Hyperbole and Apologies

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Again?

The thing that was unique about South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford's confessional press conference Wednesday was its candor, not its subject matter. Every few months for the last two years, another elected official has taken to the podium to publicly confess some sort of wrongdoing. Double X intern Meredith Simons takes a look at the most recent politicians who have had to apologize to their wives—and the world—for their wandering eyes.

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The "Dear Friend"

Sanford carried on a year-long affair with a woman with whom he exchanged e-mail addresses after dispensing marital advice. Now things don't look so good for his own marriage: Sanford and his wife aren't formally separated, but he noted that, "I'm here and she's there."

Statement: "We developed a remarkable friendship over those eight years. And then, as I said, about a year ago, it sparked into something more than that. I have seen her three times since then, during that whole sparking thing."

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The Staffer

John Ensign, a senator from Nevada, admitted last week that he had an affair with a staffer who was married to another staffer (who was trying to blackmail him). His wife sent out her own press release, saying that "We have worked through the situation and we have come to a reconciliation ... With the help of our family and close friends our marriage has become stronger.

Statement: "I violated the vows of my marriage. If ever there was anything that I could take back in my life, this would be it."

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The Campaign Aide

John Edwards, a former U.S. Rep. from North Carolina and presidential candidate, admitted to having a "liasion" with campaign aide Reille Hunter. Edwards said the affair ended in 2006, but he didn't fess up until the National Enquirer caught him visiting Hunter—in 2008.

Statement: "In the course of several campaigns, I started to believe that I was special and became increasingly egocentric and narcissistic. If you want to beat me up—feel free. You cannot beat me up more than I have already beaten up myself."

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The Hooker

Eliot Spitzer, then-governor of New York, resigned in 2008 after an investigation revealed that he had a relationship with a pricey prostitute—in spite of the fact that he had crusaded against all manner of vices, including prostitution. He's still married to Silda Wall Spitzer, who appeared beside Spitzer at his resignation press conference.

Statement: "I have disappointed and failed to live up to the standard I expected of myself. I must now dedicate some time to regain the trust of my family."

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The Guy In the Bathroom

Larry Craig, then-senator from Idaho, was arrested in 2007 and accused of soliciting sex from a stranger in an airport bathroom. He said he did nothing wrong, but he pleaded guilty to a lesser crime. Craig became a favorite target of late-night comedians, but he held on to his Senate seat until his term expired in 2009. He also held on to his wife, Suzanne Craig.

Statement: "Let me be clear: I am not gay and never have been."

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The D.C. Madam

David Vitter, a senator from Louisiana, admitted in 2007 to using the services of "D.C. Madam" Deborah Palfrey between 1999 and 2001. He's still a senator and still married to wife Wendy, who took the podium at his press conference after he did and said, "I am proud to be Wendy Vitter."

Statement: "This was a very serious sin in my past for which I am, of course, completely responsible. Several years ago, I asked for and received forgiveness from God and my wife in confession and marriage counseling."