Moralia

Just watched Mark Sanford run on at the mouth about his extramarital affair. If that guy said one more time that he met his Argentine lady friend 8 years ago I think my head would have exploded. It was like he just couldn’t stop talking, as though if he stopped talking for a moment he’d actually have to think about what he’d done to his family, his party and his political future. Thinking (with the big head, anyway) isn’t something Mr. Sanford’s been doing a lot of lately.

Remember when politicians used to resign when they got caught with their trousers down? In a post-Clinton world, resignation is no longer automatic. It doesn’t even seem to be an option with most of these guys. Even Larry Craig, whose scandal trumped all the others in sordidness, didn’t resign. If Larry Craig can try to salvage his career after soliciting a tawdry homosexual act in a filthy public restroom, I suppose Mark Sanford can try to salvage his after his “meaningful friendship” turned into hot sex and then he tearfully and repetitively spilled his guts about it at a press conference.

Okay, now let’s go see what some of my fellow bloggers are saying. The Anchoress wants Sanford to stop crying in Argentina. Michelle Malkin compares the “jerkitude” of Sanford to the dignity his wife has shown during this whole sordid mess. Smitty at The Other McCain thinks it’s just a distraction. Rod Dreher is partaking in the TMI-fest by publishing excerpts from the Governor’s lovey-dovey e-mails. Ace has a slightly different take than other reactions I’ve seen.

So, is 2012 off the table for the oh-so-sensitive Mr. Sanford? I guess in the post-Clinton world anything’s possible, but I’ll be endorsing someone who shows a bit more self control with respect to keeping things zipped — both his lips when it comes to confessional press conferences, and other things.