DNC Chair Wasserman Schultz calls on Weiner to resign

[jefferson_dem]

Source: CNN

By: CNN Political Unit

(CNN) - Debbie Wasserman Schultz, chair of the Democratic National Committee, called on embattled congressman Anthony Weiner to resign today.

Wasserman Schultz released the following statement:

"It is with great disappointment that I call on Representative Anthony Weiner to resign. The behavior he has exhibited is indefensible and Representative Weiner's continued service in Congress is untenable. This sordid affair has become an unacceptable distraction for Representative Weiner, his family, his constituents and the House – and for the good of all, he should step aside and address those things that should be most important – his and his family's well-being."



Read more: http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/06/11/dnc-chair-wasserman-schultz-calls-on-weiner-to-resign/

---

Pelosi too:

Rep. Pelosi’s statement:

“Congressman Weiner has the love of his family, the confidence of his constituents, and the recognition that he needs help. I urge Congressman Weiner to seek that help without the pressures of being a Member of Congress.”

http://www.mediaite.com/tv/breaking-rep-pelosi-dnc-chair-wasserman-schultz-call-for-rep-weiner-to-resign/

[no_hypocrisy]

1. Damn

[ClassWarrior]

2. You mean the person who called us "the Democrat Party" just a few weeks ago?

I heard her say it in-person. That says a lot about where she's coming from.

NGU.

[Exultant Democracy]

17. Not shit, I missed that. I hate it when the republicans do it to us but the DNC chair!!! n/t

[Warrior Dash]

31. Don't you think you are reading too much into a slip of the tongue?

Democrat
Democratic

She shorted you two letters. What's the big deal?

[ClassWarrior]

35. No. But thank you for your concern.

NGU.

[totodeinhere]

102. Yes, some people will seize upon almost anything to find a reason to criticize.

So the DNC chairperson is anti-Democrat because she said "Democrat Party?" Come on now. She has had a long and distinguished career standing up for the Democratic Party. I won't hold a slip of the tongue against her. If we used such strict standards almost every Democrat would have been thrown under the bus for some reason by now.

[roguevalley]

121. no, actually. a couple of elections ago, she would not step up and

help someone running against the repug in a district near hers because she was a friend. I don't like this tool and I'm not surprised at this.

[Warrior Dash]

158. Well then, I will assume that you would prefer a Republican.

[roguevalley]

160. same old wornout response, yours. actually, I would like dems to

campaign for dems in elections, not sit on their asses and allow a candidate to lose because the repig is a girl friend like this chick was with Wasserman. Really, you should hang your head. How in the blue hell did you read that conclusion into my remarks? I want Wasserman to go away because if she couldn't put personal considerations aside and help a dem get elected because he was running against her repig girl friend, how do you think she will be with the overall election of dems nationwide? She's a dork and needs to go. With that sort of mentality, expect a few MORE repigs than we already have because her repig girlfriend won her election.

[mitchtv]

161. She annoys the shit out of me

fucking sellout to D's everywhere, but what do you expect after Tim Kaine? She likes Illeana Ross Lechitin more than a Dem what a loser

[bahrbearian]

92. DWS = DINO

[defendandprotect]

166. What's "DWS" ... ??? And agree with concerns re Schultz --

[Liberal Veteran]

3. Oh, Debbie....I am disappoint!

No cake (or donation) for you.

[Webster Green]

4. Figures.

She's a wuss, just like Pelosi. :thumbsdown:

[baldguy]

5. What exactly did he do that's so indefensable?

Send a tweet to an adult woman?

:eyes:

[Liberal Veteran]

8. Sex is wrong, mmm'kay?

Nice of DWS to rearrange the firing squad into a more spherical shape, as it were.

[jefferson_dem]

11. And tried to cover it up by lying repeatedly...

And communicated via Direct Message with at least one minor... And betrayed the public trust...

Sorry. I agree with the Chair. Weiner needs to go.

[Liberal Veteran]

16. Oh, for fuck's sake! The direct message to the minor was non-sexual.

At least be better than our opposition and tell the whole truth rather than insinuate there was inappropriate sexual discussion with a minor.

[jefferson_dem]

23. For fuck's sake yourself.

I know they say none of those communications with this particular minor were "inappropriate". But, frankly, while you may be believe with "certitude" that Weiner had purely innocent intentions, I have no such faith in his judgment. I've seen enough...and expect better.

[Name removed]

32. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

37. Deleted message

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[jefferson_dem]

38. Guilty of what?

I'm only basing my opinion on what we already know. Weiner has disgraced himself and the institution he serves, and is a self-admitted liar. How could anyone trust him?

[ClassWarrior]

67. Guilty until proven innocent. How Jeffersonian.

NGU.

[Psephos]

71. You may have forgotten how fluidly and effortlessly Weiner lied.

That kind of virtuoso lying exempts one from future presumptions of innocence.

Of course, perhaps you're different and make a habit of continuing to trust demonstrated liars. It's not that uncommon. I have a friend who thinks her husband is done fooling around on her, and that his assurances can be trusted this time.

[ClassWarrior]

73. I've forgotten nothing. I'm just wondering where was the vitriol against the crimes...

...that Diaper Vitter committed? And if there was none, responsible Dems have to ask ourselves, what is the motive behind keeping the heat on Rep. Wiener?

Can you answer those questions?

NGU.

[Psephos]

75. A question for you.

Is there more net political good for the Democratic Party if Weiner stays or if he resigns?

Party leadership seems to have figured out the answer.

Additionally, the fact that many repugs would be happy to see the now-toothless dog remain in office speaks volumes.

[ClassWarrior]

78. That's not the issue here. The issue here is that people are stirring it up over a Dem. People...

...who are only too glad to give a pass to the Rape-Publicans. The excuse is, "We expect it from Rape-Publicans." So? Does that mean that we don't prosecute criminals with long records? Because "we expect it from them??"

Sometimes one has to wonder about people's motives.

NGU.

[Psephos]

82. "Sometimes one has to wonder about people's motives."

I have to wonder about those who promote political gain for repugs, which is what this oozing sore has become.

Weiner disqualified himself from full support with his look-you-in-the-eye lying ability and his serial selfish choices to put his own interests above those of the party.

I find the demand that we show loyalty to someone who ditched his own responsibility and party loyalty to get some kicks a singular example of cognitive dissonance.

Edwards did the same thing, and handled it the same way. I won't get fooled again.

[ClassWarrior]

86. Ahhh, piling onto the targeted liberal on Breitbart's command isn't "political gain for repugs?"

Maybe he should step down. Maybe he shouldn't. That's for his constituents and HIM to decide. Not you or me.

So all the fainting and clutching of pearls over his cyberflrting rings rather suspicious in light of the radio silence from the same people when the Vitter crimes broke.

NGU.

[Psephos]

129. Clue.

"Maybe he should step down. Maybe he shouldn't. That's for his constituents and HIM to decide. Not you or me."

Here's the clue: You don't tell me what to decide. I tell me what to decide.

Pelosi is also part of the decision process. "Congressman Weiner has the love of his family, the confidence of his constituents and the recognition that he needs help. I urge Congressman Weiner to seek that help without the pressures of being a member of Congress," Pelosi said earlier today.

DCCC Chair Steve Israel weighted in too, wishing Weiner well in his personal life, but saying that the scandal has "become an insurmountable distraction" to the House.

DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz said, "The behavior he has exhibited is indefensible and Representative Weiner's continued service in Congress is untenable."

Looks like you're getting voted off the island.

Meanwhile, Vitter is a weak coward who has served the Democratic Party well by remaining in his repug seat. He lopped his own balls off. Weiner's intransigence and selfishness shows he's apparently cut from the same cloth.

Unlike you, I don't look to repugs for ideas about Democratic Party standards, and I wouldn't buy a neutered Rottweiler to protect my premises.

[ClassWarrior]

133. I see, so you admit you're fine with holding Rape-Publicans to a lower standard too. Telling.

NGU.

[Psephos]

136. I see, so you admit you sidestepped every point except the one you "misunderstood." Telling. n/t

[ClassWarrior]

138. (psssttttt... I told you upthread that I wasn't discussing Rep. Wiener's fate.)

(I told you that I'm discussing the rather uneven and twisted standards of many who claim to be Dems. That's the part I answered. And no amount of baiting is going to bully me into a discussion of anything else.)

NGU.

[Psephos]

140. (I would whisper too if I had your Swiss Cheese arguments to defend.) n/t

[ClassWarrior]

142. So you believe leaving Vitter in his Senate seat and not criticizing him is good for...

...the Dem Party - and you accuse me of having Swiss cheese arguments?

:rofl:

NGU.

[Psephos]

145. Post 143 says it all. n/t

[baldguy]

107. Edwards had an extramartital affair & through it fathered child...

And may have used campaign funds to cover it up.

Weiner sent a picture on the Internet. Hardly the same thing.

[Psephos]

128. Do I actually have to explain...

...that I was referring to Edwards and Weiner both lying shamelessly and serially to cover up their personal weaknesses, and not the details of their selfishness and recklessness?

No, I don't.

You knew that and I know that you knew that.

Were you also an Edwards defender? This bus has the same destination.

[baldguy]

131. When it's obvious that a Democrat is being targeted *because* he's a Democrat, I defend them.

If we allowed every skeevy accusation made by the RW lie machine against Democrats to color our opinions of them, there would be no Democrats in office. Period.

If you haven't guessed it yet, THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT THEY WANT.

Weiner is just the latest victim of the very real VRWC: Obama, Kerry, both Clintons, Dukakis, Carter, Muskie - all were hounded by ginned up accusations of wrongdoing - mostly just vile rumors & gossip with delusions of grandeur, and all of which also happened to be untrue.

If anything, Edwards is the exception. Even Spitzer's problems only came to light because they were exposed by one of the most corrupt Republicans in NY - who just happened to also be one of Spitzer's main political enemies.

Basically, unless you have hard independent evidence from a unimpeachable source, then the mere accusation from one of the multitude of partisan RW muckrakers of wrongdoing by a Democrat is almost a guarantee that the Dem is pure as new-fallen snow.

[Psephos]

134. He's being targeted for being reckless, selfish, and having no shame about lying to save his ass.

I don't care what repugs want.

I care that we have leaders in the Democratic Party who represent what is good in humankind, not what is weak and cowardly. More than that - I demand it.

Weiner is no longer the protagonist. He is now the antagonist.

The people demand catharsis, as they have for two thousand years, and it is coming.

[ClassWarrior]

137. Why, if that's so important in Rep. Wiener's case, is it so unimportant in Diapers Vitter's case?

I care that we have leaders in our nation who represent what is good in humankind, not what is weak and cowardly. More than that - I demand it.

According to your own statement, you only demand it from Dems. Why is that?

NGU.

[Psephos]

139. As I already said, I rather like the castrated Vitter keeping his seat.

Serves our party well.

I realize that the good of the Democratic Party doesn't concern you, though.

[ClassWarrior]

141. Me too. But what good does it do when no one puts any heat on the guy?

Yeah, Vitter keeping his seat and being able to act freely without any shame or pressure from the public serves our party sooo well. :eyes:

I realize that the good of the Democratic Party doesn't concern you, though.

NGU.

[Name removed]

143. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[ClassWarrior]

146. See below.

NGU.

[ClassWarrior]

144. And do you HONESTLY believe that our cries for Diaper-Boy's resignation would make him resign?

If so, I have a dirty, adult-sized diaper that I'd like to sell you.

Some sound and fury about Vitter's crimes, however, would do damage to the Rape-Publican Party in the eyes of the public.

NGU.

[ClassWarrior]

149. Well?

NGU.

[PassingFair]

147. Then you wanted Clinton to resign, yes? n/t

[ClassWarrior]

150. +1

NGU.

[jefferson_dem]

113. "Sometimes one has to wonder about people's motives."

Well, we do agree on that.

[ClassWarrior]

135. I know you are, but what am I?

:rofl:

NGU.

[rainlillie]

25. Thank you.

[baldguy]

39. Just what, exactly, did he communicate to that minor?

An honest observer would point out that you're talking about two different incidents here: 1) He had an exchange of tweets of a sexual nature with a consenting adult female, and 2) he had an exchange of tweets of a nonsexual nature with a minor child. These exchanges have nothing whatsoever to do with one another, other than Anthony Weiner engaged in them. I'm sure he watched a few bad TV programs and drank some coffee during this period too.

You want your leaders to be perfect & without sin. I prefer them to be human.

[Liberal Veteran]

49. Couldn't agree more. The pearl clutching contingent is 2 seconds away from needing smelling salts.

And a fainting couch.

[wordpix]

57. +1 as long as the tweet to the minor wasn't a sext, why does this rise to a high crime?

[elocs]

70. Lying gets a pass here at DU because, well, you know, everybody does it.

When you have the leader of your party in the House saying you should resign, well, stick a fork in Weiner because he's done.

[ClassWarrior]

81. Well, lying by Rape-Publicans in diapers, at least.

NGU.

[defendandprotect]

168. They are all need to be out -- not just Weiner --

[bahrbearian]

90. Waiting for the Mushroom cloud or anthrax ?

[defendandprotect]

167. So you'd have no problems if Hillary was sending pics of her vagina to males on internet?

[patrice]

6. What does his district want? nt

[dkf]

7. Hmm Is she getting this from the White House?

I wonder if our agencies have processed a lot more data and records than we know about.

[Autumn]

9. So did Reince Priebus , I don't give a shit what either

of them say.

[totodeinhere]

104. And neither of them probably give a shit what you say either. n/t

[Autumn]

110. Of course they don't, I don't give a shit either. n/t

[spedtr90]

10. Did the DNC chair do the same during Republican scandals?

Any of them?

[Liberal Veteran]

13. Don't be absurd. We only eat our own.

[ClassWarrior]

15. No kidding.

The trolls toss the chum into the water, and the pygmy piranhas go wild.

NGU.

[karynnj]

124. Google "Foley" and see that it was a BIG Democratic issue in 2006

I think Iraq was bigger. However in summer 2006, the powers that be in the Democratic party wanted to run on things like Foley and they were FURIOUS that Kerry and Feingold wrote their amendment. If you watched the coverage on CSPAN of Kerry/Feingold being debated, you would see that Republican Chair of the Armed Services Committee Warner treated Kerry far better than many powerful Democrats.)

[karynnj]

125. 2006 - Foley was a major Democratic issue

[TatonkaJames]

12. if he goes, then the rest of the Dick's must go too

Wait, that would leave us with like 1 or 2 representatives. Still, a good idea.

[HereSince1628]

14. Face it, it's shunning for political purposes...and it's "pragmatic"

She and many others don't want to associated with Mr. Weiner's behavior. To not come out in public with a statement against Mr. Weiner's behavior will be taken as tacit acceptance of that behavior. This defensive move is actually required at a party level to counter the 'guilt by association' that is such a common feature of everyday partisan life in the United States.

[emulatorloo]

65. Good point n/t

[Karenina]

66. She's just pumping up the volume

to retake the "moral high ground." Republicans DO accept this kind of behaviour and MUCH WORSE. May RANK HYPOCRISY become an issue, something AW has not engaged in. AW could become the poster boy for the "whiff of taint" having done nothing more than behaving like a clueless adolescent.

Obviously, AW has not forged enough solid alliances amongst his colleagues to garner more Rückendeckung than that from Baba Wawa. And Hillary is in :nuke: mode. Somebody check the toast! ;-)

[HereSince1628]

74. Yes, I think there is an effort to appear to be on higher ground.

ruckendeckung...that's a new one for me.

[Doremus]

18. With friends like that who needs enemies

Which is to say Wasserman Schultz is no friend. She plays the part pretty well at times but sooner or later the blue comes shining through.

Tell her and the rest of the pretend Dems to pound sand, Anthony.

[Name removed]

19. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Liberal Veteran]

26. Folding like house of cards is not "gutsy".

In fact, one might say it is indicative of the gelatinous spine syndrome that is endemic our party leadership.

[DCBob]

29. You're bias affects your judgement.

This is a smart pragmatic decision. There is too much a stake to let this stupid scandal take the headlines for weeks and weeks.

[jefferson_dem]

33. Expecting that our representative do not stalk females on the internet ...

and send "cock shots" to virtual strangers = folding like a house of cards. :crazy:

[Liberal Veteran]

34. Oh, so now he's a stalker?

[jefferson_dem]

42. Facts.

Review them. And try to be objective about it.

[baldguy]

117. Facts: "Following" someone on Twitter does not constitute "stalking".

Only an idiot would insist it was.

[rainlillie]

46. The women who were involved were willing participants..

His behavior was childish and wrong, but I don't think he should step down.

[Garbo 2004]

77. The student who he sent underwear pic to says she wasn't a willing participant to that.

He knew his twitter communications to women were under scrutiny and still went ahead and sent that? To someone who wasn't among his "willing participants?" She got dragged into something she didn't volunteer to be a part of.

And with all his "tech savvy" he didn't realize he posted that pic on a publicly accessible pic sharing site? It's as if he was daring someone to catch him. And of course they did.

He had his own political career in his hands and pissed on it bigtime, knowing the political environment as he does. It's not as if he didn't know that, since he lied about it until he knew for sure it was documented and more was coming out.

The political fallout was predictable.

[mitchtv]

20. she should resign

after supporting Repubes in the last election over solid Dems, cause the Pugs were her "friends". What kind of Dem is she?

[Shagbark Hickory]

94. +! My sentiments exactly. nt

[graywarrior]

21. I give up

[shireen]

116. +1

[rainlillie]

22. Seems like the Democrats are trying to cover their own asses..

It also seems as though, they're so afraid of the republicans that they'd cave at the drop of a hat. All the polling that has been released clearly shows that the voters in his district want him to stay, they're the ones who hired him and they're the ones who should have the final say.

[graywarrior]

122. Why do we even vote for these people?

They don't care what the contituents want. It's all about THEM.

I am so done.

[Garbo 2004]

24. Reportedly, Pelosi just also put out a statement calling for his resignation. nt

[jefferson_dem]

28. She did. Here it is.

Rep. Pelosi’s statement:

“Congressman Weiner has the love of his family, the confidence of his constituents, and the recognition that he needs help. I urge Congressman Weiner to seek that help without the pressures of being a Member of Congress.”

http://www.mediaite.com/tv/breaking-rep-pelosi-dnc-chair-wasserman-schultz-call-for-rep-weiner-to-resign/

[Garbo 2004]

45. Yes, this latest series of press releases clearly orchestrated. W-S not acting alone. nt

[orion007]

61. "and the recognition that he needs help" +1000 n/t

[digitaln3rd]

27. If David Vitter can visit prostitutes and get a standing ovation from Congress...

Then Rep. Weiner can send a couple of dirty messages.

[rainlillie]

50. Has any Democrats ever asked Vitter to step down?

[VA_Jill]

85. heck yeah

This one, for one. Ed Schultz. Randi Rhodes. Probably a zillion others.

Oh, you mean a congressional Democrat? I would hope so! But no Republican has.......

[kath]

111. I'd bet not, because that would require a fucking BACKBONE.

[Imajika]

30. What is it with so many DUers defending this guy?

Weiner's become a political liability and probably needs to go. It is what it is. Life isn't fair. Had Weiner just owned up to sending the picture straight away he'd probably be okay and not such a problem for the party. That multi-day, media circus lying tour he went on simply shattered his credibility, wasted a lot of people's time who were claiming it was hoax and caused him to be liability for the Democratic party.

The cause and party are bigger than the man. By remaining in office he is now hurting the cause and party by being the endless focus of media attention. He's got a (D) after his name is it reflects badly on us. I personally don't care who Weiner sext's or communicates with, but he is crowding out our message and has become a liability.

[rainlillie]

43. Well the people who count, the people who actually voted for him

would like him to stay. The rest is between him and his wife. According Barbara Walters his wife is sticking with him. So if she can move forward, people who don't have anything invested in this personally should MYOB and do the same.

[Imajika]

51. Your just ignoring political realities...

His district could support him 100% and it wouldn't matter. He has become a national political liability. As a Democrat he is part of the face of the Democratic party, especially considering how outspoken he is. Lying his ass of repeatedly about something like this guarantees endless negative media attention for weeks or months to come, and as a party we don't have time for that crap. His story is sucking up all the oxygen and making it difficult for Democrats to get their message out - one that by the way, resonates quite well. Until this story we were clobbering the Republicans over the Medicare issue, now the national political story is Weiner's wiener and will be until he goes away.

As I said, life isn't fair. Politics is war, and war is hell. The minute someone becomes a serious political liability for your team it's time for them to leave the scene. Weiner is a smart and talented guy, he will come back to fight another day. It won't be hard for him to do. Resign now, check into some dopey rehab clinic for a few months, come back, say he's cured, hit the media circuit pushing the progressive message and run again for office some time in the future. That's how high profile politicians and entertainers that screw up pay for their "sins" and make themselves relevant again.

[rainlillie]

55. How has he become a "liability?" I seriously doubt republicans want to go there..

Especially when their own houses aren't clean. The Public knows what's up and will see this thing for what it is. That's why the New York voters are sticking with him.

[Imajika]

63. Are you really this politically naive?

The Republicans don't need to "go there". The media is doing that and will be in an on again off again feeding frenzy as long as Weiner is around. They don't care about anything else he's got to say, nor do they care really what any Democrat has got to say as long as Weiner is around to suck up all the oxygen and make the focus pictures of his pecker and who he sent them to rather than any message he or our party would like to get out. The Republicans are LOVING this. I am quite sure that, despite their claims otherwise, the Republicans hope Weiner never resigns.

[rainlillie]

64. Oh please we have to be stronger than this. If He goes let the voters vote him out..

The only thing I was "naive" about is how fast the Democrats would cave.

[Imajika]

69. It's like your just ignoring...

...the days Weiner spent lying in incredible, spectacular almost comedic fashion. It's one thing to distort the facts, twist the truth, exaggerate, or otherwise try to conceal the truth, but to literally do sit down interviews with media outlet after media outlet and lie in literally blockbuster fashion.... It's just too much. Add in anything to do with sex, revealing pictures, etc, and it's just political catastrophe that is probably impossible to survive in the near term.

It wouldn't matter if, in his district, every single constituent supported him staying. A congresscritter is not a lone wolf, they rely and reflect on their party - ESPECIALLY one so outspoken as Representative Weiner. He has become, nationally, a political liability for the Democratic party and the message we are trying to put forward. Weiner needs to make himself scarce for awhile and that likely involves resigning.

[rainlillie]

72. He may not be a "lonewolf" but the only way for him to get elected is for people in his district

to vote for him. As of now they're pretty much telling people who don't live in their distinct that they're sticking with their guy. New Yorkers hired a politician to do a job and to my knowledge he's done his job well. They didn't hire him to be their spiritual adviser, pastor or priest. The only person IMO who has a legitimate reason to be outraged is his wife and according to reports she's sticking with the marriage. New York would be in better shape today if Eliot Spitzer hadn't of stepped down. He admitted he lied, and apologized for it. He's not the first human being who has lied and my guess is he won't be the last.

[Bryan]

80. "let the voters vote him out"?

What a fine grasp of strategy. Yes, obviously, the smart play is to make next year's election into a referendum on whether Weiner can transcend his self-centered attempts to draw attention to his awesome dick. Trying to push Weiner to make an exit in order to set up a candidate who's got their shit at least marginally more together would just be foolish...

[rainlillie]

91. Keep in mind that 56 percent want him to stay, I'm a New Yorker and

I agree with the majority. Keep in mind that even after Eliot Spitzer stepped down he STILL polled higher than his replacement, that's what counts. The rest is a bunch of bs!

[StarsInHerHair]

153. you're wrong, having the media focus on him-he has the chance of turning

EVERYTHING around for the Left: IF HE STAYS & DARES.


I'm sick & tired of Dems going after their own when the Right clearly stands by their mostly worse Reps. Folding like a chair is not strength, breaking ranks & siding with the other side is not strong, especially when the Right doesn't care about the country. I think Clarence Thomas should resign FIRST, if anything.

[baldguy]

53. Because he did nothing wrong.

Stupid? Yes. Worth a few sophomoric chuckles? Definitely. Deserving of a little embarrassment on his part & some real heart-to-heart discussions with his wife? Certainly.

Illegal in any way? Not in the slightest.

Worth having the media ignore the real important issues we face? NO WAY!

Republicans want to focus everyone's attention on Weiner's wiener. It allows them time to take a few more chips out of the foundations of this country, and with Weiner out of the way they'll have one less defender of those foundations to deal with.

[rainlillie]

56. Well said, baldguy.

[Imajika]

59. Yes, he did a LOT wrong...

He went on an out and out lying-his-ass-off press tour from media outlet to media outlet. He didn't just lie, he lied in absolutely spectacular fashion. Something doesn't have to be illegal to be wrong.

He has become a giant distraction and is a liability to the Democratic party and to the progressive message. Weiner is simply not going to recover from this anytime soon and has become a problem for the party.

Think of it this way. Sports analogy. One of your star running backs goes down because someone on the opposing team tripped him. He's injured and hurting. What do you do? Sadly, you have no choice but to bench the guy and ultimately cut him if he can't recover. It's too bad he lost his job and income because the opposition are mean and dirty, but it is what it is. He's no longer useful to the team and needs to be replaced with someone who is.

Life ain't fair, but as a political liability Weiner needs to go away.

[baldguy]

99. And if he had told the truth & exposed his deepest, darkest - very personal - secrets to the world?

In what fundamental way would that have changed YOUR life? If Weiner's worst sin is that he likes to flirt with women, the book of his life story is going to be mighty thin and very boring.

And your sports analogy is all wrong, too. "Weinergate" is more like having your star running back being caught tweeting pics of his crotch to a willing female admirer. (Like THAT never happens!) There would be no question in the minds of the owners, his fellow team mates, his fans, or the general public of benching him - or heaven forbid, firing him. He still has a contract to fulfill.

You may not like it, but politicians and professional athletes should never be held up as
the arbiters of morality or life role models.

Put it this way: By most accounts, Lyndon Johnson was - unlike Weiner - what today we'd call a sexual pervert. Would you give up the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act, Medicare and Medicaid to erase him from history?

[totodeinhere]

108. He didn't have to admit anything. He could have simply said that this is a private

matter between me and my family and I will make no comment. That would not have been a lie. Once you get caught blatantly lying then you will never be believed again.

Or am I too old fashioned in this day and age to still believe that lying is wrong?

[baldguy]

115. And then the drooling hoards in the RW lie machine would have called for his resignation.

And spineless Dems would follow right along with them. If he had said nothing, he would've been a target for blackmail, and they STILL would've dumped the pics.

You see, Breitbart, his minions & his sponsors in the RW corporate media don't believe in privacy. They don't even accept the idea that Democrats are American citizens, or humans deserving of rights for that matter. They see Weiner & people like us as obstacles to be removed. This is what we're seeing play out in "Weinergate". Weiner's real crime is being a Democrat.

If you're "old fashioned" you'd know that private things are private, that lying is a strategy for keeping them that way - especially if it's awkward & embarrassing (and sex is always awkward and embarrassing), and that the real villain in this situation isn't the guy who lies, it's the guy who forced him to.

[totodeinhere]

132. I understand exactly what you are saying. But I suspect that no matter what he did,

whether it be lie, tell the truth, or say nothing, the RW lie machine would slime him. And you are right, the spineless Dems would not help matters any. That's a given. So given that, why not tell the truth from day one? What has he got to lose? Or at least have no comment as I said earlier. And then, at least it can be said that he didn't lie.

Look, I like Anthony Weiner. He is a good progressive and I hope he has a future in politics. My advice to him is well intentioned. I just think that he would be better off if he didn't lie.

[wordpix]

60. +1000

[rainlillie]

36. As far as I know this was all consensual, between two adults..

the outrage seems a bit over the top. Just let the voters decide.

[Liberal Veteran]

41. Exactly. And it rewards Breitbart's sleaze machine.

[Bryan]

40. Good for Wasserman Schultz

She's got her eye on the ball. Her most pressing concerns, in no particular order, are retaking the House, holding the Senate, and holding the Presidency. Weiner getting his swerve on, lying about it, and walking it back when called on it is not that big a deal in the cosmic view, but it in no way serves those goals.

[tomm2thumbs]

44. Wiener painted a target on his chest by exposing his genitals online

He would not be in this predicament if he kept his private affairs private. Simple as that.

Sad, but he handled this incident stupidly after the story broke, and I'm guessing there are more nude pictures where the first came from, and probably Pelosi and the rest are starting to catch wind of it.

[Kolesar]

47. Schultz would benefit by having one less rival in the leadership of the Democratic Party...eom

[bahrbearian]

152. yes , I think she has ulterior motives

[Wind Dancer]

48. I strongly disagree!

[Sky Masterson]

52. I liked her up until this moment.

..

[JAnthony]

54. Sometimes progressives and liberals think that our shit doesn't

stink as much as Republican's shit does.

To the average American voter, who has a job to do and bills and taxes to pay, I can assure you...

it stinks just as much when things like this come out.

The Congressman has many many times stood on the floor of the House and cried out "Shame! Shame!" to his Republican colleagues for one issue of hypocrisy or another, (and always rightfully so).

Well, now, it's TRUE the Congressman never campaigned on a family values platform, the holier than thou attitude for him is quite apparent in his House floor speeches.

Time for him to stop this death by a thousand cuts to the Democratic Party.

My opinion only. His credibility is gone to the American public, and to many members of his own party in the House.

[24601]

87. Agree - to the average voters - the ones in the 40% middle - where

the real electoral battleground exists - Weiner is the Democratic Mark Foley. The longer he stays in office, the greater the damage is done to 2012 prospects.

[JAnthony]

118. NO, I don't personally think one can equate Mark F with Anthony W. but it's ..

not a noticable difference to those out there earning a living, supporting their family, wishing they could sell their house, afford a vacation, etc.

To them, Anthony and Mark look just alike. We have to consider the need to have a veto-proof congress in 2013, and another four years of more aggressive legislation to put our nation back into prosperity for almost every one, It's a hard hill to climb, and Anthony is dragging us down when we need to be climbing up.

[24601]

159. I don't equate DUers to the average voter. The average voter, who

I place in the middle of the political spectrum has a vote that is in play based on issues and personalities. At both ends are the dark blue and dark right voters who may stay home to protest but whose votes, if cast, are reliable.

To the dark blue, Weiner is no Foley. To the dark red, Foley is no Weiner.

A veto-proof Congress is needed to overcome a Presidential veto - not needed if you hold the WH. Are you presuming Obama loses?

If you hold the WH and want to lock out the other side, you need a Majority in the House and 60 votes to end debate in the Senate. That lets you do almost anything, except change Senate Rules which takes 67 when there are 100 Senators and all vote.

[rainlillie]

58. "56% percent of constituents in his home district want him to stay "

http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/160541/20110610/anthony-weiner-wife-pregnant-majority-voters-want-him-to-stay-hillary-clinton-huma-abedin-democrats.htm

[krabigirl]

62. So tired of corporate Democrats.

[jimlup]

68. This is a mistake...

My guess is that the thinking is they want to hold the numbers and avoid contamination to other potential voters because of this story. It is stupid though - Weiner has done nothing illegal and this is just politics.

Further proof that the democrats lack backbone. Wish it weren't so.

[StarsInHerHair]

156. I think Dems proved they lack the solidarity to EVER have a significant majority

from where I stand, that's how it looks

[tularetom]

76. I call on Wasserman Schultz to shut the fuck up

And her brother Ed as well.

I don't know why I expected any congressional Democrats to have a spine. I'm always disappointed.

Hopefully Weiner will ignore the nervous nellies in the party leadership and do what his constituents want - stay in office.

And as far as the morality of what he has done, you may not like it but morality is no longer an asset among US politicians. The republicans lowered that bar a long time ago and if you want to play by some antiquated concept of morality, you are consigning your party to minority status forever.

[Liberal Veteran]

79. Thank you.

Well, said.

[NC_Nurse]

96. I second that.

[rainlillie]

100. Yeah, I agree.

[VA_Jill]

83. Uh-uh

I'm pretty disappointed. I think Weiner should resign too.........right after David Vitter does. At least Weiner had his big boy underpants on. Mr. "Family Values" Vitter did what he did IN PERSON and WITH A PROSTITUTE. I mean, WTF?

[Lisa0825]

105. Hey! Welcome to DU!

:hi:

[Little Star]

84. Pelosi, Wasserman Schultz, Israel tell Weiner he should resign

This thread has been combined with another thread.

Click here to read this message in its new location.

[JAnthony]

88. On Twitter, a tweet from Olbermann reads as follows:

" Keith Olbermann
Shortly at Countdown Online: Special Comment on @RepWeiner If leadership wants you to resign, do so. Then run in the special election"

Not a bad suggestion, in my mind.

[bahrbearian]

89. Oh Ya...that would be great

[JAnthony]

95. I guess your comment was satire? You don't agree, but see no

reason to post your thoughts and rationale?

Or were you serious? I cannot tell.

[bahrbearian]

98. No, I said that would be Great, we need more Independents

Cause the dems aren't doing it , Clear!

[mazzarro]

103. Why should Wiener concede to the wimpy Democratic party leadership

When his constituents want him to stay? They are the once that put him in office. If Wiener wins the next election - whether special or 2012 election, I strongly urge him to become an independent and quit the "No-Balls" Democratic party - or is it "Democrat" party as Wassermann-Schultz and rethugs like to call it.

[rainlillie]

106. You may be on to somethng..

He has a lot of support from folks in New York, and he probably would win. I'm a registered as an Independent and would love to vote for him.

[JAnthony]

120. Why? Because we have to elect a veto-proof House and Senate for

2013, and Anthony is dragging us down from that goal.

[mazzarro]

163. Just like the senate majority

the Obama administration and dems did not even attempt to use and had to almost give back the senate for their lameness? I'll hardly ever believe that dems will use any majority margin on behalf of progressive causes - even if both houses of congress are 100% controlled by dems.

[kath]

112. Great idea - run as an independent, thumbing his nose at the chickenshit Dem leadership. Let his

constituents decide.

[leveymg]

93. It is with great disappointment that I call Rep. Wasserman Schultz DNC Chair.

Not much leadership shown here.

[NYC_SKP]

97. .

test.

[jefferson_dem]

114. ..icles...

To better reflect the subject matter of this, and many more OPs. :)

[NYC_SKP]

126. ha!

Good one!

We were using your thread as a test for a glitch caused when a game of "splash" in the mod hot tub got out of control and we wet the servers.

:P

[Chemisse]

101. . . .

another test

[kath]

109. DEMOCRATS IN CONGRESS ARE SUCH FUCKING COWARDS.

Yes, I'm screaming. I'm soooooo sick of this shit - neither Vitter, Craig, nor Sanford resigned. Ensign did so only after months and months, when the Senate Ethics Committee report came out. A sex scandal with no sex, and NO ILLEGAL ACTS. No prostitutes.

NO ONE respects cowards, you assholes.

[rainlillie]

119. I'm with you, Kath.

[MrMickeysMom]

148. Agree, so I say, "Piss off, Wasserman"

This kind of reaction is USELESS....

Are we sick enough of this stuff, or what?

[Canuckistanian]

123. Jeez, the last Chairman never said nothing about anything

Now the first words our of THIS Chairman's mouth is a call for a DEM resignation.

Tell me, what does the DNC actually DO these days?

[snot]

127. I can't help but wonder if they want him under the bus because he stood up to their owners.

[justiceischeap]

130. This could be nothing more than a ploy to play to middle of the road Dems

The Democratic leadership asks him to resign which allows the DINOs to save face with their constituents. Just because he was asked to resign doesn't mean he has to or will.

He has asked to take some time off to get "help." I think if he takes time off, it gives him time away from the noise machine and he can come back and be effective again.

[QC]

151. It's a pity that Weiner's not a nasty Miami Republican--then she would be singing his praises

and refusing to speak ill of him.

[flamingdem]

155. Wow I did not see you just posted this, bingo, she's in with Illeana Ros-Lehtinin, yuk nt

[flamingdem]

154. Wasserman takes money from the right wing Cubapac, so her ethics aren't such a big thing

considering the immoral Cuban embargo.

[Nossida]

157. Jeez

Debbie Wasserman Schultz,

Chair of the National Holier than Thou Vestal Virgin Committee.
We need no Ralph Reed wannabe's in the Democratic Party.

[Vidar]

162. I would much prefer that Schultz & Pelosi resign.

[Zorra]

164. And exactly why should Democrats care what a neo-liberal corporate toady

says?

She has about as much progressive cred with me as Joe Lieberman or Zell Miller does.

Less. Than. Zero.

[truebrit71]

165. I see the time-honoured circular-firing squad tradition is in fine form...

Dear ladies, why should be resign? Has he done anything illegal? I think his only crime is for mind-blowing arrogance, and bad-manners, but I don't think he should resign because of it...Oh and Debbie dear, if you don't want it to be a distraction I have a suggestion for you...STOP FUCKING TALKING ABOUT IT....:eyes:

All I saw this morning on AM telly were the presstitutes baying for his blood...where was this outrage when Senator Vitter admitted to consorting with whores (ones that offer sex, not the ones that give him money for his votes - wait, that makes HIM a whore...oh irony how do I love thee)?

[cottonseed]

169. Aren't Pelosi and Shultz more liberal than Anthony Weiner?

I realize the guy screams and all that, but weren't those 2 based on their voting records and actual legislation ranked more liberal then Weiner?