Sanford implodes, admits affair

posted at 2:55 pm on June 24, 2009 by Ed Morrissey

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.

Blowback

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Maybe he just confused South Carolina with South America. It happens when the floozies get ahold of you on the series of tubes called the internets.

Monkei on June 24, 2009 at 3:38 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

According to a Pew poll, Romney’s favorables are now 12% higher than his unfavorables, and +15% among Independents. He’s also a recognized expert on economic policy, which this country will need after Obama bankrupts it.

All he needs to become President is stay out of women’s bedrooms for another 4 years. Which is why we’ll probably see a lot of women with “a crush on Mitt” trying to take him down.

As for Sanford, whatever could possess a Governor to travel all the way to Argentina to stick his banana in a chiquita? He probably realizes NOW it wasn’t worth the trouble, but he should have thought of that earlier!

Steve Z on June 24, 2009 at 3:38 PM

Benefits Sarah so I’m fine with it.

Ted Torgerson on June 24, 2009 at 3:38 PM

Patrick S on June 24, 2009 at 3:35 PM

I’m not Rich Lowry, in case you missed it. That Palin is tabloid fodder is an issue though in politics, like it or not.

starfleet_dude on June 24, 2009 at 3:38 PM

What a colossal douchebag.

Why is it so damn difficult for male politicians to uphold their wedding vows? And why do they always think they can get away with cheating?

rockmom on June 24, 2009 at 3:38 PM

Religion is the opiate of the masses.

platypus on June 24, 2009 at 3:33 PM

*Loud sound* And Marxism is the opiate of the asses.

atheling on June 24, 2009 at 3:38 PM

Mommypundit on June 24, 2009 at 3:30 PM
You mean “call lady” Vitter?

Monkei on June 24, 2009 at 3:32 PM

She means the former governor of New Jersey. Members of both parties cheat, as you can see conservatives are not really happy about it. As a wise man has said Democrats consider it a resume’ enhancement. Which isn’t really true but they do tend to over look misbehavior a bit more.

Cindy Munford on June 24, 2009 at 3:38 PM

Promoting vile libertarian crap like southpark is part of the problem

PrezHussein on June 24, 2009 at 3:32 PM

There’s nothing wrong with South Park. They don’t at all support cheaters.

They were just being dumb, though most of them aren’t.

DarkCurrent on June 24, 2009 at 3:33 PM

True, and I think it’s understandable. If I had at all cared about Sanford before hearing this, I’d want to assume the best as well.

If not for screwing women in other countries while you’re still married, Obama wouldn’t exist.

Jim Treacher on June 24, 2009 at 3:30 PM

OK, that’s funny.

Esthier on June 24, 2009 at 3:38 PM

Esthier:

I think it is overly simplistic to think that a man or woman straying from a marriage has anything to do with whether or not they can be trusted in office. But I do think that this will probably follow Sanford, it is unfortunate.

BTW, by all accounts Nixon was always faithful to Pat, but that did not keep him from going too far while in office. Oranages and apples.

As for a cheater getting married…what makes you think they knew they would cheat? A friend of mine cheated on her husband after he beat the hell out of her and in general made her life a living hell. She did not count on either one of those things happening, the beating or the the cheating. But hey, if it makes you feel better her life was miserable.

Terrye on June 24, 2009 at 3:38 PM

DrW on June 24, 2009 at 3:37 PM

hahahahaa

Mommypundit on June 24, 2009 at 3:38 PM

Was anything mentioned about Argentina in The Cairo Speech?

redwhiteblue on June 24, 2009 at 3:39 PM

We own family values and Democrats own abortion!

HornetSting on June 24, 2009 at 3:32 PM
How many rising stars in the GOP banging someone who is not their wife is it gonna take for you to be disabused of this notion? Let it go, man. Focus on candidates who don’t want to spend all of our money and make us all slaves. Leave the family values to, you now, families.

Rational Thought on June 24, 2009 at 3:36 PM

You need to read the post I was referring to, Rational. Men are men, regardless of what letter they have behind their name. If we allowed it, you’d still be clubbing women over the head and dragging them back to your cave to do the nasty and then make you a tiger burger.

HornetSting on June 24, 2009 at 3:39 PM

“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”

Ed, can you say “President Clinton?” Sure you can!!

exhelodrvr on June 24, 2009 at 3:39 PM

Most, if not all, politicians can serve as case studies for abnormal psychology.

Having extramarital affair is one thing. How many married Americans have adulterous relationships outside of marriages?. If we look for purity, maybe it can only be found in the ayatollahs. That said, the whole disappearing act for several days is bizarre and irresponsible.

Did the media respond with the same degree of outrage when they dealt with Bill Clinton’s and Gov Patterson’s affairs?

bayview on June 24, 2009 at 3:39 PM

Yes, I just saw one of your family value guys on TV … did you miss it? It’s all the rave.

Monkei on June 24, 2009 at 3:33 PM

That is why people are so ticked/pissed off about this. Sanford wasn’t some messiah, or put on a pedestal. WE EXPECT BASIC DECENCY FROM OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS.

Take religion out of it. If you can’t be honest and keep your word to your spouse (the most important contract you’ll ever make) than you are worthless and cannot be trusted. Period.

portlandon on June 24, 2009 at 3:39 PM

I guess this pretty much opens up the South for Sarah now, doesn’t it?

takeamericabackin10 on June 24, 2009 at 3:40 PM

Why is it so damn difficult for male politicians to uphold their wedding vows? And why do they always think they can get away with cheating?

Silly, men are only as trustworthy as their options.

Monkei on June 24, 2009 at 3:40 PM

In fact I bet we would all be surprised to find out how many beloved and respected public figures did stray, and we just never knew. Those days are over now..you can not get away with anything anymore.

Terrye on June 24, 2009 at 3:40 PM

Rush said, “he could have been our JFK” today on the air. This helps Romney only by default. No one knows anything he has been saying, no one cares about the flip-flops.

V15J on June 24, 2009 at 3:40 PM

He’s getting in touch with the Hispanic population.

lonestar1 on June 24, 2009 at 3:40 PM

I don’t know why a cheater would get married. Staying single is always an option.

this is what I’m saying. Why would I get married? I’m always going to love women. I’m always going to love lots of women. The same reason that I would love one woman as a ‘wife’ would be the same reason that I would love other women as another possible ‘wife’.

Why would I get married? I just want to have lots of kids. If I’m not married, I don’t have to worry about ‘having an affair’.

It doesn’t make a hill of beans difference to me. I didn’t care that Bill Clinton had sex. It bothered me that he didn’t come clean about it. He should have said “I had sex with that woman here, and there, and over there, and while I was on the phone, and there was this cigar one time. . . ‘

I cared that he lied about it. Like it or not, Adultery is still not illegal in this country. Sanford did NOT break a law.
THAT is what a powerful man does. This groveling is dumb.

ThackerAgency on June 24, 2009 at 3:41 PM

You don’t have to call them tools. They were just being trusting.

Esthier on June 24, 2009 at 3:24 PM

That’s OK. I never actually thought Sanford would be a typical cheating douchebag either. I wasn’t talking about people who gave him the benefit of the doubt. I was talking about the people who insulted and complained about me and others asking or caring about this at all.

Here, and I stand by what I said “Wait until the facts come out, they will be out soon enough, then you can pick him apart”
So many posters, make so many “predictions”, one is bound to be right and crow about it…

right2bright on June 24, 2009 at 3:28 PM

Nice shifting of goalposts. I wasn’t picking him apart and nobody else was. I didn’t even “make a prediction”. I just want an acknowledgment that I was right to think the story was worth pursuing. If you weren’t blaring about ignoring this story or claiming it was a non-story my comment doesn’t apply to you. I only named one person because that person went well and above the call of duty in accusing me of being a sullivan-like stalker obsessed with everything Sanford does for daring to suggest him just taking off like that is bizarre.

Darth Executor on June 24, 2009 at 3:41 PM

If we look for purity, maybe it can only be found in the ayatollahs.

I call BS, they can probably drink any of us under the table just like the Saudi princes. Same reason they don’t blow themselves up, and that goes for Bin Laden too.

LevStrauss on June 24, 2009 at 3:41 PM

right ‘we’ who aren’t democrats lose.

ThackerAgency on June 24, 2009 at 3:36 PM

Thacker, I think you’re blowing this out of proportion. We’ve only lost the last three years. Before that, the Democrats were the losers, thanks in no small part to Clinton’s unzipped pants.

Esthier on June 24, 2009 at 3:41 PM

Let’s just make sure we don’t give up any more of our liberties. Stand against what’s going on in D.C. now. Politicians let us down in so many ways.

Cindy Munford on June 24, 2009 at 3:41 PM

You need to read the post I was referring to, Rational. Men are men, regardless of what letter they have behind their name. If we allowed it, you’d still be clubbing women over the head and dragging them back to your cave to do the nasty and then make you a tiger burger.

HornetSting on June 24, 2009 at 3:39 PM

You are still allowed to club women in the head and drag them in most southern states.

Monkei on June 24, 2009 at 3:41 PM

I bet Sarah Palin wouldn’t have an affair with a woman in Argentina.

Daggett on June 24, 2009 at 3:41 PM

Monkei:

Considering the fact that I spent the end of the 90s hearing about how it was only sex over and over again I really don’t think you need to get all snarky about family values and such.

Terrye on June 24, 2009 at 3:41 PM

FWIW, it won’t be Romney in 2012. There are very few second acts in Presidential-level politics, and Romney isn’t that compelling a figure.

starfleet_dude on June 24, 2009 at 3:41 PM

Speaking of foreign affairs, Barry just screwed the entire nation of Iran.

Christien on June 24, 2009 at 3:41 PM

Fornication and adultery destroy civilizations. No one can argue its personal business.

PrezHussein on June 24, 2009 at 3:41 PM

They were just being dumb, though most of them aren’t.

DarkCurrent on June 24, 2009 at 3:33 PM

I was waiting for the facts before I joined the pile-on…

ladyingray on June 24, 2009 at 3:42 PM

lonestar1 on June 24, 2009 at 3:40 PM

Yeah, it’s Hispanic outreach. That’s the ticket!
;)

Disturb the Universe on June 24, 2009 at 3:42 PM

This is proof positive that the nature of adultry is ADDICTIVE. Here’s a guy who had everything going for him, and threw it all away so he could get his “fix”. His wife and kids have known about his affair for FIVE months and he still refused to give her up. He could look into the faces of his children and still continue his affair.

ADDICTIONS make the most dependable people NUTS.

I’m sorry for to see the conservative movement take this loss. But, having his affair exposed like this is the best thing that could happen to him. He’s facing the consequences now. And they have a way of taking the shine off of “love affairs”.

99% of all affairs end.

Marsh on June 24, 2009 at 3:42 PM

FWIW, it won’t be Romney in 2012. There are very few second acts in Presidential-level politics, and Romney isn’t that compelling a figure.

starfleet_dude on June 24, 2009 at 3:41 PM

Wish someone had told McCain that in 2007.

Speedwagon82 on June 24, 2009 at 3:42 PM

Isn’t Sanford only a fiscal conservative? I didn’t think he was a religious conservative. Anyone know?

lonestar1 on June 24, 2009 at 3:43 PM

I for one am glad he did us this favor. The only other input I have is how in the world he could think he would get away with this. That kind of stupidity ONLY comes from RINOS. It’s karma for going on TV to tell Rush to STFU about wanting Pres. Obama to fail then turning around and wanting to be a McCain like Presidential candidate for the GOP. Glad the garbage is taking itself out. It’s only a matter of time before the rest of them implode as well.

Sultry Beauty on June 24, 2009 at 3:43 PM

I fail to see how this tarnishes our core values. He doesn’t
represent all marriages, What do we want some revenge, or maybe some public stoning? Fair Weather Friends anybody?

fourdeucer on June 24, 2009 at 3:43 PM

STUPID. IDIOT. MORON. Other stuff i’d really like to say but cant becuase this site has standards–unlike Sanford.

akaag on June 24, 2009 at 3:43 PM

“He’s dead, Jim.”

Sanford is gone, like a ‘red shirt’ character on the original Star Trek.

Right_of_Attila on June 24, 2009 at 3:43 PM

You need to read the post I was referring to, Rational. Men are men, regardless of what letter they have behind their name. If we allowed it, you’d still be clubbing women over the head and dragging them back to your cave to do the nasty and then make you a tiger burger.

HornetSting on June 24, 2009 at 3:39 PM
You are still allowed to club women in the head and drag them in most southern states.

Monkei on June 24, 2009 at 3:41 PM

I heard, that’s the only way you can get a date, monkei!

HornetSting on June 24, 2009 at 3:43 PM

If conservatives would go after Dems and their policies with the same zeal that they exhibit when one of our own strays, we would be much better off.

He can’t damage the “brand” all that much after what the Republican controlled Congress managed to do with their spending under Bush. Give me a break.

hillbillyjim on June 24, 2009 at 3:29 PM

Couldn’t agree more with the first point, Jim. That much is true. But I disagree with your second point. He HAS damaged the brand, because his infidelity will be a tarbaby to all other Republicans. Because this only brings back the names of Foley, Ensign, Craig, Vitter, etc. And you’re right; spending under Bush peeled away many who identified themselves as Republicans (fiscal cons). This will peel away a totally different subset (social cons). We’ll lose by eight points next Presidential cycle if these trends continue (both fiscally and socially).

Matticus Finch on June 24, 2009 at 3:43 PM

How many rising stars in the GOP banging someone who is not their wife is it gonna take for you to be disabused of this notion? Let it go, man. Focus on candidates who don’t want to spend all of our money and make us all slaves. Leave the family values to, you now, families.

Rational Thought on June 24, 2009 at 3:36 PM

Why would you trust a narcissistic hedonist who can’t keep his vows to his wife to do what’s right rather than what serves them in any other situation? If he has no control over his lust (it’s not like he didn’t have an outlet for it: a wife), why trust him that he can control his greed when someone makes him a monetary offer he can’t refuse?

Darth Executor on June 24, 2009 at 3:43 PM

Considering the fact that I spent the end of the 90s hearing about how it was only sex over and over again I really don’t think you need to get all snarky about family values and such.

Terrye on June 24, 2009 at 3:41 PM

I don’t have a problem with this guy finding a little hispanic tart on the side … I say good for him, what he does in his private life fine, I think he should stay in politics and run for President! Heck even pick Palin as his VP.

Monkei on June 24, 2009 at 3:43 PM

Wish someone had told McCain that in 2007.

Speedwagon82 on June 24, 2009 at 3:42 PM

McCain has a much more compelling life story, and don’t think that didn’t help him in 2008.

starfleet_dude on June 24, 2009 at 3:44 PM

You are still allowed to club women in the head and drag them in most southern states.

Monkei on June 24, 2009 at 3:41 PM

And you are still allowed to condescend and stereotype in most liberal states.

WordsMatter on June 24, 2009 at 3:44 PM

Monkei:

Aw, regional snobbery. How patrician of you. I come from a southern state and believe it or not I never once saw a woman clubbed over the head.

However, when I was a little girl I saw a car driven by a Kennedy dragged out of a creek and low and behold there was a dead girl inside.

So I guess that means that yankees get to drown women instead of beating them over the head.

Terrye on June 24, 2009 at 3:44 PM

The really sad thing is that this assclown’s affair basically moves the upheaval in Iran off the front page. Thousands of Iranians dying in the streets of Tehran aren’t important to the media but one Republican governor caught cheating on his wife is the lead story on every newscast. Thanks a lot, Governor Sanford. Maybe the mullahs in Iran will name a street after you after they crush the rebellion.

Percy_Peabody on June 24, 2009 at 3:44 PM

Wish someone had told McCain that in 2007.

Speedwagon82 on June 24, 2009 at 3:42 PM

And somebody should have told mccain to resign.

HornetSting on June 24, 2009 at 3:44 PM

Don’t cry for me Argentina
The truth is I never left you
All through my wild days
My mad existence
I kept my promise
Don’t keep your distance

And as for fortune, and as for fame
I never invited them in
Though it seemed to the world they were all I desired

They are illusions
They are not the solutions they promised to be
The answer was here all the time
I love you and hope you love me

Don’t cry for me Argentina

Limerick on June 24, 2009 at 3:44 PM

I heard, that’s the only way you can get a date, monkei!

HornetSting on June 24, 2009 at 3:43 PM

I told your wife not to say anything.

Monkei on June 24, 2009 at 3:44 PM

f conservatives would go after Dems and their policies with the same zeal that they exhibit when one of our own strays, we would be much better off.

He can’t damage the “brand” all that much after what the Republican controlled Congress managed to do with their spending under Bush. Give me a break.

hillbillyjim on June 24, 2009 at 3:29 PM

Please. You must not spend a lot of time here either. For the most part, we go after dems. Once in a while a republican f**ks up so we go after him. Nothing wrong with cleaning house.

Darth Executor on June 24, 2009 at 3:44 PM

Cindy Munford on June 24, 2009 at 3:38 PM

Thanks for clarifying that. I am appalled by this and in no way think this is ok for us. Any suggestion by liberals otherwise is stupid…as in, they must not be able to read because it’s all over this thread.

I’m pretty upset because he was solid. This casts major clouds over his judgement, obviously. But, as liberals will do, attack the message WITH the man. The message is true…which is why this is such a sad case. I liked him. I feel bad for his family.

Mommypundit on June 24, 2009 at 3:44 PM

I’m not Rich Lowry, in case you missed it. That Palin is tabloid fodder is an issue though in politics, like it or not.

starfleet_dude on June 24, 2009 at 3:38 PM

Rich Lowry, like most conservatives, shows up and discusses his party’s shortcomings. So certainly you’re not him. You’re a whiney little coward that can’t show face when your idol Barry screws up. Meaning you like to give it but you can’t take it. A true coward.

And Sarah Palin is fodder because of the liberal press acting in tabloid fashion.

Patrick S on June 24, 2009 at 3:45 PM

Romney-Jindal 2012!

joncoltonis on June 24, 2009 at 3:45 PM

Esthier on June 24, 2009 at 3:41 PM

honestly, I don’t really care. it doesn’t affect my life one iota. But adultery is not against the law. Maybe we should make it a crime. He won’t face a judge, he won’t face a penalty at all.

Adultery is not a crime.

ThackerAgency on June 24, 2009 at 3:45 PM

I bet Sarah Palin wouldn’t have an affair with a woman in Argentina.

Daggett on June 24, 2009 at 3:41 PM

That’s like Chuck Norris cloning himself. That much awesomeness cannot happen in this universe.

theoneandonlyfinn on June 24, 2009 at 3:45 PM

However, when I was a little girl I saw a car driven by a Kennedy dragged out of a creek and low and behold there was a dead girl inside.

So I guess that means that yankees get to drown women instead of beating them over the head.

Terrye on June 24, 2009 at 3:44 PM

Do you even have a sense of humor or are you just this way because you are that way?

I live in the south. Clubs are sold at Wal-Mart here.

Monkei on June 24, 2009 at 3:46 PM

I heard, that’s the only way you can get a date, monkei!

HornetSting on June 24, 2009 at 3:43 PM
I told your wife not to say anything.

Monkei on June 24, 2009 at 3:44 PM

Well, since I am female, that wasn’t MY wife. I won’t tell John Kerry, though!

HornetSting on June 24, 2009 at 3:46 PM

Monkei:

A little hispanic tart. My oh my, you manage to be a bigot and be a condescending snob all in one post.

Well, I doubt if Sanford will stay in politics. Unlike Democrats who can get away with just about anything, Republicans tend to have to pay for their sins.

Terrye on June 24, 2009 at 3:46 PM

The worst part is, as we are talking, there is some Republican Governor or Congressman currently having an affair that isn’t going to stop because he thinks he won’t get caught like this guy did.

Speedwagon82 on June 24, 2009 at 3:46 PM

8 years and this comes out now?

Wonder who was digging or sniffing Sanford out?

It’s summer; it was a Father’s Day weekend. I’m sure Sanford did this back-and-forth affair for a while and no one noticed. And no one would still know about this affair if Sanford weren’t a potential 2012 Presidential candidate.

I smell The Obamachine.

misslizzi on June 24, 2009 at 3:46 PM

Romney-Jindal 2012!

joncoltonis on June 24, 2009 at 3:45 PM

Good, I am for any ticket that does not have anyone whose name starts with a P in it,

Monkei on June 24, 2009 at 3:47 PM

1. He disappeared for 4 days without notifying anyone: people get fired for that behavior in the private sector.

2. He apparently thought he could get away with it even though he has been in the eye of a big political firestorm: that shows poor judgment and is proof positive that he isn’t ready for prime time anyway.

3. He did this on Father’s Day even though he has 4 children: this reveals a lack of judgment, a callousness and an unhealthy level of narcissism – even for a politician.

He’s obviously a lightweight, and better to find out now than later.

ak2ary on June 24, 2009 at 3:47 PM

Then again, most of my male friends say that Argentinian women are the most beautiful in the world. I attribute it to the combo of German and Latin blood. Multi-cultured offspring, to me, are the most ‘exotic’ and gorgeous of people. It’s the Melting Pot Theory of Beauty!

Sultry Beauty on June 24, 2009 at 3:47 PM

what about William Jefferson Clinton?

SDarchitect on June 24, 2009 at 3:47 PM

Well, I wouldn’t trust her to raise my children.

Monkei on June 24, 2009 at 3:20 PM

Let us know when you’re old enough to have them.

Geez, you were a lot funnier over at Captain’s Quarters. Obviously the rapidly unfolding O’bama debacle has you down in the dumps.

Del Dolemonte on June 24, 2009 at 3:47 PM

Monkei:

I used to have a sense of humor. But after years of troll baiting on the internet it is just about used up.

Terrye on June 24, 2009 at 3:47 PM

VERRRRY disappointing. Looks like he should have hiked the Appalachian Trail a long time ago.

Unfortunately, having publicly betrayed the values he has long preached, Sanford will probably be more powerless than a lame-duck Bush in withstanding the pressure he will face from all sides in Columbia. At a time when the state needs strong leadership, I fear his personal failures will undermine his abilities to affect positive change.

This man is at a crossroads in his life. While he may no longer be worthy of our trust, he needs help putting his life back together.

For those of you who criticize his leadership in the face of 12% unemployment, it is worth remembering that SC has lost more jobs per capita from base closures than any state other than California in spite of the strong support the state has always given the military( yes, regularly-budgeted Federal payroll checks do promote economic stability), + the fact that the NAACP continues to pressure businesses and organizations to boycott the state in contempt of the compromise black legislators and Republicans brokered re. the Confederate flag 12 years ago.

rwenger43 on June 24, 2009 at 3:47 PM

I’m not so sure he should get out of politics. This is likely to help him with the Hispanic vote.

Miwagi on June 24, 2009 at 3:47 PM

Men who will screw around on their wives will screw the public as well. It is part of the same mentality that says “I am special, the rules do not apply to me.” I have never met a man who was dishonest in his personal life who was honest in his public life, and most of the time the converse is true as well. I worked with several men at HUD who went to jail in the early 1990s. Every single one of them was also screwing around on his wife.

If you can’t keep something as basic as a marriage vow, you cannot be trusted to make or execute other laws.

rockmom on June 24, 2009 at 3:47 PM

Well, I doubt if Sanford will stay in politics. Unlike Democrats who can get away with just about anything, Republicans tend to have to pay for their sins.

Terrye on June 24, 2009 at 3:46 PM

Tell that to Senator Vitter!

starfleet_dude on June 24, 2009 at 3:48 PM

The worst part is, as we are talking, there is some Republican Governor or Congressman currently having an affair that isn’t going to stop because he thinks he won’t get caught like this guy did.
Speedwagon82 on June 24, 2009 at 3:46 PM

And, with any luck, it’s the governor of California.

Disturb the Universe on June 24, 2009 at 3:48 PM

honestly, I don’t really care. it doesn’t affect my life one iota. But adultery is not against the law. Maybe we should make it a crime. He won’t face a judge, he won’t face a penalty at all.

Adultery is not a crime.

ThackerAgency on June 24, 2009 at 3:45 PM

Not all reprehensible behavior is criminal. Nor is all behavior that shatters the trust of others criminal.

So what’s your point?

MadisonConservative on June 24, 2009 at 3:48 PM

The only reason bi-Barry hasn’t cheated (yet) with women is that he knows Michelle would find him, hold his skinny *ss down, and bobbitize him in a hearbeat.

WordsMatter on June 24, 2009 at 3:48 PM

Well, I doubt if Sanford will stay in politics. Unlike Democrats who can get away with just about anything, Republicans tend to have to pay for their sins.

I guess if you call getting impeached getting away with it, fine. You do need to lighten up and enjoy this. Just pretend.

Monkei on June 24, 2009 at 3:48 PM

I was talking about the people who insulted and complained about me and others asking or caring about this at all.

Darth Executor on June 24, 2009 at 3:41 PM

Ah. Some of those were a little belligerent.

I think it is overly simplistic to think that a man or woman straying from a marriage has anything to do with whether or not they can be trusted in office. But I do think that this will probably follow Sanford, it is unfortunate.

Maybe it is, but I also think it’s just that simple to keep from having sex with someone who isn’t your spouse, or, if you do want to have sex with someone else, divorce your wife first. Both are really pretty easy these days.

A one time thing, I can understand. That can be a moment of weakness, and many people have them in some area of their lives. But an affair is something else altogether. It’s a planned lie that makes the liar compound lies on top of lies, especially a political official.

As for a cheater getting married…what makes you think they knew they would cheat? A friend of mine cheated on her husband after he beat the hell out of her and in general made her life a living hell. She did not count on either one of those things happening, the beating or the the cheating. But hey, if it makes you feel better her life was miserable.

Terrye on June 24, 2009 at 3:38 PM

It doesn’t make me feel better. There’s no reason for you to make this personal, as though I revel in the pain of others simply because I find their actions repugnant.

Was he wrong to beat her? Hell yes. Does that make her cheating OK? No, not at all. If a person wants to end a relationship, it takes far more character to end it, instead of sneaking around.

Esthier on June 24, 2009 at 3:48 PM

Good, I am for any ticket that does not have anyone whose name starts with a P in it,

Monkei on June 24, 2009 at 3:47 PM

Why does Palin scare you clowns so much?

Del Dolemonte on June 24, 2009 at 3:48 PM

lonestar1 on June 24, 2009 at 3:43 PM

Episcopal. Never really “wear your faith on your sleeve” type, opposed the religious license plates a few years ago calling faith a personal matter.

So, describes himself as Christian, alluded to faith in his mea culpa, but not a Bible-thumper.

cs89 on June 24, 2009 at 3:49 PM

Lesson from all this: Beware of who Inside-the-Beltway types touts as the next Republican frontrunner.

Sanford was touted by Mark McKinnon as late as yesterday, by several contributors to NRO, and others.

Today, they seem to have shifted to Romney.

Both are unelectable.

Norwegian on June 24, 2009 at 3:49 PM

The only reason bi-Barry hasn’t cheated (yet) with women is that he knows Michelle would find him, hold his skinny *ss down, and bobbitize him in a hearbeat.

WordsMatter on June 24, 2009 at 3:48 PM

Most men have that hanging over them in real life. It is why most of us don’t stray.

Monkei on June 24, 2009 at 3:49 PM

It’s summer; it was a Father’s Day weekend. I’m sure Sanford did this back-and-forth affair for a while and no one noticed. And no one would still know about this affair if Sanford weren’t a potential 2012 Presidential candidate.

I smell The Obamachine.

misslizzi on June 24, 2009 at 3:46 PM

It might be a good thing for many Republican politician’s marriages if such a rumor got around.

starfleet_dude on June 24, 2009 at 3:49 PM

The difference is that the GOP — or at least vocal elements in it — are the first to lecture on morality, the sanctity of marriage, traditional values. I think it’s time to give the religious right the heave-ho. Not so that our candidates can have affairs and act like scumbag democrats (too many already do, anyway), but so that Republicans aren’t always having to defend against the charges of hypocrisy all the time. …Rational Thought on June 24, 2009 at 3:27 PM

I’m always amazed when people criticize Republican for being hypocrites because they don’t always live up to the values and standards they espouse. Exactly why is it better to be a Democrat and have bottom of the barrel standards and values? I’d rather have a party that actually stood for something good than one where “anything goes.” Somehow we let the Left make the issue hypocriscy rather than what it is – in this case Sanford lied to the public to hide a personal embarrassement. Why shouldn’t people think that a man who cheats on his wife/family, lies to the people who voted him into office, snuck out of the country for his bimbo, may not be that trustworthy? It is no worse for a Republican to do this than a Dem.

I’m not saying that the religious right may not need to learn to “play better with others” but if the GOP gives them the heave-ho there will be a Dem monopoly for years to come.

katiejane on June 24, 2009 at 3:50 PM

Isn’t Sanford only a fiscal conservative? I didn’t think he was a religious conservative. Anyone know?

lonestar1 on June 24, 2009 at 3:43 PM

He did oppose the state license plates proclaiming something about a cross. He said, in effect, people shouldn’t wear their religion on their sleeves. It’s one of Allah’s most favorite license plates posts!

SouthernGent on June 24, 2009 at 3:50 PM

“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”

Ed, can you say “President Clinton?” Sure you can!!

exhelodrvr on June 24, 2009 at 3:39 PM

Two differences.

1. Clinton didn’t get caught until after he was elected. Sure, there were a lot of accusations, but he denied them and people were able to give him the benefit of the doubt.

2. Clinton was immoral. Sanford was immoral and stupid. He’s a governor of a state, but thought he could leave the country without telling anyone or putting someone else in charge, and he didn’t think anyone would notice?!

Sheesh!

Bobbertsan on June 24, 2009 at 3:50 PM

You are still allowed to club women in the head and drag them in most southern states.

Monkei on June 24, 2009 at 3:41 PM

You are an idiot. Come down to the South and say things like that, and you will be the one clubbed in the head.
I would be glad to oblige.

Brian1972 on June 24, 2009 at 3:50 PM

Why does Palin scare you clowns so much?

Del Dolemonte on June 24, 2009 at 3:48 PM

She does not scare me. She just about ensures an Obama re-election.

Monkei on June 24, 2009 at 3:50 PM

Sayonara, Sanford.

I can understand an affair, but not if you want a future in politics – or rather, in conservative politics. Damned shame, too. Hopefully he will find a useful position elsewhere.

disa on June 24, 2009 at 3:50 PM

I bet Sarah Palin wouldn’t have an affair with a woman in Argentina.

Daggett on June 24, 2009 at 3:41 PM

You know…I heard Sarah Palin had 5 kids with a fisherman/Champion Snow Machine racer and has been sleeping with him for YEARS.

Ethics violations just write themselves…

portlandon on June 24, 2009 at 3:50 PM

You are an idiot. Come down to the South and say things like that, and you will be the one clubbed in the head.
I would be glad to oblige.

I am in Tennessee.

Monkei on June 24, 2009 at 3:51 PM

You are an idiot. Come down to the South and say things like that, and you will be the one clubbed in the head.
I would be glad to oblige.

Brian1972 on June 24, 2009 at 3:50 PM

It would be shot up here.

upinak on June 24, 2009 at 3:51 PM

Adultery is not a crime.

ThackerAgency on June 24, 2009 at 3:45 PM

So you only have a problem with politicians breaking the law? You don’t have a problem with any other unethical behavior so long as it isn’t illegal?

Esthier on June 24, 2009 at 3:51 PM

Yes, I just saw one of your family value guys on TV … did you miss it? It’s all the rave. Why do thumpers like you always throw in abortion instead of dealing with the issues at hand?

Monkei on June 24, 2009 at 3:33 PM

For the same reason that every comment you’ve had has been a crappy Ad hominiem.

Here’s a question, Why does your savior, BHO, try to divert every question about his lust for seeing oppressed people murdered in the streets of Iran to his overpriced Obamacare pricetag?

Yeah, that’s right, you statists only give a shit about civil rights when it comes to cramming your anti-freedom, socialist agenda down America’s throat, or when Michael Moore’s fat ass is about to die from a coronary.

Douchebag.

Monkei on June 24, 2009 at 3:46 PM

Your point? Terrye is right, Kennedy murders a woman and walks away guilty as hell but free as a bird. Sandford screws a woman, and all of a sudden you and your people decide to grab a set of morals for a few weeks or however long you want to use this opportunity to divert attention away from Obamacare or Obama’s love for Iranian-style Islamofascism. How convenient.

My thoughts? Sandford should resign or be forced from office and replaced. Kennedy should be in prison.

leetpriest on June 24, 2009 at 3:51 PM

You are still allowed to club women in the head and drag them in most southern states.

Monkei on June 24, 2009 at 3:41 PM

Yeah, right. Try that in the south I grew up in and you’ll be on the wrong end of a pink 45.

faol on June 24, 2009 at 3:52 PM

I think we need a bigger push for polygamy. Good people are being thrown out for ‘marital indiscretions’. I don’t think I’ll ever get married. That way I won’t ever be accused of ‘cheating’.

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

So, you don’t think you’ll ever get married, but favor polygamy as some type of pressure-release valve for men. You are willing to excuse cheating as an indiscretion for the sake of partisan pride. You think lesbianism is OK when it serves to titillate you, but male homosexuality or gay-marriage is perverse.

A woman could turn a girl into a lesbian with an H2.

I’d say that a loving gay couple wanting to start a family deserves that right at least as much as you.

You are a real tool. Marriage is probably not something you will have to work hard to avoid — driving around in your Bitchin’ Camaro Hummer — trolling for tramps.

The Race Card on June 24, 2009 at 3:52 PM

She does not scare me. She just about ensures an Obama re-election.

Monkei on June 24, 2009 at 3:50 PM

WRONG. The only thing that ensures an Obama re-election is a vastly improved economy.

If the economy still blows in 2012, then whomever wins the GOP primary will be POTUS.

BPD on June 24, 2009 at 3:52 PM

Well, if Palin’s found out to have an affair with a woman, you know it the end times… LOL.

Mister Ghost on June 24, 2009 at 3:16 PM

No, end time will be when Barney Frank was found having an affair with a woman.

bayview on June 24, 2009 at 3:52 PM

I am in Tennessee.

Monkei on June 24, 2009 at 3:51 PM

So am I. This sort of thing pisses me off. The South is a great place to live, and there are great people here, with the exception of you.

My offer still stands.

Brian1972 on June 24, 2009 at 3:53 PM

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