wang came a calling, Edwards should have smacked it down with a brick, or at least satisfied his itch with a little self love in the broom closet. Instead, he answered that call saying Hello, come on in! Aye, there's the rub!
B
33 - Zedd
Where character is concerned, being a groupie does not excuse you from exercising restraint and it certainly does not give you in an exempt status where character is concerned.
She is just as guilty. His challenge was much greater to maintain good character. Hers was much easier. It is difficult to be married and remain with one person. She can have the pick of any man that she wants yet she went after someones husband. Who has less character of the two?