Weinergate: Is there a moral line leaders cannot cross?
Are you following the shenanigans of New York Representative Anthory Weiner? Do you think he should resign?
Photo courtesy of WikiMedia Commons
Editor's note: This post is part of a series by Dr. Baker on Our Values about core American values. This week Dr. Baker is discussing the political scandal involving New York Rep. Anthony Weiner — and exploring the larger issues political scandals represent.
There’s nothing like a good scandal, especially one that involves sex, to distract Washington’s attention from the big issues. And, like any good scandal, the one involving New York Rep. Anthony Weiner reveals more twists and turns as the story unfolds. We learn that this case involves more than a single incident.
Party leaders on both sides call for his resignation. Weiner asks for a leave of absence and enters treatment.
Originally, I wasn’t going to write about this scandal, but then I realized the story isn’t really about Weiner. Beneath the surface there are questions about values that transcend this specific incident.
One central question: Is there a moral line our leaders cannot cross and remain successful public figures? How do we draw such lines these days?
The revelations in the Weiner case may not be over — but think about others who have bounced back: The Rev. Jesse Jackson bounced back as a national political figure after news in 2001 of an affair that produced a child. Former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer is back in the spotlight as a political columnist and TV commentator after a 2008 revelation of his involvement with prostitutes.
And then there’s Tiger Woods, who seems to want to continue his competitive career after a long string of revelations in 2009-2010.
Today, tell us: How should we weigh Rep. Weiner’s hope to stay in office?
What values should we consider? How about the views of his constituents? A new poll of Queens and Brooklyn indicates that a majority wants him to stay; only a third wants him to resign.
This scandal already has had the "-gate” slapped on it by publications from the Huffington Post to the National Review. Of course, that’s a link to the original Watergate scandal — but did you know there are more than 100 cases in the political, business and sports worlds that have the suffix “gate” attached to them?
Watergate, Weinergate, Wampumgate and Wheatgate are just a few. Watergate started it all, and Weinergate is the most recent. The other two are obscure.
Wampumgate was a controversy about a rejected Native American gambling project. Wheatgate involved illegal payments by an Australian wheat exporter to Saddam Hussein. The list goes on and on, compiled for our convenience by Wikipedia.
Can these “gates” actually be useful? Can they serve a positive purpose?
Sociologist and media specialist John Thompson says they can in his influential book, Political Scandal: Power and Visability in the Media Age. Thompson points out that publicized scandals illuminate corruption, conflicts of interests and abuses of power and can lead to reform and greater accountability. This is especially true for financial and power scandals.
But this is less true for sex-related scandals. Often, he says, these scandals “hinge solely or overwhelmingly on revelations or allegations about the private lives of public figures in ways that do not have any demonstrable connection to broader issues of legitimate public interest or concern.”
Nonetheless, some agents and organizations have “perfected the art of exploiting personal indiscretions.” They mobilize “symbolic power against political leaders whose private lives may not concur with certain conventional norms and expectations.”
What do you think of Weinergate?
Should he resign or remain — and how do you draw that conclusion?
Can a “gate” have positive value?
How about Weinergate? Is there a greater value in that “gate”?
Does Weinergate have a demonstrable connection to broader issues?
Dr. Wayne E. Baker is a sociologist on the faculty of the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. Baker blogs daily at Our Values and can be reached at ourvaluesproject@gmail.com or on Facebook.
Comments
Wayne Baker
Thu, Jun 16, 2011 : 4:19 p.m.
Thanks for all the great comments on this column! Check out today's follow up story on the degrading ethical standards in Congress (and what it means for the political future of the U.S.) here: <a href="http://annarbor.com/passions-pursuits/do-unethical-trends-in-congress-mean-its-time-for-a-new-american-revolution/">http://annarbor.com/passions-pursuits/do-unethical-trends-in-congress-mean-its-time-for-a-new-american-revolution/</a>
Lets Get Real
Thu, Jun 16, 2011 : 10:29 a.m.
Let's Get Real. This is not leadership - so let's get away from Weiner as a leader. Leadership evokes a sense of reasonable thought and behavior worthy of emulation. Do you want your kids learning about leadership by following his lead? He is a self-centered, self-important, narcissistic juvenile bully. Often low self-esteem results in superior behavior. This man needs to look at himself, photograph himself, publicize himself, physically satisfy himself, . . . . Everything he does involves imposing himself and his ideas on others. Don't agree with him? He'll scream, yell, demand . . . . We've seen his arrogant actions on the house floor and in TV interviews. He is, what most of us call, a jerk. There is a presenter on the speaker's circuit who says, "How you do anything is how you do everything." We should take a look at how he did this: a private sex act publically, cheating on his wife, and lying about it. Translate that to how he does things in politics. Perhaps his constitutients will have enough sense to see that, or better yet, that redistricting eliminates his seat. Don't be surprised, if in his jurisdiction, the demographic consists of enough "Mad Men" like him to find a place for him resurface again as a glaring donkey. I loved the story about his wife "initially rejecting his advances, but then he won her over." She should have listened to her first instinctive impressions rather than yeilding to his manipulation and badgering. Can't feel sorry for her, though. She saw all of his public displays of contempt. She made a choice. I'm glad she has a good job and will be able to make a good life for herself and her child, hopefully with minimal influence from his/her negative role model, sperm donor. I'll reserve the title of Father for those who deserve the honor. Happy Father's Day to those committed, caring, loving and giving men who offer a positive role model for their and others' children.
eldegee
Thu, Jun 16, 2011 : 2:20 a.m.
One big problem with this is that he could easily have been blackmailed for favors, money or State secrets. It has happened before with government officials / agents. Whenever someone commits an act such as this - adultery, prostitution, etc. - they run the risk of being compromised. Not to mention the character issue. And it DOES matter.
BhavanaJagat
Wed, Jun 15, 2011 : 4:40 p.m.
Firstly, I would not place any elected official on any pedestal. An elected official has a position, responsibilities, and privileges. He or she would not be my 'leader' if they get the opportunity to get elected. Man by his very nature is a Moral being and has the ability to discern right from wrong, and good from evil. I have seen, lived, and worked with tribal people and they do have moral, and ethical standards for their personal behavior even when they live in a state of complete or partial nakedness. The same standards are expected for all of us and Anthony Weiner is no exception. If there is a shortcoming, I view with some sympathy and seeking treatment is a proper course of action. There could be an underlying psychological dissatisfaction for his behavior of 'Exhibitionism'. But, all of us have and live with an inner sense of unknown dissatisfaction. The reason for this lack of psychological satisfaction or contentment is that of man's nature and for is a spiritual being. Spirituality is not about practice of religion or attending Church Worship Service on Sundays. I speak about Spirituality as an attribute of personal relationships; a relationship based upon sympathy, understanding, and respect. When man understands the conditioned, dependent nature of his physical existence in the world, he seeks a spiritual relationship with a source of mercy, grace, and compassion that provides energy for his existence. Weiner is not guilty of ethical violation. He did not misuse his power, and position. He had misused his office equipment and may have behaved like a teen but, I will not throw him out of office for such minor indiscretion.
bunnyabbot
Wed, Jun 15, 2011 : 5:42 a.m.
con't elected officials should hold themselves to a high standard. Just as the rest of us should.
bunnyabbot
Wed, Jun 15, 2011 : 5:16 a.m.
As a whole when a man talks or acts lewdly about or toward a woman he is devaluing them. That is not to say that some women don't feel "empowered" to put themselves in the situation "on their own terms" (and more power to those porn actresses/prostitutes etc right?) However in the long term it is still devaluing/abusive of women. There has always been prostitution & pornography, however pornography is so much more prevalent than it use to be, more accessable. There is more titillation on mainstrem tv, rauncy subject matter on most popular shows (which are meant for teen audiences?!) The envelope was pushed & pushed & pushed. Basically as a society children are becoming oversexuallized as far as commercialism/images shown to them leading them to think that this is the way they should act (out) for attention (love/acceptence). (The women wanted attention & so do the men). Bill Clinton "did not have sexual relations with that woman" it was just oral sex, (& the public shrugged their shoulders) now today more & more teens (midschoolers) are having oral sex & not regarding it as sex even though they are not capable of processing the emotions of this "non" sex like an adult could. Teens are sexting & sending (pornographic) images of themselves, these images are captured & passed around. (& they then just objectified themselves) Weiner here displayed as much sense of an adolesence. He was sexting several women, which as consenting adults is their business, however he posted a picture on his twitter feed for all to see. this was greatly irresponsible. Weiners need for attention from these women & his need to exhibit risky behavior (considering is job) is pretty low on the pole for the type of addiction he has (the actions only would escalate from this) Weiner should step down just as any of those in the other scandels mentioned (& not mentioned) should. Elected officials should hold them
a2citizen
Wed, Jun 15, 2011 : 2:57 a.m.
By any chance did Vitter pick his prostitute up at the cathouse being run out of Barney Frank's apartment?
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Wed, Jun 15, 2011 : 1:27 a.m.
Anthony Weiner sends reprehensible pictures to young women and RepubliKans call for his resignation. David Vitter purchases sex from a prostitute, thereby breaking the law. Where's the outrage? Oh wait!! I know. We are, after all, talking about RepubliKans, the masters of selective outrage. Good Night and Good Luck
maallen
Fri, Jun 17, 2011 : 4:27 p.m.
No, they won't. But selective outrage works on both sides of the aisle. Both republicans and democrats have mastered that. But you already knew that. Good Night indeed!
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Thu, Jun 16, 2011 : 8:04 p.m.
And now that Weiner has resigned, the RepubliKans will turn their outrage toward David Vitter, right?? Won't be holding my breath for that one. Selective outrage. Good Night and Good Luck
maallen
Wed, Jun 15, 2011 : 8:42 p.m.
Indeed. As you and I both know, both sides of the aisle have mastered the selective outrage. The republican nor the democrats have that market cornered. Unfortunately, some are blinded and think one side or the other has this selective outrage. But each to its own. Good Night indeed!
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Wed, Jun 15, 2011 : 8:04 p.m.
Indeed, you do digress. As I said, a tempest in a RepubliKan Teapot. And selective outrage by RepubliKans, no matter how one cuts it. Good Night and Good Luck
maallen
Wed, Jun 15, 2011 : 5:49 p.m.
"Sigh" here we go again. Ok Eddie, stay focus. Up until June 11th Nancy Pelosi's stance was: the decision to resign should be made "by the individual member." Her words, not mine. Why the change of heart from Pelosi on June 11th? Because Weiners behavior is indefensible. Democrat Wasserman Schultz said it so eloquently "The behavior he has exhibited is indefensible..." However, Weiner has picked up support from Rangel...I guess birds of a feather flock together. Gee, why didn't Pelosi ask him to resign? No ignorance here, and no selective outrage. Vitter should have resigned, but I am not talking about him or McConnell. I am just responding to your assertion that republicans have this "selective outrage" when obviously it works on both sides of the aisle. I never said Pelosi was not allowed to use the military jets. So why even bring that up? Yes, your assertion that Pelosi was on the jet(s) while her adult children and grandchildren were on it is correct. And I never said she wasn't But what you left out is DOD 4515.12-R and DOD 4515.13-R which governs who is allowed to use the military jets. And adult children and grandchildren are off limits. But you gotta love the late democrat John Murtha's response to the whole military jets fiasco: "I don't need to pressure them (Pentagon). I just tell them what they NEED to do." And he also said "They're (Pentagon) are making a mistake when they leak it because she (Pelosi) decides on allocations for them." But I digress.... Good Night indeed!
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Wed, Jun 15, 2011 : 4:40 p.m.
And, BTW, just so there is no misunderstanding: 1) It was after 9/11 that the USAF made a plane available for the use of the SotH, who is 3rd in line to the president. 2) Before, Pelosi, RepubliKan Speaker of the House Dennis Hestert used the USAF-provided aircraft. 3) Contrary to maallen's implication by omission, Pelosi's grandchildren were on board her aircraft only when she was flying, too. Source: <a href="http://winteryknight.wordpress.com/2010/11/11/john-boehner-vs-nancy-pelosi-who-wastes-taxpayer-money/" rel='nofollow'>http://winteryknight.wordpress.com/2010/11/11/john-boehner-vs-nancy-pelosi-who-wastes-taxpayer-money/</a> In evaluating this source, it is worth noting that it is pro-Boehner and anti-Pelosi. In sum, this is a RepubliKan tempest in a teapot. Good Night and Good Luck
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Wed, Jun 15, 2011 : 4:30 p.m.
A great example of selective (and ignorant) outrage if ever I saw one. Pelosi, the leader of the Democratic Party in the House, has demanded Weiner resign. Mitch McConnell never made that demand of Vitter. Pelosi used Air Force jets for her travel, as permitted to the at the time-Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Air Force would not permit her to use its aircraft in a manner not permitted by law, and there has never been an allegation that it, or she, did so. Much better that the current Speaker of the House allows himself to be bought-and-sold by corporate lobbyists. Good Night and Good Luck
maallen
Wed, Jun 15, 2011 : 3:56 p.m.
You are right, the DemoKrats have never mastered the selective outrage. No, heaven forbid the Demokrats ever had selective outrage! They are too good for that! Didn't Pelosi once promise to "drain the swamp" in Washington? What swamp has she drained so far? And what about Pelosi using military jets to shuttle her kids and grandkids around the country? Good Night indeed!
John B.
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 9:06 p.m.
Whether one can ride out one of these 'scandals' is somewhat random these days, but you mainly need a few things to occur: support of your political party (not there in this case, as far as I can see), support of your spouse (dunno on that one), and to have the media get bored quickly and bury the story (not happening so far in this case, unfortunately for him). Bad timing on this, also, I would say. Therefore, I don't see this going away soon, even though it's really silly compared to the long list of dumber things that elected officials have been caught doing over the past few decades (and most of those cases were even rather trivial, ultimately...).
Townie
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 6:38 p.m.
Funny how Wayne only cites Democrats...No mention of Vitter, Ensign, Smith, etc. (long list). Just say'in. Perhaps Wayne would like to comment on the 'values' system that we have that allowed the Wall Street types, banks, etc. to destroy our economy and the lives of millions of people via a criminal fraud without a single one serving even one day in prison or even being brought up on charges. Oh, I forgot. That's boring.
clownfish
Wed, Jun 15, 2011 : 12:45 p.m.
Excellent point about our twisted morality. If it involves sex the pundits pile on. If it involves the collapse of our system due to unfettered greed we make excuses. Greed is a far more insidious moral failing than sending genitalia pictures. What I would like to see is our "moral leaders" start taking on greed as an issue. Jesus preached upon it quite a bit (allegedly), yet we rarely hear anything about it from our religious leaders. Why is that?
a2citizen
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 10:34 p.m.
Mentioned only Democrats? He mentioned Tiger Woods. You know that Woods is a democrat. Sorry, but I must have missed the news the day Woods stated his political affiliation. And he did mention Watergate. Did you three amigos even read the articles
John B.
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 9:16 p.m.
That would be Larry Craig. The incident occured in the Minneapolis Airport. I believe Craig was from Idaho? Montana? Some super-right-wing-whacko, anyways.... The ones that bash gays the most often turn out to be gay. Hmmm.
treetowncartel
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 6:48 p.m.
What about the guy from the Dakota area i think, soliciting in thebathroom.
Charley Sullivan
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 6:16 p.m.
I'm still wondering where the scandal really is. We all have sex lives (ideally) and as long as it's between or among consenting adults, the specifics of it are no-one's business. Infidelity to one's marital vows long ago ceased to be over the line, as did basic judgement. But really, what did Weiner do here? He took pictures of himself, talked "sexy" by email/text, and masturbated in the shower. And, since we're not a society where people feel they can own up to such actions, as bland and tame as they actually are, he also lied about it initially, an action that has definitely been inside the line for quite some time. Now, he may have crossed a line with his wife, but that is between the two of them, and is also none of our business. Not only is this not a -gate, it's not even a -screendoor.
grye
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 5:37 p.m.
Politicians are elected not only to perform a job, but to uphold values upon which this country was created. As our values slip, actions that were once considered deplorable become the accepted norm. We as a society need to decide which direction our values will take. We do this through the acceptance of similar actions or we demand the individual step down. What I truly find interesting is the suggestions of Weiner's resignation from fellow Democrats where as when Clinton was President, and his scenario obviously leaped to an even higher level, there seemed to be a complete disregard by his peers of any wrongdoing.
Ricebrnr
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 5:16 p.m.
I disagree with the premise of the column. The question is not "Weinergate: Is there a moral line leaders cannot cross?" The question should be "Is there a moral line leaders will not cross?"
treetowncartel
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 5:10 p.m.
Its the puritans coming out in us., but we are no longer Pilgrims. As long as he keeps it separate from the duties of his office, its not illegal and he does not allow it to affect his judgment, who cares about what he is doing in his personal life,?
John B.
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 4:54 p.m.
I think we shouild replace the male politicians with qualified female ones whenever possible, for several reasons. One is that they get into politics for different reasons, and therefore almost never get involved in nonsense like this. I just read this comment recently: "Women run for office to do something, while men run for office to be somebody."
Macabre Sunset
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 10:08 p.m.
No. We just want the best person for the job, regardless of genitalia.
John B.
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 8:51 p.m.
It bums you guys out that it's true, huh? Looks like you reinforced my point!
5c0++ H4d13y
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 5:46 p.m.
you read it in the new york times It was a sexist comment.
Charlie Brown's Ghost
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 5:06 p.m.
Hillary Clinton disproves that statement. Good Night and Good Grief
glimmertwin
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 4:42 p.m.
Yes there is a line, and he crossed it.
Not from around here
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 4:35 p.m.
I think first of all; if your last name is Weiner, and you're in politics, you need to be especially careful about the kind of scandal you choose…
John B.
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 8:56 p.m.
In Germany, the correct pronunciation would be approximately "vine-air." He seems to let it be pronounced the Amurrican way. I'm guessing his family has done that for generations.
Bertha Venation
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 4:57 p.m.
Everyone pronounces it Weener, but if the "I" is after the "e", isn't it really pronounced "Whyn - er?"