Pajamas Media

58 Comments

1. Michelle H.:

I so agree with this article. I am so tired of the excuses and the lack of responsibility displayed by some in our government. I am glad that Mrs. Sanford has enough dignity to stand up for herself. I am also tired of conservative women, such as Mrs. Palin, being torn apart by the media.

Jul 2, 2009 - 2:52 am 2. Bruno:

Use less sugar and stir like hell..
We don’t mind the noise.

Everyone knows that marital collapse is always a single-sided slice of bread..

Jul 2, 2009 - 3:15 am 3. tc:

I tell you this, women such as Jennifer Sanford and Sarah Palin have a bright future. These women have the “stuff” that the left can’t deal with. They have a bright future and if strong women such as these ran for president, the debates with Obama would be instant classics.

I see the future–and it belongs to our women. Our men have consistently let us down, save for a few.

Let the women drive, I’m sure they’ll do a better job.

Jul 2, 2009 - 3:37 am 4. John:

1. I have said it before. Maybe the wrong Sanford was governor.

2. That being true, there is an additional point to be made. Marriages generally fall apart due to the conduct of both parties. I am not going to delve into that subject because there is no excuse for Mark Sanford’s conduct and his lack of any emotional or moral clarity. He is a grinding reminder that sometimes politicians are creatures of others work, not self-actuated achievers.

3. In this case it looks like Jenny Sanford looks to be the prime motivator behind the Sanford political life. Why she would hang on to such an arrangement is anybody’s guess. My wife of 22 years tells me that Jenny isn’t shooting as straight as she puts up. (She (That must be obeyed) told me point blank that if I did “that” to her I’d be lucky to afford to rent a room from someone because she’d take me for all she could get and hit me in the butt with the door on the way out…)

I rather suspect that Jenny Sanford is a political “wife” and enjoys the comfort and attention granted to high executive spouses. Those comforts are not unknown to those who pay attention. Does the name Clinton ring a bell? Not so much Rodham I would gather.

4. All of that aside, Mrs. Sanford has demonstrated a public demeanor that is extremely praiseworthy. Governor Sanford comes off as weak willed and mewling. If his marriage was a failure, and the routes of marriage counseling and therapy didn’t help, before his urge to dally occurred, then he should have done the honorable thing, filed for a civil divorce, worked out the issues with his ex, and lived with those consequences, free to conduct his own affairs (no groans please).

This is a mess, and one of his own making. At some point responsibility is assigned, instead of manfully accepted. Sanford should immediately resign. He is ineffective now. He is also unacceptable to those for whom personal honor is as important a trait as public effectiveness.

Meanwhile, Jenny “Sanford” (I wonder if she’ll do the new feminist thing and take back her maiden name.) might show up where she seems to have belonged in the first place. Running for something on her own under her own steam.

R/John – TMF

Jul 2, 2009 - 3:55 am 5. Meryl:

I know I’m not alone in wanting to snicker at all of the intellectual self-examination being publicly conducted about the “new feminists” like Palin and Sanford.(I appreciate your article, Ms. Rubin. I’m referring to the whole media scene and the LACK of honest analysis over the last 30 years.)

Generally speaking, these represent the only kind of women I’ve ever been around–in my childhood and in my adult years.

They’ve always been sprinkled throughout the population, getting the work done, raising the families, being laughed at, mocked by Diaper Boys like Al Franken, and disregarded by the Gloria Steinems of the world.

It is interesting, to be sure, that the media frenzy is resulting in some actual published analyses that present their lives honestly, instead of assuming somebody else dresses them and tells them what to do and say.

Maybe someday some writer will even take on the shibboleth that “all Christians hate all homosexuals”. Naahh…that’s too much to hope for, I’m sure.

Jul 2, 2009 - 4:55 am 6. Gary Ogletree:

Sanford would be smart to take that hike all the way up the Appalachian Trail. Then the Rocky Mountain Trail and the one up the Sierra and Cascades. Might clear his befuddled mind.

Jul 2, 2009 - 4:57 am 7. tom:

Palin deserves every rip she gets.

Jul 2, 2009 - 6:25 am 8. Peg C.:

Dems have worked hard to caricature conservative women, especially Christian conservative women. One wonders just how many of these women need to defy publicly the stereotype before more than just a Ruth Marcus admit their bias and error? Also, I have a lot of admiration for Camille Paglia, but she needs to become intellectually honest and admit publicly that the Dem party is NOTHING like her and their “Democratic core principles of compassion, tolerance and independent thought” trope. They very aggressively display exactly the opposite. She runs this idiocy by us in every single piece she pens and it’s way past time she give it up. I don’t even think Dems believe it and every day we all see overwhelming evidence of its falsity.

Jul 2, 2009 - 6:29 am 9. chris:

Sanford should resign…due to stupidity. He’s a nutcase!! sniveling to the press…trying to get across the Ms. Argentine how much he “loves her”???

Disgusting…”he’s going to try and fall back in love with his wife”..???B.S. That was a degrading statement .

Kick that spineless, whining jerk to the curb!!! I can’t believe he’s constant whining to the press!!!

His children will bear the brunt of this.

Unfortunately, women will put up with a lot when there are children involved. I agree with everyone on this post so far…

Jul 2, 2009 - 6:53 am 10. chris:

okay, I chimed in after #6 and didn’t see the others…don’t agree with anyone from there on..

Jul 2, 2009 - 6:57 am 11. LeighB:

The last primary season forever broke my allegiance to the Democratic Party. Their treatment of Hillary and Sarah Palin was inexcusable. The hysterical reaction to Palin seemed to be fueled by fear and I still can’t make sense of why all those Dems and NOW* members are so terrified of lil’ ol’ Sarah.

* And NOW, please rename yourselves more accurately, you are the National Organization for Some Women. Silly me, I always thought NOW was for more choices for women, not just their choices.

Jul 2, 2009 - 7:04 am 12. davimcg:

Dear Tom, Why does Palin deserve every rip she gets (do her children deserve it as well)? Please avoid generalizations and be specific. Additionally, stick to her record as a mayor and a governor. Let’s see a little substantive analysis for a change.

Jul 2, 2009 - 7:07 am 13. Robert V:

From this article alone, I would vote for Mrs. Sanford well before I would ever consider Mrs. Palin.

Jul 2, 2009 - 7:19 am 14. Anonymous:

How does getting cheated on make one a “feminist icon”?

Being publicly pissed off at one’s husband for adultery does not make one a feminist.

Jul 2, 2009 - 7:24 am 15. Peg C.:

LeighB, briefly: She is everything they hate AND she is happy, a multitasking professional with children, successful, beautiful — all the things they claim they are but are not. Were she a Democrat, she’d be president. She is a conservative Republican, the base loves her, thus she must be destroyed. Did I mention she’s HAPPY? That is huge. They are NOT happy.

Many moons ago I was a member of NOW, a contributor to NARAL and CARAL, etc. Some of us do escape the nihilistic dogma and insanity of the Left and become happy, productive members of society again.

Jul 2, 2009 - 7:25 am 16. Mike W.:

According to Ms. Rubin, apparently, any woman who is not barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen is a feminist icon.

Jul 2, 2009 - 7:50 am 17. Chuckt:

Jenny Sanford can’t be as smart as Ruth Marcus says (She is as smart as Elizabeth or Hillary — trade the law degree for an investment banking vice presidency (Lazard Freres) — and may be tougher, too, at least when it comes to husbands.) because she’s not a wise Hispanic woman!

Jul 2, 2009 - 7:56 am 18. Meryl:

12. davimcg:

“Dear Tom, Why does Palin deserve every rip she gets (do her children deserve it as well)? Please avoid generalizations and be specific. Additionally, stick to her record as a mayor and a governor. Let’s see a little substantive analysis for a change.”

Yeah, I’m curious about Tom’s generalization as well.

I’ve always suspected that one of the things that 24/7 Palin haters REALLY hate about her is that she continues to be a cheerful and productive person. That aspect of her personality parallels Reagan’s.

Jul 2, 2009 - 7:58 am 19. AARGH59:

Let’s see! Hillary, Elizabeth, Silda and Dina stood with their “man” during the public mea culpa demonstrating for all who would watch just what doormats they’re willing to be. Whereas, Jenny “offs him” like any true woman of strength would.

Dem women are telling you who they are and, at least in this case, Jenny is telling you who she is.

Jul 2, 2009 - 7:59 am 20. AThinkingPerson:

Loving how Palin still succeeds in driving liberals nuts! When a woman who has more class in her hair barrette than the entire Obama administration, well, no wonder the left does nothing but continue to trash her and her family. In my opinion, the left has opened the door to similar treatment during the next election. I look forward to seeing the liberal One being publicly thrashed now that Letterman has opened that Pandora’s box for one and all.

As for Mrs. Sanford, I’d say she ought to kick his sorry behind to South America and back and then wring every red cent out of him. He deserves to be hung out to dry for how he’s treated not only his wife but his 4 sons.

Jul 2, 2009 - 8:06 am 21. Anonymous:

Sanford’s wife is a tyical politial wife, in for the ride. She’s done nothing monumental., Kicking him to the curb would be monumental, changing the locks on the doors, would be monumental, buying him a one way ticket to Argentine would be monumental…

Although this is about Sanford’s wife..we have gone over to Palin, and I totally agree that she is feared by the left. They don’t give facts, just nasty remarks. they don’t talk record, base of support because they can’t . like the McCain people. they failed so they have to blame someone so that they can get a job on someone elses campaign…McCain would have lost anyway, poor candidate. i think it was planned that he lose so that we could be taken over by socialism…just an idea…

Palin is a happy, accomplished woman!! That alone pi$$ off NOW and the left feminist..femininazis..hahahah…HAPPY ACCOMPLISHED PALIN…AINT’ IT DISGUTSTING LEFTIES??? The more they go after her, the more I like her..

Again, if Sanford’s wife is a victim, she allowed it. don’t tell me she had no idea..quit trying to make her an “icon”, she’s typical..nothing classy…certainly not someone I would look to for advice or tell my daughters about…

Jul 2, 2009 - 8:18 am 22. Michael:

Wow, a Republican woman comes off good to the press and the nation. Here comes the ad hominem attacks.

Never specifics, always unsuported generalizations.

Jul 2, 2009 - 8:36 am 23. Lily:

I think its good that Jenny Sanford is not a doormat – but she has spoken too much to the press about her private matters to earn my full respect.

TMI from both Sanfords.

Jul 2, 2009 - 8:42 am 24. bs:

“Feminist icon” may be reaching; I don’t know, I know nothing about these people. It does put me in mind, however, of the enthusiasm for Sarah Palin’s candidacy, which seemed to me to be driven largely by people’s projecting their hopes onto her. Maybe that’s what you are doing.

I think you may have defamed Mrs Sanford. “Conservative feminist” is an oxymoron, in my book. If, in fact, she is a feminist, it would go a long way to explaining why the governor felt a need for feminine companionship.

I do not condone adultery. Nor do I hate women – quite the contrary. I’ll happily wear the “sexist” label, though, meaning that I don’t believe that women are, or ought to try to be, the same as men.

Nor do I understand how feminists can try to eliminate the traditional roles of the sexes, then wonder why modern men are so effeminate. That pathetic figure blubbering into a microphone about his “feelings”? He’s your creature.

Jul 2, 2009 - 9:13 am 25. Paul Gable:

An earlier tribute to Jenny Sanford–you’ll like it at “It’w Woman’s Hour” at http://www.brushfires-of-freedom.com/women.html
Best thing Mark Sanford could do is figure out a way to appoint Jenny as his replacement, and then disappear.

Jul 2, 2009 - 9:20 am 26. tom:

Palin’s kids not fare game? She’s the one that marched them out there, talked family values and all that crap.

When you start preaching morality and how people should live, you become fair game when your own crew can’t abide by the morals you’d like to stuff down others throats. It’s as simple as that.
It really is something the right should quit. Time after time they end up putting their collective foot in their mouth. Sanford being the latest in a list at thick as a phone book.

Jul 2, 2009 - 9:37 am 27. David W. Lincoln:

It takes strength to deal with man’s inhumanity to man, and Jenny Sanford is made of very durable stuff. Good on her
to show strength, rather than suffer in silence.

Now, isn’t a show of strength the goal of the anti-man crowd? Me thinks that they can no longer have a monopoly on strength, and here is more proof.

If the anti-man crowd doesn’t want to see it, then they will be accountable for it between now and when each member breathes their last.

Jul 2, 2009 - 9:41 am 28. SoCalDem:

Every politician drags their children onto the stage, I’ve watched all of Sarahs speaches, how did I miss her moralizing. She didn’t! I have much respect for Sarah Palin. She represents to me what a true feminist is about, working hard to make a difference, being able to have a family and multi-task as Governor. I especially respect the fact that she lives her faith. She didn’t opt for abortion when she knew she was going to have a Down Syndrome baby. I voted for Sarah and God willing I will have another chance to see her become President.

Jul 2, 2009 - 10:11 am 29. Theo Goodwin:

Jenny Sanford is exactly what I expect from “a conservative woman.” Maybe she has more poise than most, but she is one among millions.

As for the governor, he should have resigned on the day the scandal broke. By now, he should have gone away.

Jul 2, 2009 - 10:15 am 30. Terry:

I admire Mrs. Sanford’s response to the trials to which her half-witted husband chose to expose her. She reminds me of many women in the U.S. I liked that a previous commenter mentioned the possibility that the wrong Sanford was governor. I agree. The conservative side of the coin boasts women like Jenny Sanford and Sarah Palin while the lefties put their ridiculousness on display when rooting for Hillary Clinton or Nancy Pelosi. At some level, whether conservatives win elections or not, at least we can know that there are great women on the conservative side of the ledger. (Thank God for my own wife!)

Jul 2, 2009 - 10:27 am 31. BJ:

Listen to the way this woman speaks! “I forbid him to see her, I did everything humanly possible to prevent him from seeing her!” Who talks like this? This is the way you discipline children and or the family pet. This is not the way you talk to and treat your spouse.

Why is it if this were a man treating his wife this way, woman across the country would be up in arms screaming spousal abuse? They’d be marching in the streets celebrating the fact the abused wife had finally escaped and found someone that truly loved her.

How does anyone know this man didn’t ask her for a divorce years ago and she refused to allow that as well? As you see he never overstepped the line even though there were other woman.

Jenny controlled every single aspect of his life – how do you think she found the emails or, better yet, why would he ever leave them around knowing she could? He wanted out, she undoubtedly refused so this was his only way.

And who in turn then leaked the emails to the press because he disobeyed her? Again with the control – I demand you return. I’d say that’s pretty revengeful to destroy your husband at the emotional exspence and welfare of your own children.

Talk to the boys, my money says their ecstatic he at least escaped her dominating wrath and
controlling ways and will follow as soon as the divorce becomes legal and adore there new mother. Jenny is no shrinking violet and she sure as hell in no victim.

Jul 2, 2009 - 10:54 am 32. Tina Trent:

Jenny Sanford is indeed interesting. Smart. A good politician, in the best sense of the word. But comparing her to two women who apparently had no time to process their husbands’ betrayals, Spitzer’s wife and McGreevey’s wife, seems unfair. Jenny Sanford knew about her husband’s behavior for months. She had time to decide on a response. The other two women were sideswiped, practically on camera. And then Oprah had the raw contempt to treat McGreevey like some freedom fighter.

It is also absolutely false to imply that these other two women were involved in a cover-up in ways that Jenny Sanford was not. The opposite appears to be true — enough so that it merits a correction.

Practice what you preach.

Jul 2, 2009 - 10:56 am 33. Mike W.:

Terry: “The conservative side of the coin boasts women like Jenny Sanford and Sarah Palin while the lefties put their ridiculousness on display when rooting for Hillary Clinton or Nancy Pelosi. At some level, whether conservatives win elections or not, at least we can know that there are great women on the conservative side of the ledger. (Thank God for my own wife!)”

Please. When it comes to psychosis and ridiculousness, Michelle Bachmann is in a league of her own.

Jul 2, 2009 - 10:56 am 34. AThinkingPerson:

Re #26 tom…You’re right! Palin did bring her kids on the campaign trail. Then again, so did Obama. Using your thinking, Obama’s kids and Michelle are now fair game then right?

Jul 2, 2009 - 11:01 am 35. BP:

An emotion driven article. Jenny has not DIVORCED her husband, which she would have done gladly if Mr.Sanford were not an alpha.

In coming days she will confess her “love” and return to him like a meek lamb.

Jul 2, 2009 - 11:05 am 36. tommyd:

#26 Tom

Another unhappy whiner from the left. Why are they so unhappy all the time?

It makes them go batsh*t when they see normal well adjusted families.

Extreme jealously is one obvious reason. The fact that deep down they really know their own lives are abysmal failures.

The results are juvenile attacks on a personal level because they have no real factual basis with which to proceed with any resemblance of coherent debate.
They have no real facts because they are simply consumed by their failed idealogue. They possess neither the character or the actual free will to enter into any honest fact based debate. Doing so would require them to scrutinize their own shallow emotional based beliefs and THAT is unacceptable to the liberal mind.
To confront their own failed logic would possibly force them to into an untenable position.
And they can’t have that now can they….

So go ahead libs and continue to live within your own dysfunctional fantasy.
Someday if your children grow up and have the ability to think for them selves they will wonder how you could have been so F’ing stupid..

Jul 2, 2009 - 11:23 am 37. AtheistConservative:

Trying to get a liberal to explain why they hate Palin is like trying to get a liberal to explain why they hate America. They don’t know. They’ve just been told to. And they will until the day they grow up and become Conservative.

Jul 2, 2009 - 12:25 pm 38. Bouncer:

OMG…Sanford’s wife is weak. Now they’re going on a “family vacation” over the fourth. what a train wreck. He’s been pokin’ around in dark places while she sits at home and “forbids” him..hahhahaha

Dysfunciton at it’s best. The boys are the ones that will face the humiliation. she will wrap herself up in “I forbid him”, he’ll wrap himself up in another broad, or move to Argentina, and the kids will get teased, humiliated, bounced around and followed by this.

Sanford should seek mental help. The wife needs serious help and is no “icon” to anyone. She knew and she did nothing.

Jul 2, 2009 - 12:30 pm 39. Dave ll:

BJ and bs, you got it right. Jenny Sanford is no “icon”, but rather a driven, political wife who couldn’t control her man, as much as she tried to. From the start it was SHE who guided him into the governorship and it she who made him who he was…and maybe even drove him to do what he did.

Am I excusing the man for his weakness?

Absolutely not! A man has to be responsible for his own actions…but it seems to me, Mark Sanford is basically a weak man (duh!) and has a wife who is NOT…in any sense of the word.

This is a dynamic not uncommon at all in the world, and probably more so in politics.

Where weak men who have secret affairs on their strong-willed wives mess things up is in not be able to LEAVE their spouse once and for all…for the love they are truly longing for.

Of course, family, children, job, reputation, MONEY, etc., etc., keeps most men in line when push comes to shove in their hearts and minds…except not with those who are weak in the heart. THEY only mess EVERYTHING up with a screwed up love-affair, a broken marriage, a ruined reputation, a disgraced career, and a disappointed family.

This whole thing would not even be news except the man holds a job as governor of a state. And Jenny Sanford would not and should not be held up as a “icon” for being a strong woman… except for that one political office she helped put her man into.

Jul 2, 2009 - 12:33 pm 40. Edward A:

What is so smart about Jenny Sanford? Her husband continues to denigrate her with talk about finding his Argentina soul-mate at last. His not-stop revelations of other sexual forays with other women continues. Her children are being disgraced publicly and she does nothing. This is an example of a weak woman. If this is the best example the Republican Party offers then there is no one to blame as the party slips further into irrelevance.

Jul 2, 2009 - 12:57 pm 41. Marie Claude:

before I read the comments, I find this expression weird, to say a bit shocking ” his exotic girlfriend”, is she a kind of exotic monkey ? I recall that Argentina was part of the G10 until WWII, so theses people aren’t some kind of sub African or ukulele islands !

Jul 2, 2009 - 1:27 pm 42. Pee Wee Herman, Community Organizer:

The bottom line is the same: men who should know better, out of an inflated sense of ego, blow up their careers and their families for transitory pleasures.

I can’t take credit for this, it was a comment on a different thread several days ago, but:

Advice to men: If you feel the urge, go to the nearest restroom, and relieve yourself. You will instantly start seeing things much more clearly.

Not that I would know, you understand…

Jul 2, 2009 - 1:39 pm 43. Marie Claude:

MS Sanford for a prude woman that is supposed to cherish her husband, I find her a bit out of concern of what his hubby was up to. Now, If I were in her place, I would survey discretly who my hubby is meeting, supposing that a political man who is exposed to various temptentions, in fact, lots of blondes look for his spot lights, and would try all the seductive means they can manage, but she didn’t ! there was sumthin wrong in their couple ! and he found a soul mate in Argentina, she is a bit faultive !

well, that’s the way you see fairness, not here, fairness is about your true feelings and being in harmony with t’em, as well assuming your duty.

I don’t want to know about this Ms Sanford, she embodies stereotypes of virtue, while this poor anathemed argentinian, the whore kind of behaviour ! sorry, she is the one that has to pay the most for being fair !

Jul 2, 2009 - 1:45 pm 44. Marc Malone:

#26 tom – Really? Read your own post. Just because a politician brings her family onto the stage and allows us to see that side of her, it then becomes okay to strike at her through her kids? Seriously? You really think it is okay to cause those kids pain in order to attack the politician? You really can’t find a better means to fight against a candidate than that?

You’re a man. Your role in society is to protect the women and children. You don’t get to beat up on the kids. If the women want to mix it up with the men… okay, have at, but leave the kids alone.

One more thing: if we go after the kids, what kind of politicians are we going to get? Who in his right mind runs for office, if those are the rules? Families are off-limits! Yours was a shameful post. You were merely rationalizing, justifying, the attacks, because of your own contempt for Governor Palin. Adults don’t pick on kids.

Jul 2, 2009 - 1:53 pm 45. Roderick Reilly:

No matter how “conservative” and “family values” oriented some people may be, if they are boomers or younger, they have been imprinted with a postmodern sensibility that will sabotage them if they are not vigilant and paying attention to their inner selves. Gov. Sanford shows the same idiotic, clueless self-involvement as Gov. McGreevey did, notwithstanding both political and sexual orientation.

Keep in mind folks, that those of us who are “conservatives” or “libertarians,” or “classic liberals,” have no idea what it’s like to live under small government, or under the values system that guided America through most of its existence. The progressive virus has infected our body politic and social policies for a century now, and we’ve had big government for the adult lifetimes of even the oldest Americans. We have to rediscover and reinvent an American system that reflects the fundamental promises of the founders almost from scratch.

Jul 2, 2009 - 2:01 pm 46. stuart Williamson:

Maybe we should be looking for a Margaret Thatcher rather than a Ronald Reagan, to bring down the Royal Poobama.

Jul 2, 2009 - 3:23 pm 47. Benson:

Feminist Icon…for doing what. Writers need to get a grip. She’s going through a nasty time and handling it bravely. Her husband seems to be a bit goofy and should resign. I don’t know her personal accomplishments other than pushing her husband but as far as I’m concerned she’s not in the same league as Palin. Other than being a conservative woman I see no comparison. We don’t need to laud every strong conservative woman as an icon to compete with liberal feminist dogma, in fact its going down to their level to do so. Do we really need to declare someone an icon just because the liberal press hounds us with lies about conservatives? The word hero and icon have been made irrelevant by how its used by the press and what they consider an icon or hero so just stick to the facts. Conservatives know how to figure out who’s and icon or hero, unlike liberals we don’t need to be told who to respect and honor.

Jul 2, 2009 - 3:47 pm 48. Sonny:

Bravo Jenny Sanford, and Jennifer Rubin! It is clear that the only member of the Sanford family that can use her head has only one – but that she wouldn’t allow the other to addle her as her husband has done. I dearly love Jenny Sanford. What an inspiration the lady is!

Jul 2, 2009 - 4:18 pm 49. Elle:

I see nothing particularly admirable about Mrs. Sanford. She continues to stay with the cheating husband and support his career by staying with him even after he blathers on about his Argentine soulmate and “trying to fall back in love with his wife.”
If she came out and said something like “my husband turned his back on his wife, his children, and the standards that we agreed to in our marriage vows.
He has proven himself to be untrustworthy and therefore unacceptable as a mate.”
Now that would be interesting-provided that she followed it up by quick and final separation and divorce.

Jul 2, 2009 - 6:14 pm 50. rbell:

Thank you for this article. I have become too cynical about politicians and their wives. I had considered Jenny Sanford to be like most political wives – a willing participant in a phony marriage. Politicians tend to marry power. For them the family is a political asset more than a cherished institution. They spend more time with their staff members than any family member.

Yeah I know there are a few exceptions. But you can observe so many symbiotic relationships in politics (e.g the Clinton’s). They create the illusion of real marriage without there being any commitment beyond a photo op. (Kennedy, Gore and Kerry). Both husband and wife meet for parties, fund raisers, public events and publicity photos.

That explains why even when the schmo from NJ gets caught in road side rest area having deviant sex with total strangers the wife can show up at the press conference to stand by her man. She is conditioned to do so. I think of it as the ultimate humiliation. I would have more respect for that woman if she had taken a ball bat to the bast***’s head. That would have been a press conference no one would forget.

So it is refreshing to see that Jenny is not having any of it, not playing the game. Not trying to keep her man in power so she can still enjoy the perks. She is not making it any easier for him. Is She?

Jul 2, 2009 - 6:30 pm 51. baluc/ka:

Talk about feast or famine, comedy and trajedy.

Sanford has the guts to stand up for refusing the stimulus money from Obama under great pressure and national exposure.

He gets busted for an affair, and he totally collapses to the point that he will never recover.

The gods have one great sense of humor.

Jul 2, 2009 - 6:42 pm 52. SukieTawdry:

She’s handling the public end of it better than most, but I’m not ready to call her an icon, feminist or otherwise.

Jul 2, 2009 - 9:28 pm 53. veggiedude:

Oh the hypocrisy! But what else is new?

When Hillary stood by her man, she was shunned and ridiculed by the right wingers for being a phoney feminist. But wait. Bill never called Monica his ’soul mate’. And Bill never fell in love with Monica. It was all about sex.

Now we have a wife who is willing to put up with all that, she deserves all that was thrown at Hillary, but it looks like she will come off a heroine. Oh boy!

Jul 3, 2009 - 12:17 am 54. Thumper:

How interesting all the adoration for Mrs. Sanford who stood up to her husband who flew off to Argentina to see his true love. Now the Sanfords are off to Florida to “fall back in love” this weekend. So much for standing up to her husband who humiliated her.

Jul 3, 2009 - 2:58 am 55. john from cinncinatti:

a dysfunctional marriage, and a public dislay of it, and now they are trying to work it out, and thats hypocritical? i guess it all depends on their wedding vows… in sickness and in health. that only means physical right. oh yeah there’s that part about forsaking all others they need to work on. good luck to both of them.
ps. Sanfords quit bullshitting each other.

Jul 3, 2009 - 6:22 am 56. rbell:

Thumper: It is tough to find someone more cynical than myself. But remember there are four kids involved in this. Trust me they are not going to fall back in love, that is over. But they may stay together to protect the kids. It has been done before. Infidelity is grounds for divorce, even for a Christian. But people throw that term around so loose it doesn’t have any meaning anymore. The term should be “therapeutic deist”.

Jul 3, 2009 - 6:46 am 57. Anonymous:

Here is jenny sanford talking the spitzer situation…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bu0-i0OxhME

Jul 4, 2009 - 3:12 pm 58. Tina Trent:

AASGH59: you’re wrong too, as wrong as Ms. Rubin, who has chosen not to correct the part about Jenny Sanford (understandably, humanly) colluding in a cover-up and lying to the government and the media despite her otherwise refreshing and intelligent response under terrible circumstances not of her own making. There are facts, and then there are partisan fantasies. I’d rather the latter stay elsewhere.

Why are so many politicians astonishingly flawed? That is a more interesting question than lining up wronged wives and selectively blaming some of them. Throwing these stones is more than a step too far. You can’t criticize the other side by playing precisely the game you accuse them of playing, for which you are criticizing them. Enough self-pity.

Jul 5, 2009 - 12:04 am

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