Saturday, September 01, 2007

A way out for Larry Craig


http://instapundit.com/archives2/008829.php  (via InstaPundit.com)

ERIC SCHEIE IS DISAPPOINTED WITH THE LARRY CRAIG SCANDAL:

I realize that there are things missing in this analysis, and of course the biggest problem is that it does not involve actual sex, but the perception of sex. In that respect, Craig's "sex" is like the nonexistent sex of Mark Foley, whose crime was not sex, but sending suggestive emails. (Or Vitter, whose name was found in an address book.) . . .

What is it with these guys that they can't even run a proper sex scandal?

Who ever heard of sex scandals without sex?

At least when the Democrats have a sex scandal, it involves real, honest to goodness sex. Yeah, I know, Bill Clinton said the sex wasn't sex. But let's face it, it was. Had Bill tapped Monica's foot, the most he'd have been accused of was playing footsie, and there'd have been little to no outcry, much less an impeachment. And as Matthew Sheffield makes clear, the double standard is appalling; Democrats keep their jobs after drowning women in cars or keeping male brothels, while Republicans are hounded out of office for sex scandals without even the component of sex.

If I were the American people, I'd be totally sick of sexless Republican sex scandals by now.

The GOP needs to shape up.


My suspicion about Larry Craig is that he pleaded guilty because he was worried that a full investigation would lead to further revelations that would doom his political career as Republican.  He was probably used to high risk behavior (maybe that was part of the attraction) so it made sense to take the chance that the whole thing might blow over.  Although the particulars of this case sound pretty weak (toe tapping is not strictly a crime), numerous rumors about Craig suggest that he had plenty to hide.  I'm not too worried about an innocent man being destroyed by the media here.  But I do object to the way the Democrats are spinning this as an example of Republican hypocrisy -- as if only gay marriage supporters should be allowed to flirt with men in public toilets.  Personally, I'd prefer that no one had sex in public restrooms.  However, the hypocrisy charge does suggest a way out for Craig.  Come out of the closet and switch parties to join the Democrats.  I'm sure he'd be welcomed with open stalls.

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