People and Politics by Patrick Roberts

Anthony Weiner to resign; was finished once people began laughing at him

Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2011 at 11:53 AM

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The New York Times is reporting that Anthony Weiner is set to step down today bringing an end to his political career.

Washington Post legend David Broder once remarked that the one reaction politicians cannot survive is when people begin laughing at the mention of their name.

Remember the unfortunate Admiral Stockdale who ran as Ross Perot's running mate and became a staple of late nigh comedians because of his inability to handle the spotlight?

Weiner has now reached the same point and there is simply no way back for him. He has become a punchline in an increasingly less funny joke.

In the end he failed because he was clearly intensely disliked by his own Democratic colleagues as well as those who were his political opponents.

He was clearly hoping to ride out the storm and to somehow recover with the passage of time.
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But even long time friends like mentor Charles Schumer and President Bill Clinton were lukewarm at best about speaking out on his behalf.

So another sex scandal,another politician bites the dust.

The only sure thing is we will see it again and again. The nexus between power and sex means it is always so.

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MrSinatra | Jul 05, 2011, 01:08 AM EDT

weinerschnitzel!

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JohnKinMD | Jun 24, 2011, 03:05 PM EDT

But he keeps his pension and health care.

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maloney | Jun 17, 2011, 02:16 PM EDT

Nothing like a good old fashion weiner roast.

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teddybear | Jun 16, 2011, 06:53 PM EDT

Why do these IDIOTS think they can do what ever they want and get away with it??????

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eiriamach | Jun 16, 2011, 05:09 PM EDT

I've always wondered why men do that internet sex stuff. I suspect that it's a kind of "cafeteria syndrome," where the internet has everything from sexting to porn on display. Especially if they are workaholic men, they just reach out and grab what they see, and then they chomp it down on their way back to work! Internet sex can't be satisfying, it does nothing for the libido, there's no erotic pleasure in it, but probably it does satisfy the male ego. The man can think of himself as a virile beast if there's someone in cyberspace waiting for a photo of his naked torso. Is that why men do it? It's a pity this happened. He was an articulate spokesman for Democrat policy. A loss for the party, a disappointment for his wife, and he gained nothing but a few over-exposed photos that are not likely to find their way into his family album.

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