by dark faery
Member since:
November 25, 2006

If... 3/12/08

March 12, 2008 10:19 AM UTC
views: 0 | comments: 20

If you were the spouse of a politician who was caught in a sex scandal (think Larry Craig, Eliot Spitzer, Jim McGreevey), would you stand beside him/her at the press conference while he/she apologizes for what ever it is that caused the scandal? (Such as, gay sex in a men's bathroom, prostitution rings, outing himself on national television as a gay man married to a woman.)

Comments: 20

Tina W. Mar 12, 2008, 9:49am UTC
no way!!! I am not going too look like a fool for an idiot that cheated
Robyn F. Mar 12, 2008, 10:22am UTC
politician or not.... I'm outta there.....
Chris E. Mar 12, 2008, 10:26am UTC
Heck no!
Kimber L. Mar 12, 2008, 10:26am UTC
I would NOT stand next to them. I might hold a press conference to say that I am leaving for personal reasons but that it is my decision to do so and he wanted to save things, then go on to mention his good qualities and try to still help him politically maybe even mention that I still love him but have to do it from afar because I could no longer be personally intimate with them. I would divorce for infidelity. I will tell the public it is my ego making me leave, I have need to feel like the most important person in my significant others life and that not only did the scandal happen but he is putting all the voters before me too and selfishly that is something I could not handle! Something like that to try to give them a spin on it that wouldn't kill him politically. THere is no way I would stay with someone cheating on me. Once a cheater always a cheater and I believe in the sanctity and sacredness of marraige. If one party is adulterous and breaking vows then the contract is null and void!!!!!
Melissa L. Mar 12, 2008, 10:31am UTC
No way would I stay by his side, politic or not!!!
Vicky Duggins Mar 12, 2008, 10:56am UTC
Nope. He's on his own.
Theresa Chaze Mar 12, 2008, 11:43am UTC
It would depend on other variables like the situation and the evidence. Politically I think Craig is an ignorant ass, but I think he did get railroaded. The evidence was flimsy at best. As for the current, I haven't seen the evidence; until I do I'm not going to pass judgment.
Kristina B. Mar 12, 2008, 12:54pm UTC
That's a hard one for me. My first reaction is like everyone else's...no way he's on his own, but then I started to expand the situation in my mind to things like children, do we have children how will my reactions/behavior effect them. Nothing is lost by standing quietly alongside your shamed partner during their public moment of mea culpa, whilst quickly and discreetly consulting a good divorce attorney.
Kristina B. Mar 12, 2008, 12:56pm UTC
I really like this "If" questions you post each day. It gives people things to get their brain juices flowing and sparks interesting conversation. Thanks!
Rick S. Mar 12, 2008, 3:21pm UTC
This seems like it's a personal decision between the husband and wife. I generally don't feel like someone should stay in a marriage when the partner is cheating and I don't think a spouse should give the impression that they condone bad behavior, but really, how they as a couple handle it is nobody's business but their own.
April H. Mar 12, 2008, 4:55pm UTC
don't think i could do it!
Sarah Honenberger Mar 13, 2008, 9:58am UTC
Politicians' spouses (mostly wives thus far) make choices to put their husband first long before they are asked to forgive him for something unforgivable like showing that level of disrespect for three daughters at crucial stages of their emotional development.

And they probably make deals when something like this happens. "If you want me to stand up there with you, this is what I want." He has millions of dollars, or did.
Hollie C. Mar 13, 2008, 1:46pm UTC
no.
Rita Johnson Mar 13, 2008, 1:54pm UTC
It would be over
Sheila R. Mar 19, 2008, 8:41pm UTC
no way.
Vera B. Apr 15, 2008, 7:41pm UTC
It's a strange thing isn't it how wives of politicians act. In regard to Hilary Clinton, I think she stayed because the Clinton's, in my opinion have had this political life all their lives and she knew she needed him t move on to the next level. In her case it was Senator of N.Y. leading to a run for Presidency. This is all she knew.
In the case of Larry Craig, I think they are both in denial and what else does she have but him.
In the case of Elliot Spitzer it seemed to me Mrs. Spitzer may have been in shock and well it reminded me of Hilarys' reaction, standing by her man.

Would I be there? Never...

This is Vera Bauer and I approve this post.
Rae M. May 5, 2008, 9:26am UTC
If it was something I already knew about and we had already worked through it then yes, (not that you should stay married to a man who is involved in any of those things). But if the only reason I found out about it is because he got busted, then heck no! Too humiliating for one thing and for another why would I stand by a man who has decieved me so much, and did not come clean to me?
armybrat P. Sep 22, 2008, 8:58pm UTC
Absolutely no!!!!

Join the Conversation
Chime in! Become a Gather member to comment.
Already a member? Sign in
top
 
Gather | Friends | Groups | Share
About Gather | Engagement Marketing | Gather Points | Advertise on Gather | Gather Press | Privacy | Terms of Service | Community Guidelines
Books | Business | Celebs | Entertainment | Family | Food | Giveaways | Health | Money | Moms | News | Politics | Sports | Style | Technology | Travel | Writing
Version 18247, "Zach"; Copyright © 2013 Gather Inc. All rights reserved.