DU's friendly advice to Rep. Weiner, starting with me.

[mzmolly]

My two cents...

1. Seek professional help for the issues that led to such reckless behavior, immediately.
2. Stop all forms of social networking.
3. Get a bare bones phone that does not have a camera. And, lose the webcam too, if you have one.
4. Hire a PR team and schedule one last interview on 60 minutes, where you accept responsibility again and announce plans to seek help.
5. Vow to continue fighting for good causes and not to let this mishap rule the rest of your life.

Anyone else have a bit of friendly advice to share? :shrug:

My personal thoughts are with the Congressman and his family.

[KittyWampus]

1. MzMolly, I think seeking therapy is absolutely imperative. It's like rightwingers finding god

and seeking "his forgiveness". If you know what I'm getting at in political terms.

But in human terms, it also sounds like he started engaging in this idiot behavior and didn't know how to turn it off.



I agree with you.

[mzmolly]

4. LOL

Yes. "His forgiveness for not being strong enough to resist temptation" is imperative.

[cali]

2. I think that's pretty good advice.

[mzmolly]

7. Thanks

cali.

[calimary]

8. Yes it is. And I'd add - tape some PSAs, referring to what happened to him,

and maybe incorporate Reese Witherspoon's recent comments, and say with all authority - "hey guys, really. Don't do this. Just don't. I mean, look what's happened to me!"

I'd try to get that out, in wide circulation, as quickly as possible.

[KittyWampus]

12. Nice! Very nice touch.

:thumbsup:

[CTyankee]

26. If he could do one with Reese W. that would be great!

If she were willing to go to bat for him and do this, it would go over well with people who aren't rabid about this stuff, but willing to see repentance. It could be a modern way of rehabilitating his public image...not a bad thing at all...what a great idea!

[Voice for Peace]

51. what happened to Reese Witherspoon?

[calimary]

64. She spoke out, last night, at the MTV Movie Awards, against people doing nude videos

to become more famous. In her case, it's widely speculated, her criticism was aimed at something Blake Lively did. I thought immediately of Kim Kardashian and of course the most recent example, our own Anthony Weiner. Her message, basically, was "come on, people! This is stupid!"

http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b245691_So_True_So_False_Did_Reese_Witherspoon_Really_Slam_Blake_Lively_Over_Nude_Photo_Scandal.html

So she, in effect, has put the whole idea on the table in the pop-culture sense. Since it's now out there in the public forum, Weiner might throw his critics for a small loop and make a little bit of a dish of chicken salad out of this big pile of chicken droppings by publicly making his story a cautionary tale. Nothing like saying - "hey, take it from ME. You CAN trust me on this." It'd be a gigantic public mea culpa, and evidently people like Reese Witherspoon have seen just about enough. And she can't possibly be alone in those feelings.

[Voice for Peace]

66. aha, thank you. nt

[apocalypsehow]

3. Kick, Rec. n/t.

[leveymg]

5. Stop apologizing. None of it was ever any of our business.

Your privacy has been violated. Don't forget that. Every time the media wants to talk to you, use the opportunity to talk about Clarence Thomas' perjury. They'll stop bothering you.

[cali]

14. he lied. that made it public.

and although I'd like to see him remain in Congress, I don't think the odds of that are so good. Evidently there are hundreds of messages, some blatantly sexual; dozens of photos. And there are some half dozen women who were recipients. If any of those messages were sent to someone underage, he's in real hot water, and let's face it; people lie about their age all the time on the internet.

[mzmolly]

18. Doesn't it seem odd that women would come forward

too? WTH? Apparently, there is no honor among sex addicts. ;)

[bbinacan]

23. Privacy violated?

Are you fucking kidding me? He did it to himself and lied about it. That's the problem I have.

[tinymontgomery]

34. This is the best advice I've seen

This is the best advice I've seen on the board.

[Freddie Stubbs]

65. His Twitter stream was no set to private. He posted it

How in the world was his privacy violated?

[seabeyond]

6. kr.... nt

[Curmudgeoness]

9. Your advice is sound, and better than mine.

Mine----get over yourself. You think that a college student would be excited by those pictures? Shit, I am a 57 year old woman who is not impressed. And I am so pissed right now. Every time I really really like a politician, he turns out to be some sleazy disgusting sex maniac. What is it with you!?!?! What were you thinking?

So yes, your advice may actually be good.

[K8-EEE]

10. God nooooo! Not the "I'm in therapy" thing like Pat O'Brien

The rest of the advice, really do you think it's needed? He's BUSTED now and can't get away with it any more....

[mzmolly]

15. He's obviously harmed himself by his actions. He was in pain today.

So yes, I really think he needs help. And yes, I'd like him to continue fighting for good causes, as long as he didn't break any laws.

[K8-EEE]

20. Yes to the therapy, NOOO to the teevee Jimmy Swaggarting of

being in therapy. Seriously I would vomit up my skin and bones if he did the big one hour My Therapy thing on TV. He just needs to STFU about it forever at this point.

[mzmolly]

27. That may better advice.

In hindsight, I like your idea of having staff announce his trip to rehab, and perhaps not speaking about it again until he's been treated.

[KittyWampus]

29. I don't know. The "seeking therapy" thing is like the secular "found jesus" thing.

And he sure didn't seem to know how to turn it off.

It doesn't have to be a whole hour! Just a statement.

And vomiting up your skin and bones sounds really awful. :scared:

[DianaForRussFeingold]

11. Good advice, sounds like what Sen. Ted Kennedy did!!!

:kick:

[ladjf]

13. He is undoubtedly suffering from sexual addiction. No one could be

dumb enough to behave like that otherwise. (The same could have been said about Pres. Clinton.)

[mzmolly]

16. I

agree.

[ladjf]

31. Everyone has addictions of one sort or the other. Most are harmless.

His position in the National limelight upped his risks a thousand fold over an ordinary, almost anonymous citizen. However, even then, it's a risky way to experiment with your fantasies.

[JI7]

17. depending on his wife, if this is all it is he can go on Letterman or Jon Stewart his friend

and make fun of himself for it.

but this is assuming there is nothing more and of course how his wife would feel about it.

[KittyWampus]

19. Another great suggestion.

[mzmolly]

24. Yes, whatever he does, his wife

would need to support.

[RandomThoughts]

21. What are you a sissy life coach. Grow a pair

Get on the news, get in there face and explain to Americans why they are fixated with gossiping about sexual smears, and why it is there flaw of character, and them expressing suppressed urges by talking about other people.

Then explain how there is nothing to apologize for, accept how some are put in hardship by others that go after people trying to help people.

Bartbriet owes the nation a big apology, as do those that use smear for gain against a societies interests.


Get help? Are you nuts, help for what?

The people that need help are those smearing and believing smears are relevant. And if more people explained that, like O'Donnell actually did, this mess the nation is in would get fixed fast.


Explain it to them, why they are wrong.

Then every time some journalist spins it into something else, call them out on it.


Based on what the 'story' is now, he doesn't need counciling or help, he might need a bit more restraint, but really his issue is not the issue, Bartbreit and his group is the problem, and those that smear playing on peoples weakness of liking titillating gossip.

[mzmolly]

25. No.

I'm not a life coach. And I don't think I'll "grow a pair" anytime soon. But your advice to go Gingrich is noted, thanks.

I'm guessing that Larry O'Donnell will have an interesting show tonight. I always enjoy hearing what he has to day.

[Dragonfli]

43. Your thoughts are correct on the matter.

Like most pagans I don't crap my pants at the thought of humans possessing sexuality, it is the Christians that largely equate sex with feces and feces will pure evil.

Humans are no less animalistic and sexual than are the other animals, only humans equate having sex with some sort of unforgivable evil.

I am surprised more of my fellow human mammals don't just cut off the offending parts of their bodies that are used for sex, they behave as if they think those parts were cancerous they way they fret over them so.

[liberalmuse]

22. Sad.

I stopped myself from defending him because the fact that he didn't outright deny the allegations, in spite of everything I'd read here and on DKos said there was more to the story. We can't afford to lose a Dem because he can't keep his dick to himself. Dear god, WTF is wrong with too many men? Dammit! Guess what, guys? Unless a woman outright asks, she does not want to see your junk. And if you're a politician, or 'public servant' please conduct yourself in a manner those who voted for you can be proud of. The past couple of months have been really weird - it's like everyone and everything is in the process of being exposed for who/what they truly are (including myself). It's not fun at all. :(

[sabrina 1]

28. Nice post mzmolly

I think you covered it pretty much ~

[mzmolly]

30. Dare I say, I feel for Mr. Weiner?

I'm disappointed in his actions, but I have compassion as well.

:hi:

[sabrina 1]

36. No, you can say it. I felt for him today also.

Especially when he broke down and nearly cried, each time he mentioned his wife, I wanted to give him a hug to be honest.

Regardless of his behavior, he was not sitting around plotting how to destroy other people's lives. But Breitbart was and he succeeded. And that is one of the worst things about this. That a truely nasty individual who has contributed little to this society, will be given credibility he doesn't deserve.

We don't have to be so mean, even to Republicans. You get tired of the nastiness on all sides!

:cry:

[xchrom]

32. Unrec

[mzmolly]

33. Is there a reason

for the unrec, and the announcement? :eyes:

[xchrom]

47. You don't speak for DU. Nt

[mzmolly]

57. I never said I did.

"Anyone else have a bit of friendly advice to share?" <<<<< Did you miss that? There are several posts of DU-ers adding their thoughts to this thread. They understood my intentions.

[Bladian]

70. Read the OP please

He was giving his suggestions, and opening it up for more. Now you just look silly.

[hlthe2b]

35. Avoid even so-called "friendly" websites like DU....

since the wrecking ball is clearly out with others revving up their buses to toss him under...

No party's supporters are more quick to write off their own, it seems, than so-called Liberal/Progressive Dems. :eyes:

[Obamanaut]

37. self delete

[mzmolly]

39. I solicited advice from other DUers thus my post.

I obviously don't speak for all of DU.

[Obamanaut]

41. I deleted my question, but your subject line suggests you do speak for DU. nt

[mzmolly]

42. I highly doubt most people took it that way

when they bothered to read my post. But I added clarification above, for those who don't care to read before commenting.

[Obamanaut]

44. And now you speak for 'most people'? nt

[mzmolly]

46. Are you suggesting that "most people" comment without reading

the post in question, first?

Who were you speaking for here:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=439&topic_id=1242868&mesg_id=1243240

Let's get something straight. You're the only person who appeared confused about my post. So, the evidence would hold that yes, most people were clear on what I communicated. Had you read my entire post, you'd see that I clearly asked for input from other DU'ers. The fact that you did not read my post, and misunderstood because of that, is your problem, not mine. Most people who commented, read the post and thus understood that I was attempting to gather ideas. You, are in the minority.

[anneboleyn]

60. Don't worry. I didn't take it that way. Some people are too touchy.

I understood that your post was made in a spirit of bonhomie. You invited a conversation concerning the major news story of the day. After all, nobody speaks "for" DU as though it is some cohesive entity; you clearly meant that fellow DUers were invited to post their own thoughts about what the congressman should do next. I think some folks are quick to criticize and are too touchy.

[mzmolly]

62. Thank you

anneboleyn. :hi:

[mzmolly]

38. Some advice from the pros on Huffpo.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/06/anthony-weiner-survival-chances-slim-insiders-experts_n_872188.html

And the embarrassing scandal inevitably raised the question of whether the career of a politician -- even one as skilled as many thought Weiner was -- could survive it. A quick poll of New York politicos and D.C. pundits found few saying he could. But they also noted a geopolitical factor that worked to his advantage: This is New York -- stranger things have happened.

"He needs to have a multi-year commitment to a comeback strategy," said Chris Lehane, a Democratic operative and oft-described crisis communications expert with experience in the Clinton White House. "I'd tell him that you have to realize it will take you multiple years to get back to the position you were in just a week ago."


"He ought to have a goal about not thinking about a political renewal but a personal renewal. If he does anything that looks like he is trying to rehabilitate himself, that would be a terrible mistake," said Lanny Davis, the crisis management guru who was brought into the Clinton orbit to handle the ex-president's own lewd conduct. "The last thing he should be talking about is political rehabilitation. That is a terrible mistake. This is not about his political career."

" has a lot of time between now" and his reelection campaign, Frost said. "New York has one of the latest primaries in the country, which gives him some time to repair his image. I don't know what the ethics committee can or will look into. But his problem, in the end, is with the voters in New York."

"He's not good at taking advice," one person close to the congressman admitted.

But taking advice will be crucial.

"At this point he now needs to close the door, be quiet and stop talking about this. There is nothing else to add at this point," said Lehane.

[cbdo2007]

40. More advice:

- Always use a fake name when corresponding with potential hook-ups online.

- Use a fake email address with something generic in it such as "[e-mail]"

- Never send pics with identifiable backgrounds/faces/body areas

- Meet once in public to make sure neither of you are psycho, like a parking lot or something

- After the initial meeting, all subsequent meetings should be held in private, preferrably at her place so she can't look through your stuff to get your real name/info.

- Only communicate via email from your generic account - no texts, no calls. the last thing you want is her being able to harrass you and contact your wife after it all goes sour.

- Be sure to erase all personal data from any images you send. The best way to do this is by taking a screenshot of the pic and then saving that to your computer. that will remove the Exif data and stuff from it.

Hmmmmm, what else?

[nc4bo]

45. Just. Stop.

Keep your junk/fetishes/idiosyncrasies off the freaking pubic domain (includes Polaroid film sent to the photolab to be developed), it'd solve half your problems right there.

Pfft - grown ass man should know better....

[xchrom]

48. Pubic domain? Nt

[nc4bo]

50. Whoospie - Freudian slip I guess :) nt

[ithinkmyliverhurts]

49. No matter what . . .

never apologize for God has given you. It is magnificent.

[mzmolly]

56. Oh my goodness.

:blush:

[babylonsister]

52. Thank you, mzmolly, great advice. I don't want to lose him. nt

[mzmolly]

55. Neither do I babylonsister.

He's a much needed voice.

[blue neen]

53. Dear mzmolly,

1) I have enjoyed your posts since joining DU in 2004.
2) Your original post did not read like you were speaking for all of DU!
3) You are being the voice of reason in a storm.
4) Rep. Weiner does indeed need professional help to find out why he is engaging in self-destructive
behavior. There are reasons for it, which even he doesn't understand right now. When he is
healthy, he can do the best job for this country.
5) The health and welfare of Rep. Weiner, his family, loved ones, and all others involved is more
important than anything else right now. Family and friends first, always.
6) Andrew Breitbart is a sanctimonious asshole who will someday have his Lee Atwater moment. In the
meantime, here's hoping other elected representatives have learned something from Rep. Weiner's
experiences.

:)

[mzmolly]

54. Thank you blue neen.

:hi: I enjoy your posts as well. I love this part of your statement, most of all.

6) Andrew Breitbart is a sanctimonious asshole who will someday have his Lee Atwater moment. In the
meantime, here's hoping other elected representatives have learned something from Rep. Weiner's experiences.

Crossing fingers on both counts.

[lonestarnot]

58. No appology necessary to me, his weenie and his wifie.

[LadyHawkAZ]

59. Stop the apologies right now this minute, one is plenty.

Get on with everything you were doing politically before the scandal hit, only do it louder, and do it every time someone brings up the penis pics. The media is all over you right now, USE IT as a force for good.

Sex addiction is not a real disorder. Tell the first person to ask you about your "sex addiction" to go fuck themselves. Tell it to the second one too. Then get back to the issues and get on with your life.

Good luck.

[ecstatic]

61. Don't trust anyone online, especially someone who contacts you first. It could be ANYBODY

including his own wife fishing to see if he'll take the bait. In my younger days (before all the new laws came about), I did that all the time!

[Horse with no Name]

63. Very good damage control advice

but since this is directed to the idiocy of the republicans more than us...I suggest he repents and beg them for forgiveness and let them know he found jeebus (seriously? They want to take all of his privacy--whether it is dick-twitters or interfering with his relationship with God).

Anyways...nice list. K&R

[Ramulux]

67. Step 6 - Announce you will not be running for re-election

[girl_interrupted]

68. Excellent advice mzmolly...just one more thing..

I really hope he doesn't resign. It really ticks me off when I see other republicans, like Craig, Ensign, Sanford and especially David Vitter...keep right on going...after preaching their holier than thou "family values" to others. Not only was Vitter not asked to resign, he was met with applause by fellow repubs when he returned to congress. Now the same republicans want Weiner to resign. Well, I hope he doesn't give them the satisfaction. He's apologized, I don't believe he has broken any laws, and he should use this to turn his life around, and come out stronger.

[mzmolly]

72. I agree based upon what we know now.

:hi:

[krabigirl]

69. Meh...I don't even care. Nt

[JDPriestly]

71. Don't lose your sense of humor. That's Weiner's strength.

And I think that this picture is not so important.

It occurred to me after responding to a lot of posts about it that the picture does not reveal any more than a pair of tights on the beach in the summer. It is not really all that lewd. It is more humorous than anything else. There is nothing erotic about the picture in my view.

It was stupid. But let's don't exaggerate.

[Dreamer Tatum]

73. Post of the Year. K&R nt

[Donnachaidh]

74. Buy a 25 dollar Tracphone

Toss the Blackberry.

[GeorgeGist]

75. castration?

[firehorse]

76. I hope he dances with the naked cowboy in Times Square and runs for Mayor

Step 1: admit he is powerless over a nation of judgemental prudes.