COMMENTARY | When Rep. Anthony Weiner admitted Monday to sending pictures via Twitter of a body part precariously similar to his surname, another political downfall seemed inevitable. Adding to the sleaziness is the fact that Weiner's wife, Huma Abedin, is pregnant, according to the New York Times. Yet, after a week of headlines such as "Weiner Lets it All Hang Out," Weiner's constituents do not want their congressman to resign, leaving the nation thinking, "only in New York!"
Polls Show Support
According to a new Marist College Institute for Public Opinion and NY1 poll, 56 percent of registered voters say Weiner shouldn't resign, while 33 percent want him to quit. What gives the Christian right more cause for a heart attack is that 30 percent would vote for Weiner's reelection. It seems that Weiner's confidence in his constituency is well grounded. But why do citizens of New York's 9th district still support Weiner?
A New York State of Mind
New York's 9th Congressional District encompasses parts of southern Brooklyn and Queens: not exactly a bastion of conservatism. Adding to the preconceived notion that New Yorkers are more liberal relative to the rest of the country is statistical evidence. Has anyone run into Congressman Andrew Petersen lately on Capitol Hill? Probably not, because Petersen hasn't served in Congress since 1923, which also happens to be the last time the 9th district elected a Republican to Congress. In fact, since the Republican Party's founding in 1854, the 9th district has only elected a Republican twice. We know where the 9th district's political loyalties lie, but what about its morality?
Don't Judge
New Yorkers have always rather "laughed with sinners, than cry with the saints," as only Bronx-born Billy Joel could put it. Walk down any Brooklyn street, or any street in the greater New York area, and you'll find a judgment-free lifestyle. Accepting Weiner's actions is a far cry from letting the guy walking in Times Square with a tutu on live his life, but people who live in this environment are more apt to forgive unsavory behavior.
In the greatest political sex scandal of our generation, President Bill Clinton's affair with Monica Lewinsky, 81 percent of New Yorkers opposed Clinton's impeachment, reports the New York Daily News. Plus, this isn't New York's first dance with the mistress of extramarital affairs, no pun intended -- well, maybe.
They're Used to it
In 2008, New Yorkers had to "earmuff" their children anytime the news came on thanks to the actions of Gov. Eliot Spitzer. And although Spitzer's dealings with Ashley Dupre were too much for even New York to take, it proved that anyone could be involved in a scandal. In February of this year, another New York politician made a name for himself when Rep. Chris Lee resigned hours after it was learned that he had sent a shirtless photo to a woman other than his wife. It was later discovered that Lee had been soliciting transgendered women for sex over the Internet. Let's just say "fiscal" discipline is not the only discipline lacking in the Empire State.
"Weinergate" is only one in a slew of political sex scandals that has rocked not only New York, but the nation. Whether Weiner can save his career is yet to be seen, but, for now, he should count his blessings that he represents the 9th Congressional District of New York State.
There are no comments yet