Thursday, August 30, 2007
Why should Craig resign but not Vitter?
I don't need no steenking bathrooms for my "sins".The controversy surrounding
the stall tactics of Senator Larry "happy feet" Craig has renewed
national interest in Senator David Vitter's admission last month that he had "sinned" with prostitutes. Gymnasts everywhere are marvelling at the
contortions being performed by
some conservative pundits, who are calling for Craig's resignation but not Vitter's.
Both Craig and Vitter admitted to bad behavior that seemed to confirm longstanding rumors about their private lives, which they'd previously denied. In horrendously ineffective press conferences, both Senators had their wives stand beside them as they unconvincingly disputed the full scope of allegations against them. Both also criticized the media and refused to take questions.
Should Craig
resign and not Vitty-cent? Both? Neither? Discuss. But please let's not get into the
bathroom segregation issue. It's hurtful and demeaning.
No matter what your particular view is, I must note that many
Republicans like to point out that
Gerry Studds had a gay dalliance (in 1973), and
Barney Frank had a pimpin roommate in (1985). For whatever reason, those names became crucial GOP talking points after the Mark Foley scandal surfaced last year. I guess that means that, 33 years from now Dems will be entitled to use the Vitter scandal to excuse the peccadilloes of future Dem pols, as Republicans are doing with Studds.
The intriguing thing about the Frank story is that it first appeared in the
Washington Times, a newspaper that also broke
other sex scandal stories that have not received similar attention.
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Update: Hilarious graphic at
2 millionth.Labels: Vitty-cent
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8 Comments:
This is the answer you already know, but...
...because Idaho governor Butch Otter is a Republican. He can name a Republican to replace Craig. It's more about that than the gay aspect obviously, as they would be spinning like crazy about how this is a private matter, not was proven, ect. if the Idaho governor was a Democrat.
When they can safely keep a Senate seat and play tune of moral integrity to their homophobic base, they make a fuss about a resignation.
Thank you for blogging what I was screaming at my TV this morning.
I haven't called for Craig's resignation or Vitter's, but there are number of reasons why others are calling for Craig's resignation but not Vitter's:
1. Vitter fessed up to some impropriety and was outwardly contrite, while Craig's still denying everything.
2. Craig pled guilty to a sex crime he committed very recently, while Vitter said he was guilty of crimes several years ago that are now outside the statute of limitations.
3. Vitter could resign and the GOP would at least temporarily lose a seat, while Craig is in a Republican state and his resignation won't hurt the party in terms of Senate votes.
4. What Craig did stikes people as somehow more reckless and lewd, being that it was in a public restroom.
None of these may be great reasons, but together they are reasons to draw a line. However, I would reiterate that I personally don't draw such a line with regards to resignation -- I'd just prefer to have the electorate vote them out of office depending on the choices next election (and I do hope there are better, well-financed choices).
This is exactly what I was discussing with my wife last night and the answer is all about sexism.
its ok to cheat on your wife with a female hooker but make a pass at a guy...
what did edwin edwards say: "as long as i'm caught with a dead girl or a live boy in my bed i'll be re-elected"
sexism
er 'as long as i'm NOT caught...'
Thanks for the good comments.
And welcome, Courreges!
We should note, though, that Craig plead guilty to disorderly conduct, not to a "sex crime".
Maybe it's that they think Craig should resign but Diaper Dave should change...I mean be changed...um, nevermind.
oyster,
Oops -- I forgot. I suppose the only response would that, in this case, the "disorderly conduct" is known to be for sexual misconduct.
