A decade of sex scandals

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 22:54:48 GMT

As you can see the Family Values Party still outnumbers the Democrats by almost 3 to 1... for being lying cheating scumbags!

So what's the point again???

A decade of sex scandals

Ed, FW, TX — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 22:55:46 GMT

For the most part these are grist for the 24 hr news cycle. I suspect that pols from both parties have a long history of fooling around. JFK was notorious, IKE had a mistress, ect.

It is interesting to note that all the scandals so far involve males and that the GOPers are ahead on the score board 11 to 8. A pretty high socre for a ball game, lol.

Now the real question is what does this tell us about ourselves? If only people with inflated egos like Edwards (to pick a Dem example) are attracted to and successful as politicians, that does not speak well for our core values.

In today's world, any email, txt, online posting, web site, picture, VM, video, or off hand remark (Obama's bitter comment) can become media fodder in the blink of any eye.

So fiddlers. discretion is the better part of valor. Better yet, keep it zipped!

A decade of sex scandals

MSierra, SF — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 22:57:13 GMT

'...Democrat Gavin Newsom (2007): The married San Francisco mayor admitted to sleeping with the wife of a top aide. But was it a career-ender? No. He’s running for governor...'

Gavin Newsom is a LOUT !!

The woman he had an affair with was his 'best friend's wife'

He put her on the SF payroll until he finished bonking her

Then, he got her 'disability' leave from the City

Newsome has done NOTHING for San Francisco

His latest fiasco:
It was just revealed that the city was training illegal alien felons for jobs they couldn't legally perform

Instead of turning in illegal aliens who commit felonies to the Feds, Newsom's Admin has been clearing out their records and training them for jobs

The alien in question had robbed a woman on the street, run over her with a SUV, and LAUGHED ABOUT IT !!

Groovey Gavin is a FAILURE as Mayor

Eric, Salinas please vote for Jerry Brown
At least Governor Moonbeam is honest and keeps his pants on

A decade of sex scandals

MSierra, SF — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:02:40 GMT

You forgot Newt gingrich

'...Several newspapers are now reporting that Newt Gingrich is dating and basically living with Callista Bisek, a "willowy blond Congressional aide 23 years his junior." Biske, 33, has been spending nights at Gingrich's apartment near the Capitol and has her own key. In an amazing act of hypocrisy, Gingrich was apparently dating Bisek all during Clinton-Lewinsky adultery scandal, even as he proclaimed family values and bitterly criticized the President for his adultery.

Reporters and other Washington insiders have known about this relationship since 1994, even before Gingrich became Speaker of the House, but did not have any solid proof to report. In 1995, Vanity Fair magazine described Bisek as Gingrich's "frequent breakfast companion." Gingrich was married to Marianne Gingrich during all of that time, and just filed for divorce in August 1999.

Newt is apparently trying to create a new hybrid form, Christian adultery. According to MSNBC, Bisek sings in the National Shrine Choir, and Newt would often wait for her at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, listening to her sing while he read the Bible.

This is hardly the first time Newt has cheated, either. "It was common knowledge that Newt was involved with other women during his [first] marriage to Jackie. Maybe not on the level of John Kennedy. But he had girlfriends -- some serious, some trivial." -- Dot Crews, his campaign scheduler throughout the 70s. One woman, Anne Manning, has come forward and confirmed a relationship with him during the 1976 campaign. "We had oral sex. He prefers that modus operandi because then he can say, 'I never slept with her.'"...'

Newt wanted to 'Rebuild American Civilization'

I don't think he succeeded

A decade of sex scandals

margaret, baltimore,md. — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:13:55 GMT

I don't know if you are "missing any" but I do know that if another repub. throws that "family value" line up in my face again, I will not be responsible for anything I might do or say. I am so sick of those hypocrites! They are against everything that would support a stable family i.e. decent public schools, health care for the poor, are just a few examples. Yet, they pay less tax then the average low to middle class American. But they lead the uninformed stupified masses with the yell of "less government, less taxes, let's secede.! Pitiful.

A decade of sex scandals

SAM — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:24:48 GMT

The difference is, Republican so called values, Holier than Thou hypocrits, point the finger when it is the Democratic party.

A decade of sex scandals

Scott Davis — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:27:55 GMT

Are we missing any?

What about Bob Livingston, who coincidentally has all the same attributes and life story as the Bill Livingston you named.

A decade of sex scandals

ninjas for jesus! — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:29:47 GMT

lucky for obama that msnbc is obsessed with this story and not even the story just the commentary of the issue.theres more important news out there today like what obama should be clarifying about the specifics of his health care plans that he probably wont say tonight.by the way my favorite cheaters are clinton and kennedy.dont keep your head in the gutter too long with this governors problems watch obama hes the prez. and we got to keep him honest.

A decade of sex scandals

Dave F., Florence, SC — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:30:23 GMT

Henry Hyde, Newt Gingrich...yeah you missed a couple

A decade of sex scandals

Jeff Goldstein, West Hills, CA — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:36:22 GMT

You forgot to include the master hypocrit, Newt Gingrich, and his affair after his attacks on Clinton leading to his subsequent fall from power.

A decade of sex scandals

John Doe, Washington, DC — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:46:13 GMT

And you're not even counting the Oregon Sex scandals.

Sam Adams (mayor), gay relationship with 18 year old intern.

Neil Goldschmidt (mayor of Portland): relationship with underage girl.

Bob Packwood (Senator)

A decade of sex scandals

Susan Ostendorf — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:48:31 GMT

You missed Gingrich

A decade of sex scandals

CdV LA CA — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:52:00 GMT

FR - Wouldn't it be interesting if someone (DK Goodwin??) penned a book about presidental/political infidelity through the ages, and the hypocritical responses other pols have given, the "Badge of Honor" type of outrage from pundits and the public and the huge diparity between the publics response now vs back in the day.

It seems to me that both JFK and FDR had notorious affairs while in office and every one knew it. Heck, wasn't Thomas Jefferson in that group as well. But it seems that only in the past 20 years or so(after the rise of the "moral majority") have these kinds of indiscretions really been put under the media microscope. Didn't everyone kind of turn their heads and ignore what was happening before that, as it wasn't anybody else's business??? Something interesting to think about.

A decade of sex scandals

Pat, Boston, MA — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:54:25 GMT

It's my understanding that Newt Gringrich was quite a womanizer when he was Speaker of the House. For the life of me I can't understand what women saw in him. Sanford, Clinton - I can understand.

But Newt? Good grief. I don't get the Giuliani thing either.

And as long as we're on the subject - I've been wondering something for a number of years - does anyone know if it's a fact that J. Edgar Hoover did in fact dress up in women's clothing? Just wondering. lol!!

A decade of sex scandals

RedState-cc, GA — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:05:47 GMT

Of course, you missed the biggest hypocrite of all time: Newt Gingrich, who was sleeping with his mistress (now 3rd wife) while still married to his 2nd at a the time he was impeaching Clinton!

A decade of sex scandals

deborah greenlawn, NY — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:10:46 GMT

Oops there goes another 'Publican, oops there goes another 'Publican down, ker-plunk.

I think they need to come up with some realistic FAMILY VALUES or they're going to permanently wear the HYPOCRITE mantle.

A decade of sex scandals

Bad Chihuahua — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:11:51 GMT

Mark Sanford
John Ensign

Thanks.

A decade of sex scandals

John Doe, Seattle, Wash. — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:43:25 GMT

What about Newt Gingrich's affair?

A decade of sex scandals

d-girl — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:44:05 GMT

interesting. not a single female politician on this list.

A decade of sex scandals

Rocky, PSL, Florida — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:47:54 GMT

Are they doing their job?
Are the doing it properly?
Then why should we bother with what they do with their private lives?

A decade of sex scandals

Ben Muschel, Flushing, NY — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 01:04:59 GMT

Henry Hyde.

A decade of sex scandals

Alex, CT — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 01:15:52 GMT

Didn't Newt Gingrich cheat on his terminally ill wife? How does that not count?

A decade of sex scandals

Marie, New York, NY — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 01:19:13 GMT

11 out of 14 'sex scandals' are from Republican party officials, the party of family values. It's time to get government out of our bedrooms and judge our politicians for honesty, integrity and good governance. Is it a coincidence that the last two scandals involved men who voted to impeach President Clinton?

A decade of sex scandals

eagle1776 — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 01:19:53 GMT

My,my count the GOPers and Dems and at least the GOP can win here. After all that seems about all they can win these days. When one considers that most of those Republicans were more than eager to impeach Bill Clinton for far less than what some of them have done. They crowed about how they were the party of family values. Now we know how hypocritical they are. I just wonder how many more there will be.

A decade of sex scandals

deborah Greenlawn, NY — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 02:34:19 GMT

HEY! On MSNBC's own homepage, to the right of this pathetic affair story which is smack dab in the middle of the page, is the story of a possible HUGE CANCER Breakthrough! PARP Inhibitors. Watch Brian Williams' video report.
For goodness sakes-what is wrong with us when
the BIG story is some cheating governor, and a treatment that will possibly save thousands of lives and suffering is off to the SIDE!

A decade of sex scandals

Chris Eigeman — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 02:44:12 GMT

People you forgot:

David Paterson
Patrick Kennedy
Charlie Crist
Deval Patrick
Mark Kirk

A decade of sex scandals

Dave F. Florence, SC — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 03:23:21 GMT

Women Helen Chenoweth R-Idaho
From Wikipedia, since I couldn't remember the details
She was a critic of President Bill Clinton during the Lewinsky scandal and was one of the first to call for his resignation over the affair, although she admitted that she had carried on a six-year illicit romance with rancher Vernon Ravenscroft, when she worked for his natural-resources consulting firm during the 1980s. Chenoweth claimed that her case was different from the Clinton/Lewinsky case since she was a private citizen at the time and was honest with the public when confronted with the charge in 1998, although claims were made that she had denied it in a 1995 interview[5].

A decade of sex scandals

Gary, Indiana — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 03:42:14 GMT

Face it: It's not that Repub politicians are the only ones out there fooling around on their families. It's just that they are the ones the media loves to hate and expose. Do you think for a second that a Dem would have as much media scrutiny if he ducked out of sight for a few days?

Also, the Repubs are held to a higher standard because they always claim to have standards. Most do. That includes the millions of conservatives nationwide who don't cheat on their wives and whose families and values are under constant assault from Hollywood and Washington. It must be nice to be a democrat, ridicule family values, glorify immoral behavior, enact social policies that have proved disasterous to the American family unit, and set low standards for yourselves. That way, when you screw up, "hey, at least no one can call me a hypocrite", right?

I prefer to have our nations' leaders be of strong character, not low character. If they strive for the honest and moral life and fail, so be it. I'll take that any day over people who have set the bar so low that they use it as an excuse not to try. They are the real weak ones.

A decade of sex scandals

Thomas — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 04:08:55 GMT

When will we ever get it.Live right!

A decade of sex scandals

PJ, Bklyn, NY — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 04:46:09 GMT

The Kennedy family makes all these other sleaze bags look like virgins. The problem is Joe Sr. had the press in his pocket and nothing ever got out about Jack and/or Bobby. Teddy also got away with vehicular manslaughter. Quite a few of their progeny have also had difficulties. But then again, nobody is supposed to besmirch "Camelot".

A decade of sex scandals

Lyn, Fairfax, VA — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:37:16 GMT

How about Tom Davis - VA who left his wife and teenage kids for his girlfriend, Jeannemarie Divolites - a fellow politician? Is that the dear friend that Sanford disappointed? Good role models.

A decade of sex scandals

Carolyn Kenyon Melbourne, FL — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:13:22 GMT

I don't really care who they are sleeping with. I care about the job they are doing. This most recent scandal with Mark Sanford should be cause for him to be fired. He left the state in limbo and that is unacceptable. I also think when politicians make their family values the center piece for their campaigns they are setting themselves up for criticism.

A decade of sex scandals

Cheryl Campbell Louisville, KY — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:22:09 GMT

From what I read of your list, it is even 10-10 and Gingrich is on there. The amazing part of it is that the Repugs preach "Family Values" and do not adhere to it. This country goes on so much about sex scandals, they are obssessed with it. Take Canada or Europe and you will not find such obsessions. As long as the "lawmaker" does a good job, his personal life is just that personal and between him & his wife or significant other. It's when the hypocrisy comes in to it. The "do as I say but not as I do". If this country is so religeous it better start thinking about how to get affordable health care to ALL Americans and stop getting their jollies on sex scandals. What a bung of tight-bummed hypocrits.!

A decade of sex scandals

John Doe — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:29:36 GMT

wasn't rep Helen Chenoworth of Idaho having an extra marital affair?

A decade of sex scandals

Charlie Brill — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:43:32 GMT

It seems that the problem for the GOP is that they tout being the party of "Family Values", not only these examples but also Rush and his drug problem are causing a lot of otherwise GOP inclined voters to rethink this alliance. Afterall, if you pronounce your support for "traditional family values" it might be helpful to actually live by some. Last time I was in my Southern Baptist Church we consider drugs, lying, an affair ALL as sins.

I believe in forgiveness and I also realize that every person is a sinner. But to say one thing and do another, even by Bibilical Standards is considered a signficant breach of trust.

A decade of sex scandals

JimD, Boston, MA — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:48:38 GMT

I guess the omission of Gingrich initially was a TEST ON THE CORRESPONDENT'S PART - to see if we are paying attention !!! We are, and as most of us would agree, Gingrich is a DEAD DUCK, POLITICALLY !!! So the talking head shows should x him off their list of "relevant" guests !!!

A decade of sex scandals

Elaine Shropshire, Columbia, SC — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:58:09 GMT

Feisty Redhead - Where did you learn math? Dems 10 Repubs 11, doesn't come close to 3 to 1. More like 1 to 1.
Lying, cheating scumbags - it's a gender thing not a political affiliation. Too bad the male brain sinks into the crotch during male menopause.

A decade of sex scandals

Trevor — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:02:38 GMT

Henry Hyde

A decade of sex scandals

Tina — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:06:02 GMT

Weren't Patterson and his wife seperated at the time, which I think would keep it from falling into the realm of adultary - at least in comparison to the rest of the list which are purely "cheating on a spouse".

A decade of sex scandals

All humans have values-some more than others just use it as a badge — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:16:55 GMT

Hey, we finally found a place where the republicans are winning! The count (with Gingrich) is 12 to 10 in favor of the GOP

Way to go VALUES party!

A decade of sex scandals

Chris - IL — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:25:09 GMT

It absolutely amazes me that these presumably smart and powerful men think they can "get away" with cheating on their wives and not get caught! And to go after Clinton the way some of these people did, then go out and have an affair is simply amazing.

Personally, I don't care whether or not someone is faithful to their wife. It is a personal issue and we have no idea what their marriage may be like. But what kills me is when someone has the nerve to stand up and go after other people for something, then turn around and do the same thing.

One thing I do like is this again damages the republican brand, and should hurt their efforts to stop health care and energy reform.

A decade of sex scandals

Monkberry Moon — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:31:52 GMT

Are we missing any?

Yeah, you are missing the ones that didn't get caught and the ones whose wives kept it a secret.

It's pretty much a split between parties as far as the infidelity goes but you have to give it to Bill Clinton, the clear winnner, as the screwball infidelity daddy of them all. He WAS president at the time, wasn't he? The jokes. His lies (I didn't have sex with that woman). The impeachment. The Dems kept him in and the public, mostly Dems, forgave him, not holding him to a very high standard.

Clinton is clearly the winner. He screwed over his wife, kid and America.

A decade of sex scandals

Monkberry Moon — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:34:34 GMT

Clinton also has multiple affairs. Again, the clear winner.

A decade of sex scandals

Ginger, Las Vegas NV — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:50:55 GMT

Just my two cents here--others have said it before me and others will say it after me...

People stray from their marriage vows. It's not right-it's against a couple of the Ten Commandments--it destroys families, lives, careers. But what the Repugs don't seem to understand is that they ACTIVELY campaign as protectors of FAMILY VALUES. Heck, if it was even JUST campaigning--- but they BEAT Dems over the head with their perceived LACK of values, they go on talk shows and hold news conferences proclaiming (ala Ensign) that THEY would RESIGN if caught in similar circumstances...and then NONE of them do. If any of them have resigned, I stand corrected. Ensign hasn't at least.

The hypocrisy is breathtaking and we the people need to hold everyone (Repug or Dem) accountable for their words AND actions.

A decade of sex scandals

Mary, West Columbia, South Carolina — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:27:42 GMT

On this updated list, there are almost equal numbers of Democrats and Republicans. I guess that politics is the wrong place for us to look for "family values" or any other type of morality for that matter.

A decade of sex scandals

Bryce P, Washington, DC — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:41:52 GMT

Marion Barry?

A decade of sex scandals

C smith — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:57:14 GMT

I suppose you purposely left off John McCain who, as it's widely known, left his first wife and kids for Cindy and a career in politics?

A decade of sex scandals

Doc_Navy — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:03:32 GMT

Here's the thing...
1. Because of their own personal standards, Repubs are consistently held to a higher standard than Dems. (Libs/Dems call it "Hypocrisy" when a Conserv/Repub falls to temptation and that's fine, but here's the rub... what does that say about the general constituancy of the Libs/Dems? The only reason you can claim to not be "hypocrites" is because your bar is alrady LOW.)
2. When you look at them, a LARGE number of the Repubs who had a sex scandal ALSO had mitigating factors. IE: Separated, Divorce proceedings already going, married the person they "cheated" with, Etc...
3. Also, while there is ~sometimes~ some finger pointing done by Repubs at Dems when Dems have a sex scandal, RARELY (if ever) is there such OBVIOUS unmitigated GLEE in exposing and rubbing it.. err reporting it as there is with the Libs/Dems when it's a Repub.
4. Finally, and this is the kicker, when a repub screws up... it's usually a career ender. When a Dem screws up... it's either quickly forgotten, or it's a carreer MAKER.
DOC

A decade of sex scandals

Marc Time — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:05:47 GMT

Giuliani,ex Mayor of Ny who was with his mistress before the divorce was final.

A decade of sex scandals

Doc_Navy, Pensacola, FL. — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:08:46 GMT

Oh, and for feisty redhead...

That's because the MSM likes to play the "Name that Party" game. Whenever an (R) is involved, it's usually the FIRST thing they say. When it's a (D) that is involved it either takes DAYS for them to mention it, or they never mention it at all. I'm POSITIVE that if someone where to really look, and find all the missing (D)'s out there... the numbers would at a MINIMUM be equal. If not leaning towards the (D) side.
DOC

A decade of sex scandals

Marc Time — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:13:14 GMT

Oops never mind -he's in there

A decade of sex scandals

tOny tOad, bethesda, md — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:16:01 GMT

And let's not forget Congressman Hyde (R, ILL) who was publicly condemning Clinton while concealing his own affair with a married woman while he was himself married -- an arrangement he tried to explain away as a 'youthful indescretion' (he was in his 50's when it was going on) or Congresswoman Helen Chenoweth (known as living proof on the Hill that it is actually possible to f*** your brains out).

Gotta love those 'R's -- all in favor of family values!

A decade of sex scandals

John, Kansas City, MO — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:30:56 GMT

Scandals seem to help Republicans. Get arrested for drunk driving--win the Presidency! Daughter gets pregnant--become a right wing rockstar! Dump your disabled wife for a younger, prettier one--win the GOP nomination! The Republican base loves a good redemption story, and they can relate to the moral hypocrisy.

A decade of sex scandals

WBH — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:38:10 GMT

John McCain! His relationship with Cindy began during his first marriage.