Amongst government robbing and torture, martial infidelity by a public servant is as American as apple pie. Think back to Clinton, JFK, Larry Graig, and Senator Gary Hart's infamous pictures aboad the yacht "Monkey Business." Even ole' Thomas Jefferson was down with the program as he, in the 1800's, fathered a child with one of his slaves.
Thomas Jefferson and John F. Kennedy's spouses didn't have to deal with the prying eyes of the media. They did not have to make embarrassing public appearances while their husbands apologize to them and their constituency for their "nobody's business" scandals.
Is it a religious factor to stand by your man for better or worse, or a politically driven one that brings forth what should be reserved for "bedroom" talk amongst the parties involved?
In these un-private times, having the spouse next to the guilty party makes the claim of forgiveness. If my wife can forgive me, and she was the one betrayed, then you have no reason to hold me in contempt, could be the thought. Interestingly, though, the trot-out-the-wife technique may be no more beneficial to politicians than it is pleasant for their spouses.
Republicans tend to be less forgiving of their own, than Democrats are. Bill Clinton's case, as an example, was saved by his competence. People thought, "Well, I wouldn't want him alone in an elevator with my daughter, but he seems good at running the economy." If we were to fire all politicians who cheat or have cheated on their wives, we wouldn't have any left.
In the age of reality shows, Hollywood gossip drama, and Jerry Springer, maybe we have come to expect the worst. We wanted to see Silda Spitzer throwing his suits, socks and golf clubs on the sidewalk while invoking hell on her husband. We crave that kind of dramatic effect. For once, let's stop thinking about what she might have done for our intent, and ponder on that fact that she has three daughters and probably held it together for them. Hillary Clinton stated, "I'm not sitting here, some little woman standing by her man. I'm sitting here because I love him and I respect him."
My father had an affair when I was five-years-old. My family was not and is not in the public eye. Within the family and close friends, everyone new, but my mother kept herself together and fought through for me, my sister, and her strong religious belief as a Roman Catholic. Before we start hitting people with the pity stick, let's reflect on the goodness and strength of forgiveness. You agree?
--Danielle Abreu