Gov. Spitzer

[msnicolea]

Wow.

Gov. Eliot Spitzer has informed his most senior administration officials that he had been involved in aprostitution ring, an administration official said thismorning. Read More:http://www.nytimes.com/?emc=na

[ysolde]

Holy shit!

[ignutzz]

What the ****???

[kedzieb]

Dang! And he rose on his hardcore prosecuting of vice and organized crime.

[msnicolea]

yup--now THIS is irony!

At least he endorsed Clinton ;->

[ignutzz]

yup--now THIS is irony!

At least he endorsed Clinton ;->

he doth protest too much.....

[ThreeYell]

Is it just my internet connection or is this story crashing the NYT website?

[ignutzz]

happened to me too but it's back up.

[laura]

It's not crashing the site for me, but it's slow.

[PinkMartini]

Wow... Over $5,000/hour :eek:

[Delta]

Crazy. The NYT article was timing out on me too. I feel terrible for his wife, who seems to be pretty awesome.

[ysolde]

Wow... Over $5,000/hour :eek:

Nothing less for the Grand Inquisitor. :rolleyes:

[Delta]

I just read elsewhere that we can expect the stock market to jump this afternoon. ;)

[allyray231]

I am so sad-really. I had such high hopes for him as Governer. Just happy my husband got a city job and not a state one

[ignutzz]

So, depending on details of the case, would you expect a resignation (I really wish they'd do the press conference already).

[allyray231]

So, depending on details of the case, would you expect a resignation (I really wish they'd do the press conference already).


My thought is yes. this is not the first scandle he has had as governer and since he was attorney general before this-it isn't going to come off well.

[PinkMartini]

Just said he's resigned.

[kendriln]

Nothing less for the Grand Inquisitor. :rolleyes:

LOL:D

[Delta]

Alan Dershowitz is on MSNBC totally trying to downplay this saying it's one instance of sex and not anything more like bribery or corruption or whatever. At one point I thought Alan was crying, but I'm not sure.

One one hand I see his point but on the other, this is former AG Eliot Spitzer for crying out loud.

Sad.

[ignutzz]

It would be one thing to live down the fact that he had paid for services, but the article is implying that he was actively involved in RUNNING the ring. That is something else entirely (neither one of which he should be doing of course).

ETA: Nevermind the above. I hadn't refreshed the articles recently and now see that the story has changed.

[cynder]

It never ceases to amaze me how really smart people think they get away with something like this. He busted prostitution rings like this in the past so how hard is it to stay out of one?!?!?

[allyray231]

Statement from him

I have acted in a way that violated the obligations to my family and that violates my — or any — sense of right and wrong. I apologize first, and most importantly, to my family. I apologize to the public whom I promised better. I do not believe politics in the long run is about individuals. It is about ideas, the public good and doing what is best for the State of New York. I am disappointed that I failed to live up to the standard that I expect of myself. I must now dedicate some time to regain the trust of my family. I will not be taking questions. Thank you very much. I will report back to you in short order. Thank you very much

[ysolde]

Alan Dershowitz is on MSNBC totally trying to downplay this saying it's one instance of sex and not anything more like bribery or corruption or whatever. At one point I thought Alan was crying, but I'm not sure.

One one hand I see his point but on the other, this is former AG Eliot Spitzer for crying out loud.

Sad.

Yup. Shaking my head.

[kendriln]

The hypocrisy of it all is what gets me... but then again as an attorney I've been on the opposite end of too many Spitzer investigations to look at this objectively ;)

From what I've read and heard he hasn't resigned as of yet. I wonder what the fallout is going to be and what HRC's response (if any) will be....

[KGif]

A bit off topic - but I really need to see what a $5,000 a night kind of woman looks like. I mean $5,000? For ONE night? Is she like some highly trained sexpert with an MD in fellatio or something?
Seriously people are crazy.

[ysolde]

A bit off topic - but I really need to see what a $5,000 a night kind of woman looks like. I mean $5,000? For ONE night? Is she like some highly trained sexpert with an MD in fellatio or something?
Seriously people are crazy.

No, no, no, honey, you misread. It's $5,500 an hour. :rolleyes:

[ThreeYell]

I shook my head when Sen. Vitter got busted for hiring prostitutes and I'm shaking my head again now. A powerful, non-hideous looking man can find plenty of nubile young things to sleep with him for FREE. Yeah, he'd still be an ass for sleeping with them, but at least it wouldn't be illegal.

[ysolde]

I shook my head when Sen. Vitter got busted for hiring prostitutes and I'm shaking my head again now. A powerful, non-hideous looking man can find plenty of nubile young things to sleep with him for FREE. Yeah, he'd still be an ass for sleeping with them, but at least it wouldn't be illegal.


I have a feelig there is some sort of secret thrill in having sex with really high-end prostitutes. Not sure why, though. :confused:

[Delta]

With a prostitute you don't have to deal with the complicated emotional BS.

I think on some level guys like this assume that because they do so much "good" (or rather what they perceive as good) the then rules don't really apply to them. I think it's a subconscious thing. Either that or he's simply self-destructive, what with the texts and all.

[Lucy Van Pelt]

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[LittleFredPunkinHead]

Gift certificates. Heh!

[kendriln]

I have a feelig there is some sort of secret thrill in having sex with really high-end prostitutes. Not sure why, though. :confused:

ITA. According to the complaint Spitzer was into "things that, like, you might not think were safe..."

Gift certificates. Heh!
The complaint also makes reference to Spitzer haggling over whether he could use a $400 credit he had towards a transaction.:rolleyes:

[kris97]

...

[allyray231]

Well as you can imagine things in the capital today are INSANE. They say he should resign by tomorrow

[msnicolea]

He has to resign.

I feel so badly for his children and wife--the choices he made were bad enough, the public nature of it and the absolute hypocrisy--too much to take.

[KB57]

I think he has no choice but to resign.

I hear what you are saying kris97 about being disappointed. I had alot of faith in him as a governor too and now thats all out the window....*sigh*

I know no one is perfect, but seriously how could he get himself involved with something like this? It's really unbelievable...and I feel bad mostly for his wife and three girls. What a shame.

[diam124]

I feel so bad for his wife - you could tell she was just totally humiliated and pissed.

And this is not to criticize Mrs. Spitzer, because we obviously have no idea what's going on behind the scenes, but just once I wish the spouse of a disgraced politician would not stand behind their husband in support. IMO they don't deserve the support.

[wine_o_girlie]

Jesus, I am shocked. Truly. I feel horrible for his wife and kids. You can believe my husband would have been up at that podium by his damn self though. I always hate the "wife standing behind the shamed husband looking sad" shot.

Did anyone catch Dr. Laura on the Today show this morning talking about it? She wasted *no time* in blaming his wife for "not meeting his needs". Ugh. :mad: That woman makes me want to vomit.

Also, on a totally selfish note, what a sad day for the Democratic party - Spitzer was definitely a rising star.

[msnicolea]

"Dr." Laura is such a piece of filth.

[allyray231]

I am uber pissed at the Today show for having her on

And I feel so bad for his wife but I always wonder if they know ya know?

[cynder]

We were talking about this last night but what is it with the spouses who stand up beside their cheating spouse as they make their public apologies. You saw it with Vitter, McGreevey, now Spitzer. I told DH that if we were ever in that hypothetical situation, his ass would be alone on that podium. I know political spouses are a different breed and there are children in this situation to consider. But man, it has got to suck to have to literally "stand by your man" at that moment.

[Niobe]

. Did anyone catch Dr. Laura on the Today show this morning talking about it? She wasted *no time* in blaming his wife for "not meeting his needs". Ugh. :mad: That woman makes me want to vomit.

Okay, leaving your wife because your needs aren't being met (hopefully "needs" being emotional, not physical)? Sure, I could understand that. Hiring a high-price hooker because your needs aren't being met? Yeah, not so much.

I notice the Republicans are calling for his impeachment if he doesn't resign. Can we try that with Sen. Craig? :rolleyes:

[fuzzy]

McGreevey's former wife was also on the Today show and they asked her about standing by him. She noted that she was standing by him as a mother -- standing by her childrens' father. She kept repeating that. I don't know what I'd do in that situation, but I can appreciate her perspective.

[ysolde]

I am uber pissed at the Today show for having her on

And I feel so bad for his wife but I always wonder if they know ya know?


I don't think his wife had a clue.

And I think wives (and husbands) of politicians are a different breed altogether. In a crisis of any nature, they go into "fix it" mode. They deal with their emotions later, in private. Whatever is going on in that home, in private, must not be pretty.

[diam124]

McGreevey's former wife was also on the Today show and they asked her about standing by him. She noted that she was standing by him as a mother -- standing by her childrens' father. She kept repeating that. I don't know what I'd do in that situation, but I can appreciate her perspective.

I guess I can see both sides as well, but the more I think about it, the more I think about the example they are setting for all women and girls. It's such a difficult (and I'm sure very complicated) situation to be in. But the fact is, what he did is NOT ok and I wish one spouse would take a step back and not play the role of "supportive spouse" in public.

[am_81]

The hypocrisy of it all is what gets me... but then again as an attorney I've been on the opposite end of too many Spitzer investigations to look at this objectively ;)

Not an attorney, but as someone who used to work for a company he targeted, whose DH still works there and saw a lot of our friends suffer because of his actions . . . . . I'll admit to doing a little happy dance yesterday when the news broke.

Bringing "ethics back to Wall Street/politics," indeed. :D

[Delta]

Okay, leaving your wife because your needs aren't being met (hopefully "needs" being emotional, not physical)? Sure, I could understand that. Hiring a high-price hooker because your needs aren't being met? Yeah, not so much.

I notice the Republicans are calling for his impeachment if he doesn't resign. Can we try that with Sen. Craig? :rolleyes:
Well, apparently Silda was not into the kinky stuff that the other (paid) girls would do. (See pages 26-31 in the indictment.) How dare she not meet his needs. :rolleyes:

I don't think his wife had a clue.

And I think wives (and husbands) of politicians are a different breed altogether. In a crisis of any nature, they go into "fix it" mode. They deal with their emotions later, in private. Whatever is going on in that home, in private, must not be pretty.I agree. And apparently this had been going on for more than a year. Even if she knew and didn't care emotionally (possible but not likely) I'm sure she would have at least understood what this could have done (and is doing) to his career should he be found out.

It's just so unbelieveably DUMB and reckless. He was participating in ajd supporting the exact things he prosecuted and condemned as AG.

Her friends are saying "take the kids and run" - http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,336691,00.html

[ysolde]

Again, all I can say is, Holy shit.

[KGif]

No, no, no, honey, you misread. It's $5,500 an hour. :rolleyes:

Oh MY God. Yes I did misread. Wow. That actually makes me sad. To think what someone in need could do with that amount of $$ that these people are throwing away in an hour. Heck to think what *I* could do with that money!

[imagirliegirl]

Oh MY God. Yes I did misread. Wow. That actually makes me sad. To think what someone in need could do with that amount of $$ that these people are throwing away in an hour. Heck to think what *I* could do with that money!

To think what those prostitutes could do with that money! You know they ain't seein' anywhere near any 5 grand!

Anyway, I'm sort of annoyed by his wife. Political wife or not, she should not be standing next to him if she thinks he is any sort of scum. He has completely humiliated her and then blamed her for it. Gross. She needs to set an example for women who've been crapped on and take her butt somewhere else.

[ysolde]

To think what those prostitutes could do with that money! You know they ain't seein' anywhere near any 5 grand!

Anyway, I'm sort of annoyed by his wife. Political wife or not, she should not be standing next to him if she thinks he is any sort of scum. He has completely humiliated her and then blamed her for it. Gross. She needs to set an example for women who've been crapped on and take her butt somewhere else.


She sould stay, with her girls, in the 5th Avenue apartment his father is paying for.

[BusyBee21]

The only person who would be anywhere close to my husband if he got caught with a prostitute would be his divorce attorney, or a mortician. :eek:

[imagirliegirl]

She sould stay, with her girls, in the 5th Avenue apartment his father is paying for.

I'd sleep in my car before I stood by that asshat's side. But your idea isn't bad. ;)

[ysolde]

I'd sleep in my car before I stood by that asshat's side. But your idea isn't bad. ;)

Just kick him to the curb, and stay in the pretty apartment. Because this is one case where FIL will be on her side.

[phoenics]

To think what those prostitutes could do with that money! You know they ain't seein' anywhere near any 5 grand!

Anyway, I'm sort of annoyed by his wife. Political wife or not, she should not be standing next to him if she thinks he is any sort of scum. He has completely humiliated her and then blamed her for it. Gross. She needs to set an example for women who've been crapped on and take her butt somewhere else.

She's probably in shock.

When something like this happens, it's really traumatic... not sure it's fair to gang up on her yet when she's basically still a deer caught in the headlights. Spitzer did this - not her - she's just trying to deal with it without permanently scarring her kids. When my ex left me for another woman, I both thought he was scum AND I still wanted our relationship back. It's a weird dichotomous state you end up in during the initial stages of grief.

[diam124]

I do feel very badly for her and for those poor girls. They're certainly old enough to understand what's going on. I can't even imagine having to go to school with everyone knowing that about my father.

[BusyBee21]

Like diam, I think the girls will be the ones to suffer the most--girls that age (okay, ANY age, really) can be so mean! :(

I just can't believe he was such an asshat to get caught at something he made his living prosecuting! Talk about arrogance at it's absolute worst.

[jnettie]

Ugh. Sptizer was already pissing me off as Gov. This was just the icing on the cake. I can't wait until he's gone.

I am so sad-really. I had such high hopes for him as Governer. Just happy my husband got a city job and not a state one
Oh, crap...I'm paid by the state!

I don't think his wife had a clue.

And I think wives (and husbands) of politicians are a different breed altogether. In a crisis of any nature, they go into "fix it" mode. They deal with their emotions later, in private. Whatever is going on in that home, in private, must not be pretty.
I feel really really bad for her. Yeah, she was behind him in the press conference, but with the look on her face I wouldn't call that "supporting" him! I agree, I don't think she had a clue, but if she did, what could she do that wouldn't bring unwanted attention? The wife of the governor suddenly moving out and filing for divorce? That would just send the media flying. Right now, she's probably trying to minimize media attention. As soon as it calms down, I bet they divorce.

[cosmic]

The big thing to me is-- $80,000 on hookers????
Where in the world did that money come from?

[hub1176]

The big thing to me is-- $80,000 on hookers????
Where in the world did that money come from

I've read that it was his personal accounts - and that's what tipped off the IRS. I really have no idea how this works, but why would someone moving their own money around gain the interest of the IRS? Shouldn't you be able to move your own money as you see fit?
I feel so bad for his daughters as well, I can't believe no one would tease them about this...:(

[bea_mama]

why would someone moving their own money around gain the interest of the IRS?

They did a report on NPR yesterday that explained this. Apparently, all bank transactions are screened through software that looks for suspicious activity (money laundering, terrorism, etc). Things that are suspicious are flagged and, if determined to be of interest by the bank, are forwarded to the IRS for further investigation.

Politicians and their families are basically scrutinized more carefully b/c of their positions. So, Spitzer's bank transactions had a flag to begin with b/c of who he is, and then he did some weird looking moving around of money. The flagged transactions got forwarded to the IRS who investigated and then they found the prostitution ring.

The reporter on NPR commented that Spitzer of all people, with his background and knowledge of criminal activity, should have known better.

What an idiot.

[Niobe]

I seem to remember (possibly from the Sopranos, so correct me if I'm wrong) that banks have to report transactions of over 10K to the feds.

[cynder]

They did a report on NPR yesterday that explained this. Apparently, all bank transactions are screened through software that looks for suspicious activity (money laundering, terrorism, etc). Things that are suspicious are flagged and, if determined to be of interest by the bank, are forwarded to the IRS for further investigation.

Politicians and their families are basically scrutinized more carefully b/c of their positions. So, Spitzer's bank transactions had a flag to begin with b/c of who he is, and then he did some weird looking moving around of money. The flagged transactions got forwarded to the IRS who investigated and then they found the prostitution ring.

The reporter on NPR commented that Spitzer of all people, with his background and knowledge of criminal activity, should have known better.

What an idiot.

The NPR report on this was fascinating and they did a rehash of it this morning (I missed some of it because DH hit snooze in his sleep) but with a person from one of the software companies. Banks actually scrutinize every amount include the soda you bought with your debit card. General thought was that $10,000 was the amount that flagged things but since 9/11 and terrorist financing, banks have fine tweaked so that micropayments or small amounts moved in a pattern (like Spitzer) get flagged. The fact that he is a politician actually gets another flag in the system.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=88132229
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=88116176

[cr8zyforaf]

I seem to remember (possibly from the Sopranos, so correct me if I'm wrong) that banks have to report transactions of over 10K to the feds.

I worked at a bank for years..if someone brought 10,000 + in CASH and made a deposit, a form had to be filled out and we had to report the deposit to the feds. This only happened with cash.

[lilo]

I feel really bad for his wife and daughters too. Ugh. This is a good article about his wife standing by him at the conference:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080311/ap_on_re_us/spitzer_political_spouses

Having never been in that position in terms of being a politician's wife or a wife whose husband cheated, I hestitant to judge her so quickly. Although my initial thought, like everyone else here, is, "No way would I stand by that jerk!!!!". But then again, when children are involved and you've been married for so long (I think they've been married for 21 years), I guess it's much more complicated. I don't know. It's so hard to say what you would do until you're actually in that person's shoes.

I just keep wondering though, did she know? How could she not have known??? The most current articles are now saying that he spent upwards of $80K with the call-girl service over a period of time so it makes me think that obviously this was going on for a few years. In terms of where the money came from, I read recently that Spitzer comes from a very wealthy family who made their fortune in real estate so I'm sure he has a ton of different accounts, some of which his wife probably isn't involved with.

My DH keeps joking that the now infamous hotel room at the Mayflower will be booked for years to come because of this!!! :D

Didn't he break up a prostitution ring a few years ago??? What an idiot. I just keep thinking, "you ruined your life, your family's life over sex????" He could be a psychological experiment.

[allyray231]

We all just sat in the conference and watched. So very sad

[Delta]

What is it about the Mayflower anyway? That where all these things go down.

[allyray231]

My coworker was IN the Mayflower that day and saw Spitzer. Isn't that crazy!

[hub1176]

So he's done.....

[cari2]

I just keep wondering though, did she know? How could she not have known??? The most current articles are now saying that he spent upwards of $80K with the call-girl service over a period of time so it makes me think that obviously this was going on for a few years. In terms of where the money came from, I read recently that Spitzer comes from a very wealthy family who made their fortune in real estate so I'm sure he has a ton of different accounts, some of which his wife probably isn't involved with. I'm told by a very good source that she did not know. He is estimated to be worth about 500 million dollars, and made around 1.8 million last year in rental income alone. I don't think $80,000 would be that hard to hide.

[phoenics]

I've read that it was his personal accounts - and that's what tipped off the IRS. I really have no idea how this works, but why would someone moving their own money around gain the interest of the IRS? Shouldn't you be able to move your own money as you see fit?
I feel so bad for his daughters as well, I can't believe no one would tease them about this...:(

I would be so pissed if I were one of his daughters. You spent all that money on hookers when it could have been passed to me?!?! And the thought of my dad having an affair of any kind rips my heart out. I can't imagine what his daughters must be going through. That's just awful. I wish people would think about their kids before they do something so heinous - since apparently the thought of their spouse isn't enough to stop them.

[phoenics]

I seem to remember (possibly from the Sopranos, so correct me if I'm wrong) that banks have to report transactions of over 10K to the feds.

Yes, that's correct. They also do analysis to catch an increase in transactions of just under $10K and other things like round dollar amounts, etc.. But it's suspicious moves and patterns of movement from one kind of account to another that really draw attention. Especially if it's a new account, or an account that isn't used much.

[lilo]

I'm told by a very good source that she did not know. He is estimated to be worth about 500 million dollars, and made around 1.8 million last year in rental income alone. I don't think $80,000 would be that hard to hide.

true, true. Wow, I had no idea he was worth that much. What an idiot. I wonder how much his wife will ask for of his family fortune. I also recently read that he's been doing this sort of thing for 10 years. What a slime ball.

[Kate&Joey]

I've read that it was his personal accounts - and that's what tipped off the IRS. I really have no idea how this works, but why would someone moving their own money around gain the interest of the IRS?

From what I understand, the governor's bank sent a suspicious activity report to the IRS Criminal Investigation Division about a money transfer. Spitzer had attempted to detach his name from the transfer (whatever that means...). The Criminal Investigation Division has jurisdiction over violations of the tax code, money laundering and bank secrecy laws. CI transferred the investigation to a joint FBI/Justice Department initiative, which exposed the whole Mayflower Hotel/Emperors Club connection.

Basically, the IRS is concerned with unreported income so "suspicious" transfers of money will trigger its interest. So Joe Schmo transferring a few thousand bucks from a savings account to a money market account is not big deal...trying to manipulate the details of a transfer is a red flag. It sounds like Spitzer had been doing money transfers, made a stupid mistake, tried to fix it...busted. :cool:

[kari]

Apparently he did not want to use condoms.

[cari2]

true, true. Wow, I had no idea he was worth that much. What an idiot. I wonder how much his wife will ask for of his family fortune. I think his dad is a billionaire, having made his money in real estate. I hope she gets every single penny that she requests. They are both harvard educated attorneys...think there is a pre-nup?

[cari2]

Apparently he did not want to use condoms.

Gross. Some way to show love for your wife, huh?

[phoenics]

Apparently he did not want to use condoms.

Oh my gosh.

I really think that had I been married to him, I would have knocked his philandering ass on the ground, put my stiletto in his neck, grabbed a knife, called a lawyer friend and asked if I slit him from ass to appetite, could I plead temporary insanity.

[imagirliegirl]

She's probably in shock.

When something like this happens, it's really traumatic... not sure it's fair to gang up on her yet when she's basically still a deer caught in the headlights. Spitzer did this - not her - she's just trying to deal with it without permanently scarring her kids.

I'm not disagreeing, but I just think that perhaps she could be stunned etc...in private. It's really hard to find respect for her when she's standing by this dickhead's side (literally) while he's trying to save his own face, you know? Especially when he's totally blaming her for not keeping him satisfied.

[diam124]

I'm confused - when did he blame her for what he did? I know Dr. Laura said the wife was to blame, but when did Spitzer himself say it?

[phoenics]

I'm not disagreeing, but I just think that perhaps she could be stunned etc...in private. It's really hard to find respect for her when she's standing by this dickhead's side (literally) while he's trying to save his own face, you know? Especially when he's totally blaming her for not keeping him satisfied.



Yeah that's the part where I'd have to cut him.

[kendriln]

Hmmm... did he really blame his wife? I hadn't heard that at all.

[Delta]

LOL. Could you imagine if he had?

It was Dr. Laura doing the blaming.

I find it so incredible that this ring was discovered and brought down because of his own actions at the bank. Utter insanity.

[imagirliegirl]

I dunno, I could swear I heard that he said she didn't satisfy him. But who knows where that originated from anymore. He's just a hot mess.

[allyray231]

NO no it was Dr Laura who said that on the Today show.

[jesvet]

Ah Dr. Laura, thank you for once again making me so proud we're both women. :rolleyes:

[cynder]

A nice explaination of the money trail (http://www.portfolio.com/news-markets/top-5/2008/03/11/Spitzer-Money-Trail)

[imagirliegirl]

Ah Dr. Laura, thank you for once again making me so proud we're both women. :rolleyes:

Ew no joke, I can't stand her.

In that case, I apologize for that comment. Ick.

[jnettie]

They did an interesting piece on NPR (Fresh Air, I think?) about these high-class prostitutes. It was very interesting.

LOL phoenics! I think I'd be doing the same thing, except I'd possibly be on the phone with my lawyer step-mom after doing the slicing. ;)

[Kate&Joey]

I'm not disagreeing, but I just think that perhaps she could be stunned etc...in private. It's really hard to find respect for her when she's standing by this dickhead's side (literally) while he's trying to save his own face, you know?

I agree! What especially nauseated me was a picture I saw of them HOLDING HANDS while walking away from a podium. Stand by your man...fine, whatever. Hold his hand? I don't freaking think so! :p

[KK812]

Has anybody seen that the hooker's identity is revealed (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,337331,00.html). She says she doesn't want anyone to think that she is a "monster." Then how about not using the opportunity to gain exposure and give the media multiple personal photos.(Yes, they could have been submitted by a friend or someone else, but I doubt it)

[phoenics]

Has anybody seen that the hooker's identity is revealed (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,337331,00.html). She says she doesn't want anyone to think that she is a "monster." Then how about not using the opportunity to gain exposure and give the media multiple personal photos.(Yes, they could have been submitted by a friend or someone else, but I doubt it)

Apparently she's an aspiring r&b singer. :rolleyes:

[jajacobsen]

I'll probably get flamed for this, but honestly, good leaders usually make poor husbands. In Europe (and many other countries) it is not presumed that a country's leaders will not stay faithful to their spouses, and often have known mistresses, even to this day. As a husband, what he did was very wrong. As a leader, I have a hard time negating all the good things he did (cleaning up Wall Street, etc, taking on insurance companies, etc.) by these actions. I think history may be kinder to him than the press is now.

However, now NY State has its first African American, legally blind governor. I have to say, I think that is very cool.

[KGif]

Has anybody seen that the hooker's identity is revealed (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,337331,00.html). She says she doesn't want anyone to think that she is a "monster." Then how about not using the opportunity to gain exposure and give the media multiple personal photos.(Yes, they could have been submitted by a friend or someone else, but I doubt it)

Any bets on how long before she's making the talk show rounds? I can see it now: "Secrets of a High Class Hooker on the next Oprah!"

[ysolde]

Gag me.

[bluberry]

I'll probably get flamed for this, but honestly, good leaders usually make poor husbands. In Europe (and many other countries) it is not presumed that a country's leaders will not stay faithful to their spouses, and often have known mistresses, even to this day. As a husband, what he did was very wrong. As a leader, I have a hard time negating all the good things he did (cleaning up Wall Street, etc, taking on insurance companies, etc.) by these actions. I think history may be kinder to him than the press is now.


I don't think what makes this story shocking is the fact that he cheated on his wife. I think people are up in arms because he didn't just cheat, but rather because he knowingly, willingly, and repeatedly had relations with prostitutes. Prostitution is against the law and one of the bigger taboos in America. Add in the fact that he built his reputation on busting such organized groups, and you get a nice coat of hypocrisy on top.

I don't think there's any way to rationalize what he did or even compare it to Bill Clinton or other political affairs. He hired prostitutes and laundered money. IMO, these actions negate everything positive that he did in the past. I think he is and will continue to be ridiculed, even years from now.

[thelittlebabu]

I don't think what makes this story shocking is the fact that he cheated on his wife. I think people are up in arms because he didn't just cheat, but rather because he knowingly, willingly, and repeatedly had relations with prostitutes. Prostitution is against the law and one of the bigger taboos in America. Add in the fact that he built his reputation on busting such organized groups, and you get a nice coat of hypocrisy on top.

I don't think there's any way to rationalize what he did or even compare it to Bill Clinton or other political affairs. He hired prostitutes and laundered money. IMO, these actions negate everything positive that he did in the past. I think he is and will continue to be ridiculed, even years from now.
The bolded is the most important part, IMO. He was seeing some prostitutes while prosecuting others. That's not just a nice coat of hypocrisy, but a motherload of hypocrisy.

[msnicolea]

Gag me.

That's what HE said.

[phoenics]

That's what HE said.

Ooooh you are so bad!! :p

[msnicolea]

I know, I know--hangs head in semi-shame

[jajacobsen]

The bolded is the most important part, IMO. He was seeing some prostitutes while prosecuting others. That's not just a nice coat of hypocrisy, but a motherload of hypocrisy.

Well actually, he wasn't in the process of prosecuting any prostitutes when he was governor. He did prosecute some prositituion rings when he was AG.

Police officers both enforce the law AND use protitutes and hire hookers for bachelor parties. Happens all the time. Is is a good thing? No.

Spitzer resigned, because obviously he could not hold a top job and be caught breaking the law. However, I still think his crime - that of being a john - is very minor in the greater scheme of things. Some would argue much less serious than say, speeding which actually endangers other peoples' lives. Yet many of us speed and do not consider ourselves immoral.

I'm really not defending him, but just trying to add some perspective. It's not like he ran the prostitution ring. He was merely a john. It's not like he has become public enemy number one, an dto me, his activities do not negate all teh good he did when AG.

[kari]

The bolded is the most important part, IMO. He was seeing some prostitutes while prosecuting others. That's not just a nice coat of hypocrisy, but a motherload of hypocrisy.

Yep.

For me, the whole Bill Clinton/Monica Lewinsky sex/affair thing didn't bother me - it was the fact that he emphatically lied about it.

[am_81]

Well actually, he wasn't in the process of prosecuting any prostitutes when he was governor. He did prosecute some prositituion rings when he was AG.

But it has been determined that this hooker thing has been going on for awhile and it was definitely not just a one-time thing. So who knows if he was using their "services" while prosecuting others . . . .


I know I already posted my opinion earlier in thread, but I'm sure there were lots of champagne bottles being uncorked all over Wall Street this week. I know we had a couple of celebratory vodka tonics over here. :D

[Delta]

Well the thing is a lot of people hate him for what he did as AG and believe he was an overzealous proscutor who ruined innocent lives and used his office for personal political revenge. So whether his term as AG was spent 'doing good' is subjective.

Hence the glee and amazement over this story on Wall Street when he was revealed to be a hypocrite of enormous proportions.

And when this broke this week he didn't even have any support from his fellow Democrats in NY because he'd alienated them over the past year because of his actions and crazy behavior as governor.

(This is an interesing piece I read over Christmas - http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2008/01/spitzer200801)

So unless he stages a pretty remarkable comeback in a few years - humbled and rehabilitated - I don't think history will be that kind to him.

[diam124]

Well the thing is a lot of people hate him for what he did as AG and believe he was an overzealous proscutor who ruined innocent lives and used his office for personal political revenge. So whether his term as AG was spent 'doing good' is subjective.

Yep. I am pretty far removed from the Wall Street environment, but a relative of mine was indicted during Spitzer's term as AG (not for something he personally did, but because he is an officer of a company that Spitzer was targeting). Thankfully the whole thing was dropped.

[thelittlebabu]

Well actually, he wasn't in the process of prosecuting any prostitutes when he was governor. He did prosecute some prositituion rings when he was AG.

Police officers both enforce the law AND use protitutes and hire hookers for bachelor parties. Happens all the time. Is is a good thing? No.
Since the government is the only entity that can legally use force to uphold the law, we have to hold those with its power to a high standard that such power will be used consistently. Any law enforcement official, whether it's a police officer or AG, can't selectively enforce the law, especially to their own benefit. Even if Spitzer never visited a prostitute during his time as AG (questionable as pointed out by am_81), the fact is that he did prosecute them then and yet patronizes them now...as governor of New York, someone who still has influence on how prostitution is prosecuted. Unless he's come out and declared his opposition to criminalized prostitution, he's for all intents and purposes still supporting that police and prosecutors still put prostitutes behind bars.

As for the rest of your points (unquoted), I personally agree that being a john isn't the worst crime in the grand scheme of things. Speeding probably is more dangerous. However, I don't speed and lock up others that do. This is where Spitzer deserves to get called out.

[imagirliegirl]

Then how about not using the opportunity to gain exposure and give the media multiple personal photos.(Yes, they could have been submitted by a friend or someone else, but I doubt it)

Eh, I think it's hard to jump on her without knowing her motivations. I think if I were her, I might just put my face out there. It's probably easier than having people play the "who is she" game.

That's what HE said.

Oh snap! LOL

So do you guys think she was a "spitzer", too? Bazing!

Personally, (yeah yeah it's another thread) I think the whole prostitution being illegal thing is questionable, but since it is, he needed to keep his junk in his pants while he was in public office (well, and you know, married and stuff). Has anything come up about him using taxpayer money yet? That would be worse than anything I think.

[am_81]

Well the thing is a lot of people hate him for what he did as AG and believe he was an overzealous proscutor who ruined innocent lives and used his office for personal political revenge. So whether his term as AG was spent 'doing good' is subjective.

That was a big part of the problem in the case that I was involved with. He went in to take down a small handful of people (it was definitely partly a "personal" thing) and in the process ruined many, many more. Of course, the ones he went after in the first place are doing fine and well today and the rest were hung out to dry.

[diam124]

I read somewhere that "Kristen's" identity was revealed because she had to testify in court and all the photos circling around were taken from her MySpace page. I don't think she released them to all the various news organizations

[KK812]

But she didn't have to do an interview with the New York Times.

[kedzieb]

I think it's hard to jump on her

Ha! OK - somehow I've morphed into a 13 year old boy.

[imagirliegirl]

Ha! OK - somehow I've morphed into a 13 year old boy.

I might be trying to provoke you a little. :)

[kendriln]

But it has been determined that this hooker thing has been going on for awhile and it was definitely not just a one-time thing. So who knows if he was using their "services" while prosecuting others . . . .



ITA. Either way, you can make the hypocrisy argument about activities he engaged in while governor. Last year, Spitzer signed into law a pretty tough set of anti-sex trade laws with the purpose, according to Spitzer, of really going after men who seek out prostitutes.

[imagirliegirl]

I assume you guys have seen her photo plastered all over, there's a link to her Myspace on the Superficial, too. I must say, I'm pretty bummed! She just looks like your ordinary girl, like Real World material or something, not a 5 grand hooker! Boo!

[ysolde]

I assume you guys have seen her photo plastered all over, there's a link to her Myspace on the Superficial, too. I must say, I'm pretty bummed! She just looks like your ordinary girl, like Real World material or something, not a 5 grand hooker! Boo!

Well, what did you think a 5 grand hooker looked like? ;)

[imagirliegirl]

Well, what did you think a 5 grand hooker looked like? ;)

Oh hell I don't know, someone I wouldn't see on like, Rock of Love, maybe? LOL

[Delta]

I don't know what is more disturbing here. That we've reached the point where all politicians have to air their dirty marital laundry upon taking office or the fact that none of them can seem to keep it in their pants.

In a stunning revelation, both Paterson, 53, and his wife, Michelle, 46, acknowledged in a joint interview they each had intimate relationships with others during a rocky period in their marriage several years ago.

In the course of several interviews in the past few days, Paterson said he maintained a relationship for two or three years with "a woman other than my wife," beginning in 1999.

As part of that relationship, Paterson said, he and the other woman sometimes stayed at an upper West Side hotel — the Days Inn at Broadway and W. 94th St. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2008/03/17/2008-03-17_gov_paterson_admits_to_sex_with_other_wo.html

[miel]

I know, really!!! Confession time!!!

I was thinking: Days Inn? At least he's frugal!!!

Oh my gosh, this quote is too much:

"Like most marriages, you go through certain difficult periods," Michelle Paterson said. "What's important is for your kids to see you worked them out."

Um, yeah. You slept with other people while you were married and then you worked it out. Good lesson for the kids.