Another Day, Another Republican Has an Affair

There’s something fishy about Nevada Republican Sen. John Ensign’s admission yesterday that he had an affair. He and his wife were separated during that time, and what someone does during a legal separation isn’t usually called an affair. Plus, he is too quick to point out that his lovely wife Darlene “has found it in her heart to forgive me,” and then use the usual passive language politicians revert to: A hectic life “put me in situations” which “led to” inappropriate behavior.

Of course, Ensign, who’s talked about running for president, was quick during the Monica Lewinsky affair to say Bill Clinton “has no credibility left” and call former Idaho Sen. Larry Craig, of bathroom fame, a “disgrace.” So maybe he’s just built up a store of enemies over the years. But still, why bother? And why now?

Tags: GOP, infidelity, John Ensign

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Hanna Rosin Double X co- editor, reporter, prefer my friends live.

Comments

It's not just politicians

By: davegs | Tue, 12/29/2009 - 13:52

It's not just politicians cheating look at the Tiger Woods scandal if you want to call it that he has a super model and really great girl as his wife and cheats on her? The politicians and celebrities are in the spotlight but this is happening to so many couples its really pretty horrible. I'm almost scared to get married after seeing friends parents get divorced go to marriage counseling and just have their marriages fall apart because of someone cheating.

Sick of Politicians excuses for "Affairs"

By: Shelley | Wed, 06/17/2009 - 12:55

" A hectic life “put me in situations” which “led to” inappropriate behavior."

Excuse me, Mr. Politician, but who out there does NOT lead a hectic life? Who out there has not walked down the street and seen someone pique their interest, even if they were in a relationship? Who out there has NOT been put into situations where it was a fight between primal instinct and better judgement (I use the term primal instinct loosely)?

That is just life. Working hard, long hours, traveling, relationship problems. Coming home after working 10-12 hour days and not being able to rest because dinner needs to be made for the family, or the sig other, or just yourself. Not being able to rest because you dog is shedding thanks to the change in seasons and if you don't vacuum every five minutes you can't breath. Not being able to rest because you are worried about the economy and should I spend my last 100 on groceries or paying a bill. Not being able to rest because you know you owe money on a credit card and you're thisclose to paying it off, but another emergency has come up and that money has to be used.

We ALL live hectic day to day lives. While the events and catalysts and occurances differ from person to person. Maybe you're a mom who wants to feel more attractive and is having a hard time going from one lifestyle to another. Or you're the executive for a medium business trying to stay afloat in this economy. Or you're the college grad busting your chops to land that interview, or new to a workplace and trying hard to either not get fired during cutbacks or make that promotion that will help you pay off student loans.

Why is it that we can keep it in our pants? Or keep our zippper up? Why is it we can be in a dark club with the girls, dancing our hearts out, and NOT take that tall, dark, handsome stranger up on his offer for a night of no-strings-attached fun.

What happened to morals? And not the kind that some god forces upon you, but good, old-fashioned, human morals. (Personally I don't need a God to tell me hurting someone is wrong, thats just common sense). And why is it, if someone DOES screw up, be an affair or something as simple as knowing we did something wrong or hurtful to another, we can accept that it was because we made a mistake and not blame it on anyone but ourselves?

Politicians are role models. I understand there is weight on their shoulders to be a certain way and of course that creates pressure. And its hard dealing with that pressure at times. But you know what? You go to a spa or play a round of golf. You don't partake in adulterous and hurtful affairs to "relieve the stress of a hectic life."