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This blog is the work of an educated civilian, not of an expert in the fields discussed.

Wednesday, June 08, 2011

Weiner Caught Lying

[It is suggested in a comment here that he might have sent various pictures unsolicited. As I note there, this is a matter of concern, and not just "repressed voyeuristic titillation," to quote Glenn Greenwald, who again, is getting to be a tiresome scold. His overall talents make this depressing.]

I find the Anthony Weiner (who wants to be the mayor of my city some day) thing tiresome. My first sentiment, especially since Andrew Breitbart was involved, that there was nothing (so to speak) to see here. The young woman (I'm getting to be an age where that doesn't sound stupid) involved denied any knowledge of him actually sending her the photo. And, I found Amanda Marcotte's take reasonable. OTOH, she taped that a bit too early. Turns out he was being an ass about it and now Breitbart can crow. Charming that. The press should not trust the guy, but you know, short memories. Right here, right?

Rachel Maddow in effect isn't too impressed by it, telling Melissa Harris-Perry (on Monday) that she has a belief that members of Congress have a right to be "icky." MHP, often an insightful commentator, noted that a personal issue led Barack Obama to have an easy opponent for his Senate seat and the rest was history. And, like it or not, this sort of thing matters in politics. You have to deal with the environment as it is, not as you want it to be. I concur. Clinton lived and died by the MTV sword. Public image was always important in politics, anyways.

And, this is not just a private matter. I don't think Clinton's case was either: it involved a public employee and a civil suit. Sexual harassment, including sexual involvement with employees, is not some "private" matter, and Democrats should know that more than the next person. Put that aside. This is not simply about the guy and his family. It involved a Twitter account (Twit jokes just write themselves) and the "public" nature of the photo is what got him in trouble. Also, he didn't HAVE to go on Maddow and other shows and b.s. And, yeah, when you mess up in your private life (I don't care if he cybers or whatever, but the Twitter posting was a mess up) and it becomes public, a public official has responsibilities.

Let's not go overboard in taking him off the hook. Maddow starting Tuesday's show with the whole "Republicans are being so hypocritical here" is a bit tired. Weiner messed up and as a strong voice for progressives and an up and comer in his party, he hurt more than his family. It's not a resign-worthy offense though saying Republicans did as bad or worse things (though them being more hypocritical is true) is not really too helpful. Still, he f-ed up and people have the right to be pissed off at him about it.