Sanford implodes, admits affair
posted at 2:55 pm on June 24, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
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I had written a post about the saga of the curious case of the missing Governor, Mark Sanford, but events have surpassed my original thoughts. It now turns out that the Appalachian Trail story was a ruse to cover a meeting with Sanford’s mistress in Argentina, which makes Sanford the most famous Republican on foreign affairs at the moment:
South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford aknowledged Wednesday that he was carrying on an affiar with a woman in Argentina when he disappeared from his office last week, only to resurface this morning.
Sanford said he would resign as chairman of the Republican Governors Association and asked for forgiveness from his wife and four sons.
Safe to say that after having his official spokesman lie to the press to cover the affair, Sanford’s career in national politics has just ended. It’s a shame that it came to this, but Sanford brought it on himself.
Once again, this clip from South Park seems appropriate:
The lesson: If you want to have a career in national politics, keep it in your pants. If you want to conduct affairs, stay out of politics. If you use your public office to lie to your constituents and your family, you deserve everything coming your way. No sniveling.
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Why are we picking sides and eating our own?
Oink on June 24, 2009 at 3:03 PM
Stunned.
Don’t cry for me, Argentina. Or the US for that matter.
hot-heir on June 24, 2009 at 3:03 PM
What a maroon.
Hucklebuck on June 24, 2009 at 3:04 PM
Seriously – he needs to pull a Spectre Switcheroo to make this completely TEH AWESOME.
Good Lt on June 24, 2009 at 3:04 PM
No, it’s good to think good thoughts. There was no reason to jump to that conclusion.
And his affair shouldn’t diminish that. I think it’s appropriate that he’s lost the peoples’ trust, considering he violated his wife’s, but that doesn’t mean he was wrong on other issues.
Esthier on June 24, 2009 at 3:04 PM
Andrew Sullivan just called to inform me that Trig Palin’s father is Mark Sanford.
Flyover Country on June 24, 2009 at 3:04 PM
No it doesn’t…but outside of politics, what good does that fiscal conservatism do for us?
ladyingray on June 24, 2009 at 3:04 PM
Sanford Fans Today
Mr. Joe on June 24, 2009 at 3:04 PM
As Bill Sammon just said on Fox, this has been a couple of good weeks for Mitt Romney.
4Freedom on June 24, 2009 at 3:04 PM
Because we taste so darned good.
myrenovations on June 24, 2009 at 3:04 PM
holy cow, that was the quickest 100 posts on HA evah
Erich66 on June 24, 2009 at 3:05 PM
I have been married for 23 yrs as of yesterday. It’s tough to not give in but not impossible. Thanks douchenozzle.
kahall on June 24, 2009 at 3:05 PM
It was so obvious something like this was involved. No married man goes to a foreign country without telling his wife and kids just to “recharge his batteries”. The fact that so many conservatives bought into this shows a certain degree of naivity.
Speedwagon82 on June 24, 2009 at 3:05 PM
What a jerk. He should resign.
boomer on June 24, 2009 at 3:05 PM
Tis true.
(eats self)
Good Lt on June 24, 2009 at 3:05 PM
Suddenly, a column of blue flame, like an acetylene torch, jets upward from the station at the base of the cone.
BISHOP That’s it. The emergency venting.
HUDSON Ah, that’s beautiful, man. Ah man, that…that just beats it all.
HICKS How long until it blows?
BISHOP Four hours…with a blast radius of thirty kilometers. Equal to about forty megatons.
HICKS We got problems.
HUDSON I don’t believe this. I don’t fucking believe this.
RarestRX on June 24, 2009 at 3:05 PM
Christ…what an idiot.
MadisonConservative on June 24, 2009 at 3:05 PM
Is Andre Bauer, the Lt. Gov., happily married?
redwhiteblue on June 24, 2009 at 3:05 PM
Real Conservatives never were. RINOs like McCain, Mr. Morrisey and Allahpundit were.
bill30097 on June 24, 2009 at 3:05 PM
It’s the perks. You don’t have to drive anywhere, you get sucked up to, taxpayer-funded everything, huge pensions, ….
BigD on June 24, 2009 at 3:05 PM
The refutation: William Jefferson Clinton
Kensington on June 24, 2009 at 3:05 PM
Timing is perfect for Barry, the way have been going for him this week. Great diversion. Thanks, Mark.
a capella on June 24, 2009 at 3:05 PM
The guy is nuts. No wonder the powers that be decided this guy was Presidential material. The libs no doubt knew all about this and were waiting for Sanford to win the party’s nomination before it blew up and sunk the Republicans for 2012.
This is also the guy who said he had tears of joy running down his face while watching Obama’s inauguration speech.
Buddahpundit on June 24, 2009 at 3:05 PM
But…………I thought it was ok to lie about sex.
BacaDog on June 24, 2009 at 3:05 PM
exactly….nothing wrong with the platform….
PALIN 2012!!
cmsinaz on June 24, 2009 at 3:05 PM
Keep laughing, asshat. Ever heard of glass houses?
HornetSting on June 24, 2009 at 3:05 PM
You know who this really helps?
Mitt Romney.
- Hugh Hewitt.
Good Lt on June 24, 2009 at 3:06 PM
Maybe the only good to come of this is, will it siphon off some of the media attention about to be lavished on THE ONE tonight? Obama’s probably really frosted about this disclosure at this particular time. Bam’s probably questioning “the timing.”
Does the political implosion of a Republican rising star trump Bam and ABC’s health insurance infomercial?
marybel on June 24, 2009 at 3:06 PM
He claims he was in Argentina alone the past few days, and did go down there to recharge. The affair happened five months ago.
Then again, he is a liar.
And oh well, another republican contender down. Must be a Sarah-wing conspiracy.
Enoxo on June 24, 2009 at 3:06 PM
I should say NOT!!!!
Oink on June 24, 2009 at 3:06 PM
Ellen, dont’ fall prey to the media. Part of their desire to destroy the family, is to destroy any faith in marriage.
Destroy the family, and the society will collapse.
– Vladimir Ilyich Lenin
And, of course, when the family is destroyed and society collapses, the State comes in to pick up the pieces, and nurture the children … and mold them into wards of the State.
Keep the faith. I’m not married; but adultery is an abomination to me. We’re out there.
OhEssYouCowboys on June 24, 2009 at 3:06 PM
The anser for all of this term limits.ONE term for all local, state and federal.Lets face it after one term anywhere these fools Rep and Dems think they are untouchable and above the law both legal and moral.I hope the Gov. will resign and try to get his life back with his wife and boys.
thmcbb on June 24, 2009 at 3:06 PM
Might as well sort them out now.
Oink on June 24, 2009 at 2:58 PM
Oink,
My thoughts too. If someone is going to be that stupid, let’s find it out now.
Hobbes on June 24, 2009 at 3:06 PM
Poontang is a drug
redrock on June 24, 2009 at 3:06 PM
25 years, no affairs. It helps that I’m plug-ugly; my wife’s a saint!
mr.blacksheep on June 24, 2009 at 3:07 PM
Honestly, I’d have been more impressed had he come out there and said “I’ve been unfaithful to my wife. It’s between the two of us. Were dealing with it. The details are nobody’s damn business, least of all you democrat vultures in the media. I hope you’ll give us the same wide latitude to work through this privately that you have given to others in my position, such as President Bill Clinton and our current Secretary of State. Thank you for coming.”
But the sniveling references to God and the Bible, the plaintive requests for forgiveness, the long, drawn-out sighs, and the feigned contrition and sincerity. It makes me wanna puke. He was clearly still in pillow talk mode.
Rational Thought on June 24, 2009 at 3:07 PM
TLC has just annouced a new show: Mark – Jenny + 4
WashJeff on June 24, 2009 at 3:07 PM
There is, Monica. There’s Sarah Palin. She won’t let you down. Last time I checked, no one ever accused her (well, no one outside of Larry Flynt) of cheating on Todd.
And when she says she’ll cut government spending, she cuts government spending. She doesn’t “reduce the rate of increase”.
There’s people who talk integrity, like Sanford, and people who have it, like Palin.
victor82 on June 24, 2009 at 3:07 PM
At least his wife wasn’t standing next to him like the previous 2 scumbag Democratic guvs.
faraway on June 24, 2009 at 3:07 PM
Gives the libs such a pass on EVERYTHING!! the DUmmies are lovin it i’m sure!
WhatsRight on June 24, 2009 at 3:07 PM
You’re acting like he’s being butchered here. He f-ed up, Thacker. I don’t want men like him running for office. Why would you? Do you just think it’s to be expected that men are unfaithful and that we should get over it?
Esthier on June 24, 2009 at 3:07 PM
That news conference made my week. That was just spectacular.
Terry Silver on June 24, 2009 at 3:07 PM
I don’t see how you can trust any politician, regardless of party. What a jerk.
Hey, if any other GOPers are having an affair, please announce it this week, huh? You know it’ll be found out, so lets just get it over with. Ugh.
changer1701 on June 24, 2009 at 3:07 PM
As long as men think with those things there will always be high profile people that try to get away with this stuff. He obviously does not care about his wife and family. Turd.
Vince on June 24, 2009 at 3:07 PM
I freaking defended this dweeb. Ugh… my BAD!
What I WANT to know now… did Mrs. Sanford KNOW. I have a feeling she may have. Sometimes wives look away (especially those who have powerful husbands) so they don’t lose that way of life.
upinak on June 24, 2009 at 3:07 PM
Yeah, but those Argentinian chicks are HOT! Just goes to show where the real power lays…er, lies…whatever.
Wyznowski on June 24, 2009 at 3:08 PM
Holy Cow.
One good thing, his wife had the backbone to NOT be standing up there with him.
Back to the drawing board on my ‘12 pick, he was mine.
mngirl on June 24, 2009 at 3:08 PM
LOL, So your best bet is Palin?
That’s rich. Might as well just start planning for 2016.
ckoeber on June 24, 2009 at 3:08 PM
I didn’t see it, but I hope he didn’t have his wife standing there with him like that POS Spitzer did — now that really made my stomach turn.
mr.blacksheep on June 24, 2009 at 3:08 PM
I was never really a Sanford fan. However, this is beyond the pale.
The only three to trust so far: Governor Palin, Governor Perry, and Governor Jindal.
Palin/Perry 2012!!!
jencab on June 24, 2009 at 3:08 PM
What the hell is wrong with people who are married and can’t keep their freakin’ clothes on around strangers? I was with a friend last night who’s husband did the same thing, with men AND women and she was telling me about a few other married couples we know who are divorcing for this same thing. There are married people I work with who are sleeping with other people I work with. WTF? Am I just an old fashioned nitwit for not getting my share? I’m single and picky as hell with who I hook up with. Apparently, I’m in the minority.
Yet another sign that we as a society are doomed.
Geronimo on June 24, 2009 at 3:08 PM
jackass.
rob verdi on June 24, 2009 at 3:09 PM
oxymoron: honest politician
WordsMatter on June 24, 2009 at 3:09 PM
His wife said he was gone writing…his resignation.
Maquis on June 24, 2009 at 3:09 PM
Maybe it’s time for true conservatives to really start considering the Constitution Party.
Special K on June 24, 2009 at 3:09 PM
Put a politician on a pedastal and they will get knocked off.
At this point, I’d be freaked out if anyone called me potential 2012 candidate.
myrenovations on June 24, 2009 at 3:09 PM
Are the Democrats openly recruiting him, now that he meets their standards of conduct?
Patrick S on June 24, 2009 at 3:09 PM
Hey Mark I supported you for 2012, no more Go Fuck yourself. Its time the GOP boot these fakes out of the party and Sanford take the Senator from NV with you.
lavell12 on June 24, 2009 at 3:09 PM
+1 Gazillion
Mister Ghost on June 24, 2009 at 3:09 PM
I can’t believe Sanford did this. He should have stayed in Argentina. What a total moron.
Thanks for nothing, dipsh!t.
progressoverpeace on June 24, 2009 at 3:10 PM
Do these guys think that admitting they had an affair with a friend is better than just a chick they thought was hot?
Speedwagon82 on June 24, 2009 at 3:10 PM
I certainly understand the disgust level with Sanford. However, as a sociological matter, I really don’t understand these public mea culpas. Whether he sticks it in Argentina or in the Appalachians, why go through this excercise? Wouldn’t it be better to just tell the press, “none of your business” to questions of fidelity? Of course, disappearing from sight for a week is another matter altogether.
His family is going to go through hell, and the press will ensure it.
Sanford, you must go away.
Western_Civ on June 24, 2009 at 3:10 PM
Another one bites the dust. But, in his defense, Argentine women are hot and he is OH so ugly and OH so old.
Monkei on June 24, 2009 at 3:10 PM
Or remain single. Nothing wrong with that.
elduende on June 24, 2009 at 3:10 PM
No, but it helps to invalidate his opposition to Porkulous, when one of the leading critics goes out on an birding expedition for the elusive Argentinian big breasted bed thrasher and gets caught.
So it does help the opposition and Dems unfortunately, and one of the better GOP governors now has no credibility and will probably be out of office soon.
firepilot on June 24, 2009 at 3:10 PM
As I said before, the GOP should forget looking for “Saviors.”
Again. If you want a politician who has never cheated on his wife, you’re looking for the wrong person in the first place. Instead, forget politics and look for a Buddhist monk.
newton on June 24, 2009 at 3:10 PM
Yeah, me too…I knew something wasn’t right but wasn’t ready to slaughter him until I heard the entire story.
What a jerk.
I think his wife did know.
ladyingray on June 24, 2009 at 3:10 PM
Why are men always thinking with the wrong head? C’mon guys, you know it’s always going to lead to trouble.
smartsy on June 24, 2009 at 3:10 PM
As much as I don’t like to harshly criticize conservatives because the libs NEVER turn on one of their own, Sanford is a DOPE. The man could have been president!! He should resign NOW…let someone get in there and build trust for 2010!!!!! We can’t lose S.C.
Dan Pet on June 24, 2009 at 3:10 PM
I dono, I hope to one day take a South American lover too.
wilkeson on June 24, 2009 at 3:10 PM
Quick, Governor, change Party affiliation…you’ll get re-elected and more!!!
coldwarrior on June 24, 2009 at 3:10 PM
take it easy on him, that latin ass is irresistable. personally, he went up a notch in my book.
treyevans on June 24, 2009 at 3:10 PM
I couldn’t agree more. I’m livid right now, to hear of this news. I had very high hopes for this man. I thought he was above this kind of crap…and to find out, he’s just one of many, is heart breaking.
capejasmine on June 24, 2009 at 3:11 PM
Easy on the Perry thing. There’s a little snake oil salesman in him. And I voted for him…
Matticus Finch on June 24, 2009 at 3:11 PM
If you want to conduct affairs, stay out of politics. If you use your public office to lie to your constituents and your family, you deserve everything coming your way.
Well, of course, unless you’re a Democrat President. Then it’s all cool and anyone who tries to impeach you is a prude.
Gaunilon on June 24, 2009 at 3:11 PM
Holy crap! Seriously? Seriously? Sanford… Seriously?
Stomper on June 24, 2009 at 3:11 PM
fixed it :o)
WordsMatter on June 24, 2009 at 3:11 PM
Hey, if this guy couldn’t stand up to Argentine women with an email account, how is he ever going to stand up against those in the Axis of Evil.
Monkei on June 24, 2009 at 3:11 PM
That’s the thing about conservative’s wives vs liberal wives. Mark better hope she hasn’t been to the range lately.
I never really cared for the guy and now, well, it is going to be funny to watch the infosluts get all self righteous about his fling.
Pass the popcorn.
HornetSting on June 24, 2009 at 3:11 PM
Now THAT is heartache. :(
kg598301 on June 24, 2009 at 3:12 PM
Yep Lady…
Because most wives who “know” either FREAK out or turn their cheek.
upinak on June 24, 2009 at 3:12 PM
BTW, Ed, Allah?
Head banging smiley.
Want.
:D
Skywise on June 24, 2009 at 3:12 PM
We’ve still got Jim DeMint!
califcon on June 24, 2009 at 3:12 PM
Sanford’s web site is down, likely due to overwhelming traffic. Another site that would have been put up eventually would have been http://www.sanfordforpres.com, but that dream is now over. Great job, governor.
nickj116 on June 24, 2009 at 3:12 PM
You forgot Governor Crist. /s
portlandon on June 24, 2009 at 3:12 PM
That’s the attitude. We all know how the sexual indescretion of Bill Clinton hurt his career. He’s only the most well respected statesman in the D party short of Obama and his WIFE is the secretary of state and likely next D nomination.
Republicans are awesome with their holier than thou attitudes.
Enjoy your second class status. But be sure that you support Amnesty and gay marriage. . . you know, the family values platform. You still have mccain and graham.
ThackerAgency on June 24, 2009 at 3:12 PM
He’s not “our own”. Maybe he’s your own but I don’t want to be associated with cheating scum.
Darth Executor on June 24, 2009 at 3:13 PM
It’s a good thing we all don’t live in a glass house.
fourdeucer on June 24, 2009 at 3:13 PM
He can offer them a Presidential Hot Dog on the fourth of July like your tool is doing…..
Weenie Diplomacy!
HornetSting on June 24, 2009 at 3:13 PM
That would explain why she wasn’t worried even though she didn’t know where he was.
Esthier on June 24, 2009 at 3:13 PM
He could be six feet under and still be standing up to the Axis of Evil better than Obama.
Patrick S on June 24, 2009 at 3:13 PM
So, he’s not really, really odd; he’s not really, really eccentric. He’s just a regular Edwardian kinda guy. Pity.
littleguy on June 24, 2009 at 3:13 PM
Is it a prerequisite to be a spectacular fool to be a politician?
paraff on June 24, 2009 at 3:13 PM
I’ve been with my fiancee for eight years, since about the time I could legally smoke. We’d have been married sooner, but college, finding jobs, and school debt has made it unfeasible until recently.
I had no ring, no license, no reason outside of my own honor and loyalty to stay faithful, particularly at the most virile time of my life.
Yet, I have, as has she.
What a loser this guy is.
MadisonConservative on June 24, 2009 at 3:13 PM
Dude, let’s see you laugh when oil prices are stuck at $140.00 a barrell or more in an election year and Mr. HopeNChange has no GeorgeW.Bush to blame for his own shortcomings. You folks will be full of humanahhumanahs and a song and a dance.
Himmler will be able to beat Obama in the next cycle the way things are going.
victor82 on June 24, 2009 at 3:13 PM
Yes, but that should make the debates pretty interesting….just a stage and some empty lecterns. Should be better than last time around.
t.ferg on June 24, 2009 at 3:13 PM
NOT true. There are lots of men out there who’ve never strayed and wouldn’t…I’m one of them.
changer1701 on June 24, 2009 at 3:13 PM
He claims his wife and him have been informally separated–hence her not concerned comment.
But, again, a liar.
Hopefully he resigns and goes away.
Enoxo on June 24, 2009 at 3:13 PM
I think his wife did know.
ladyingray on June 24, 2009 at 3:10 PM
He admitted his wife knew and they had been “dealing” with it for about 5 months now. Also admitted that her family was at the house in support for her and if I remember correctly he received a good dressing down from his father in law via phone conversation before his return to SC.
milwife88 on June 24, 2009 at 3:13 PM
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