User Comments

1. 

   8/09/08

   satijournal

   If they didn't break any laws, it should be for the voters to decide whether or not they remain in office.

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2. 

   8/09/08

   drjay1966

   Edwards called himself "egotistical and narcissistic" which, I think, probably describes anyone who would make a serious run for president of the United States. Certainly an incredible number of presidents, including some of the greats, have had affairs in and out of office.
   
   Ideally, I don't think this kind of thing should have much bearing on someone's fitness for public office. On the other hand, in a context like the United States today, where so many people believe that private affairs should have bearing, and where the media is watching private lives of the famous closely, this kind of behavior shows an incredible amount of recklessness. He knew that he was risking not only his own political career but also, considering that he was running for the Democratic nomination at the time, the party's chances of regaining the White House.

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3. 

   8/09/08

   Anok

   To me, it depends on what they did rather than the fact that they did something.
   
   I mean, I don't think that a person who cheats on their spouse is a great spouse. But it doesn't mean they can't run a country.
   
   On the other hand, when you have a president that has bankrupted every business they've owned...maybe he's not the best choice for commander in chief.
   
   See what I mean? If what they did has relevance towards leadership and policy making - I do think it is legitimate to bring to the public's attention. If it isn't...well now you're just throwing stones at someone who F%#^*@ed up.
   
   We all make mistakes sometimes - so I don't think that the sexual preferences, marital problems, or other truly personal problems should be rubbed into the public's faces.
   
   I mean, there were more than a few US presidents that had affairs or other sordid personal events - who were perfectly fine presidents - and no one was the wiser until after they left office. I think that goes to show that it doesn't do anything but cause public disruptions, and takes away attention from more legitimate concerns.
   
   Like an illegal war, legislating torture, illegal firing practices in the capitol, energy crisis's so on and so forth..

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4. 

   8/09/08

   jnvscnln

   Apparently, John McCain was seeing his current wife on the side while he was still married to his former wife. Time for a cease fire John?
   
   More important issues might include the McCains' multi-million dollar profit from the sale of Budweiser to the Dutch concern, InBev? Or, how little they'll pay in taxes on those millions?
   
   Or, how much McCain pays for a haircut ... Or does he get his hair cut at military bases at taxpayer expense? : )

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5. 

   8/10/08

   RenalFailure

   I always wonder what's the job-related problem with a politician cheating on their spouse. Are we worried that if the President cheats on his wife that he's going to cheat on his country? That when we're not looking he's going to be Presidenting some other country behind our back?

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   1. 

      8/10/08

      MadameX

      I think that there are various legitimate concerns--just that they're concerns that are secondary to things that are clearly more directly on-point. For instance, people tend to be honest or not; it's unlikely that a person is dishonest and deceptive in his personal life but suddenly sprouts integrity when he gets to work. For another, a person with something to hide is always subject to manipulation more easily than someone who lives on the up-and-up.
      
      I've said before that I don't think these "scandals" should be the news that they are or get the attention that they do, but there are legimate issues to consider.
   2. 

      8/11/08

      drjay1966

      Well, like I was saying, I think it has to be viewed in terms of a context in which he's probably going to get found out, and where there's going to be a s--t storm when that happens, which makes it incredibly reckless behavior. When FDR had his mistress living in the White House, he knew the press not only wouldn't publicize it, but would protect him, just like they kept quiet about how crippled he was (really--my mother saw him in person and couldn't believe it when he was carried on stage). Politicians today live in a different world.
6. 

   8/12/08

   Nomadic

   Having worked with many politicians, and having disliked many of them, I surprise myself in saying that I think every human being deserves to be treated with respect and dignity - whether they lack integrity or not.

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   1. 

      8/12/08

      globalgirl

      "I think every human being deserves to be treated with respect and dignity - whether they lack integrity or not."
      
      Sometimes. Mercy, yes, all the time.
      
      Let me explain. I don't believe child molesters/abusers/rapists/murderers deserve respect and dignity, without making amends (real sorrow for their misdeeds, turning away from and acknowledging their vile behavior). They may be given mercy, but not respect nor dignity. They dig their own grave.
      
      Let's face it, some people really are monsters and I have zero respect nor dignity to give to them. Mercy, perhaps, but it probably will not be immediate for me.
      
      That being said, no one is exempt from falling into behaviors that are without integrity. No one.