Governor Elliot Spitzer (D-NY) has basically admitted that he has used hookers in the past. So, has Senator David Vitter (R-LA). He admitted being with the DC Madam (and he ran his whole campaign in Louisiana on family values). So, if Elliot Spitzer has to resign in disgrace, why shouldn't Vitter resign as well?
There is no logical reason to hold them to a different standard. I know that it would be difficult for Spitzer to justify his own dalliances (and his own hypocrisies since he busted prostitution rings when he was Attorney General in New York) based on the lack of punishment for Vitter. But if he stays and fights, I would definitely bring this issue up if I was him. And make the country an offer, if Vitter resigns, than Spitzer should agree to do the same. If he doesn't, then Spitzer can say he has no reason to do what Republicans refuse to do for the same exact transgression.
And remember this amazing fact about Senator Vitter when he returned to the Senate:
You want to talk about two different reactions when it's a Republican and a Democrat -- this is the classic example. For the record, when the Vitter scandal broke, I said that he should not resign because his "crime" (I don't think it should be illegal for consenting adults to have sex with each other for money, in fact, I think it's insane that it's illegal) had nothing to do with his work in the Senate. On the other hand, the voters of Louisiana should toss him out on his sorry ass for pretending to give a damn about family values while he was sleeping with hookers all over DC.
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If Spitzer Has to Resign, So Should Vitter
Posted Mar 12th 2008 12:39AM by Cenk Uygur
Filed under: Scandal, Young Turks, Video, Sex
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Reader Comments ( Page 2 of 3)
16. Once again, your bias shines through. Vitter was on the DC Madam's phone list from several years ago, that's all, and yes, he admitted transgressions in the past. Here's the difference though: Spitzer has proclaimed himself to be all about law and order, but here he is on wire-tap, making arrangements, and you have his favorite hooker and her madam discussing the fact that he doesn't like wearing a condom. Also, he's shuffling large amounts of money around illegally, after he went after Wall Street for doing the same kind of thing. So yeah, there's a big difference. Although I am ashamed to agree with you on one thing, that prostitution should not be illegal. But that's because I'm a Libertarian, which is a lot different than being an idiot Liberal Democrat like you. Once again, the Young Turds put their foots in their mouths.
Jon at 11:19AM on Mar 12th 2008
17. I don't think Cenk was focusing on the legal aspect of the two cases. Political figures need to have credibility. If, through ANY ACTION, they lose that credibility, they should resign. Both cases the men violated trust, proving unworthy of the trust of voters. They should not be allowed to hold office.
If they choose to run again later, and if the citizens of that area are idiotic enough to vote them in again, then by all means, best of luck to them.
Strados at 11:28AM on Mar 12th 2008
18. No body should resign unless laws were broken but, If either broke the law and resigns should they still be prosecuted? What bothers me, why did the bank call in the FBI and IRS when the amount of money was less then $10 thousand? If they were suspicious of $4,300 Then I should be reported and any body else that transfers any amount of money. Somebody was out to get Gov. Spitzer, somebody with influence at the bank.
Both Gov. Spitzer and Senator Vitter are guilty of Adultry, last I checked not a felony. If it were a felony and every politician was investigated, we would have to have a special election to replace all that were found guilty.
If Gov. Spitzer remains in office, it is hard to say how effective he will be. When his term is up the voters of NY will decide his fate. Also, if he stays on, he would have to cooporate with the investigation of the prostitution ring he used. He should do the same even if he resigns.
His family are the victems, he has put his wife and daughters in the spot light. If his wife is active in any group or cause she will either bite the bullet and continue her activity or stop. His daughters might catch flack at their school unless they both were very well liked, they will have the sympathy of their classmates.
David Rosenberg at 3:13PM on Mar 13th 2008
19. Hey Cenk, I see you're still as dumb as a tree. One can always hope... As has been pointed out above, it's the MONEY aspect of this that got him in trouble, not the SEX. If it were just sex, a la dirtbag Clinton and Monica, Spitzer would weather this. But as a law and order guy in the area of FINANCE, the idea that he was moving cash around suspiciously in order to pay for hi priced hookers is something completely different. Think about it for a while Cenk, see if you can wrap your little brain around the difference....
sub at 12:13PM on Mar 12th 2008
20. And could you stop insulting young people, as well as my turkish friends, via the name of your dumb blog? LMMFAO.....
sub at 12:19PM on Mar 12th 2008
21. Judy, thanks for your conspiracy theory. It may, or may not, be true, but it certainly does give one pause. I have often felt that President Clinton was set up with the Lewinsky thing. The issue is- how easy is it for men to be manipulated by their urges- money, power, greed, sex? Here's a thought- is the sudden upsurge in political sex crime/scandal related to Drug Lobbyists pushing free 'viagra/cialis/levitra/etc.' on our reps? It doesn't seem to matter if the sex is homo or hetero, it just gets me that it is so easy to bring these men down by this ploy.
robert at 12:21PM on Mar 12th 2008
22. Robert there is such a comparison. Your point of the IRS invesgating the call ring is mute and irrelevant. T his is for they are investigating the call ring not the Spitzer. Also learn your law for they both committed misdemeanor. They were both clients to high price call girls so yes it is similar. I do not know what Vitter’s is offhand but in the case of Spitzer he is accused of a class A misdemeanor. Are you making this slanted post for you are repeating the misinformation you hear from the rightwing water bearers or are you the type of person that believes that the Republicans cannot do wrong?
matt at 1:01PM on Mar 12th 2008
23. (I don't think it should be illegal for consenting adults to have sex with each other for money, in fact, I think it's insane that it's illegal)
Chunk's sole means of sexual relief.
Zach Sawyer at 1:03PM on Mar 12th 2008
24. big question: when infidelity happened in the Cliton marriage NO ONE in the media or Hillary mentioned 'SPOUSE ABUSE' this is exactly what it is... emotionally,spiritually, and probably neglect pysically... certainly no sexual companionship on the hours given to selfish satisfaction .. and what does he think of when it happens ....and by implication the wife was inadequate ... WHAT A MESSAGE TO THE CHILDREN!!!! why no mention of this especially by feminists and concerned people??
mjgvwg at 8:27PM on Mar 12th 2008
25. big question: when infidelity happened in the Cliton marriage NO ONE in the media or Hillary mentioned 'SPOUSE ABUSE' this is exactly what it is... emotionally,spiritually, and probably neglect pysically... certainly no sexual companionship on the hours given to selfish satisfaction .. and what does he think of when it happens ....and by implication the wife was inadequate ... WHAT A MESSAGE TO THE CHILDREN!!!! why no mention of this especially by feminists and concerned people??
mjgvwg at 8:50PM on Mar 12th 2008
26. I can't believe how many think prostitution should be legal. Please, think about the scenario you are
supporting. Let's see. . . in college kids can choose from majors
like finance, liberal arts, and oh yeah, prostitution! The
prostitution rings can have recruitment commercials on TV just like
the Marines. It sounds like a great way to pay your way through college, as long as it's not your daughter, right?
NO ONE becomes a prostitute because they love the job.
Statistically, most prostitutes are there because of negative status
or situation, ie they have been sexually or emotionally abused, thrown out of their
home, teenage runaway, drug addiction, etc.
These are the situations that we should be constantly trying to prevent or help those stuck in them, not saying 'hey, great! you can be our nation's hookers!'
meadow at 1:28PM on Mar 12th 2008
27. Sorry, but Vitter wasn't caught red handed in a Federal Government wire tap moving women and dollars across state lines to subsidize a criminal enterprise. Vitter wasn't a federal prosecutor, Attorney General and governor---THE Holy Crusader and Avenger--a self righteous unforgiving chief-law-enforcement officer who left no stone unturned when prosecuting ethics violators. VITTER WASN'T INDICTING, IMPRISONING, AND DESTROYING PEOPLE FOR THE CRIMES HE WAS KNOWINGLY FACILITATING TO THE TUNE OF 80,000 BUCKS.
Spitzer not only championed prostitution laws, he worked with feminists to eliminate sex trafficking. Spitzer was the one who insisted that Johns be targeted! It was Spitzer who decried prostitution as a scourge on society--involving organized crime, demeaning to women, and destroying families. Clearly, in Spitzer's opinion prostitution is only wrong if somebody else does it--and hookers are O.K. as long as it is somebody else's wife and daughters.
Arrogance, power, corruption--and unspeakable hypocrisy. Spitzer did it because his hubris and total sense of entitlement gave him every reason to believe he could get away with it. Just like any other crook without ethics. The difference is other crooks aren't empowered by an Oath of Office to put lawbreakers in jail for what their HABITUALLY doing.
Spitzer didn't take reasponsibilty--HE WAS CAUGHT. Does anyone dount he would have hung onto power if he could have beat the rap?
Artis at 2:21PM on Mar 12th 2008
28. It is not the ladies that got Spitzer in trouble, it is the MONEY. He was playing games with money. He was sending money to a fake company that he knew was a front, that is a felony, same as money laundering. Spitzer has committed numerous felonies, that is why it is thought he was cutting a deal with the Feds to stay out of jail. Time will show that the ladies of the night is not what has Spitzer worried.
robert at 2:27PM on Mar 12th 2008
29.
Dear Vicki
Frankly, I do not understand how you can actually think this matter is as different as apples and oranges.
Actually, I am not really that naïve; it is obvious that you are trying to make this a Republican vs. Democrat issue. Well, Ms. Vicki I certainly hope that most adults will see right thru your juvenile attempt.
There is absolutely no difference between these two weasels. They both cheated on their wives with prostitutes (this part of the issue, in my opinion is a private matter), they both lied to their constituents. These two men have both committed criminal acts, they have both abuse the position and the power they each had with their jobs. In fact, their blatant hypocrisy and disregard for common decency should be the least of their problems.
In my opinion, they must resign their positions and they must be held accountable for committing a crime. In fact, I find it appalling that Vitter’s colleagues tried to sweep his behavior under the rug and supported him when he was caught with this pants down (please pardon the punt). I certainly hope unlike Vitter's "party friends" that Spitzer's colleagues exercise more responsibility, better judgement and a hell of a lot more respect for the American people and hold him accountable for his actions.
Patty at 3:03PM on Mar 12th 2008
30. Ummm... Larry Craig was arrested soliciting sex in an airport bathroom... err disorderly conduct. He should definitely have to resign if Spitzer did -- Spitzer hasn't been arrested yet. Craig, the dirty little pervert, was ARRESTED!
Miranda at 5:03PM on Mar 12th 2008