Aren't they all though? I mean, does anyone actually believe that the vast majority of our elected leadership isn't morally and ethically deficient? I'd be surprised, frankly, to find that most political leadership isn't debauched.

Sex, drugs, and legislation.

Throw the bums out.

Sent by Jody Sol | 3:06 PM ET | 03-10-2008

Don't you just hate those "Holier than Thou" politicians? Hypocracy knows no Party or Religion

Sent by Lou Marchese | 3:42 PM ET | 03-10-2008

Oh, grow up. So a man visits a prostitute. Who cares??? I do have to wonder how someone who pissed off the wealthy in this country thought for one minute he could get away with it, but other than that, who did he hurt? His family, as he has acknowledged. You puritans have had this country by the nose for the last few years, but it's time for us to focus on issues bigger than one man's sex life.

By the way, it's spelled hypocrisy.

Peggy

Sent by Peggy | 6:00 PM ET | 03-10-2008

We all falter, I don't believe his speech to be sincere however.

Sent by McGruff | 6:09 PM ET | 03-10-2008

Throw the bums out and replace them with whom? If most political leadership is debauched as opposed to all the morally upright voters who never, ever give into human impulse and are pure as the driven snow, then who would take the place of the bums? Holier-than-thou voters are no more attractive to me than the bums. I considered Bill Clinton's affair with Monica Lewinsky as mostly a matter to be settled between the Clintons, and I consider this to be a matter between the Spitzers. As for politics, I would take a competent governor or president with personal issues than a morally upright governor or president who is otherwise stupid. Ask yourself whether or not Spitzer is a good governor not whether he cheats on his spouse. One really has little to do with the other. If he cheats on her, he cheats on her. If he accepts bribes and allows his cronies to enrich themselves without regard to the common good, he cheats all of us.

I cheated on my wife, and we dealt with it with the help of a therapist. I never cheated someone of their money, their property, or blamed someone for my actions and mistakes. Does that make me morally reprehensible or does it highlight that I am human?

Sent by Rob | 6:27 PM ET | 03-10-2008

We all face the challenge of living in an imperfect world. We can curse the darkness are at least try to light a candle. I, for one, give my prayers and sympathy to this fool's wife and kids.

Sent by Bob | 6:39 PM ET | 03-10-2008

Man, these people just don't get it.

Sent by Jody Sol | 7:08 PM ET | 03-10-2008

As long as it doesn't involve children, I don't care who an elected official has sex with. If he or she does their job well and does not succumb to bribes or other favor trading, then he or she can have any kind of private fun and games they want. People, please get over your fascination with sex and on with the work that needs to be done.

Sent by sharon | 7:38 PM ET | 03-10-2008

...anything for a distraction from the real issues. Hey, the poor slob got caught. No wonder, he set himself up for the fall and now has two heads and no friends...who cares.

Monogamy is a figment of church and state imagination, sadly those who hold the banner high also believe it to be written in DNA.

Sent by George Gekas | 7:39 PM ET | 03-10-2008

These men send our children to die, futilely, on foreign soil, commit atrocities in our name. All for the wealth of the rich and the powerful.

And in their spare time the do what they please, because they are powerful. And yet they demand our respect, and pretend to be upright citizens.

Throw the bums out. Anarchy rules.

Sent by Jody Sol | 7:58 PM ET | 03-10-2008

It appears that politicians today are doing contrary to what they have been elected to do regardless if they are Democrat or Republican.

The thing that shocks me is the level of hypocrisy in their words and in their deeds and how long it has happened in their career. I don't mind if it is a public or private issue. The more the level of hypocrisy, the more it goes against what the American people believe and expect from an elected official.

Sent by Ashok Z. | 8:04 PM ET | 03-10-2008

Does this mean he's qualified to be a Republican Senator from Louisiana?

Sent by Ron Gordon | 8:11 PM ET | 03-10-2008

I think the issue is as follows: It's not about sex or cheating per se. It's about the implication that Spitzer was engaged in ILLEGAL activity. He's the ATTORNEY frickin' GENERAL - the highest state prosecutor, sworn to UPHOLD the law and prosecute those who break and regard themselves as above the law. He's made his whole career, incurred public trust and gotten political capital and gain by doing and promising to uphold the law. This is what distinguishes him from just anybody else and any other politician. His whole job and function centers around prosecuting criminals and bringing them to justice.

Given his position, there are certain qualifications and a certain integrity one would like him to have to be able to do his job. That he himself may be a criminal is therefore disturbing. One may disagree with the status of prostitution and those engaged in it as criminal, but that's another issue. As it now stands, it is.

I liked Spitzer and voted for him so this is all disappointing, but it's unsettling (to put it mildly) to have a hypocrite of such magnitude hold a position prosecuting others of the very thing that he is doing - acting above and in disregard of the law. His trust and credibility have been severely undermined. If one wants to break the law, one shouldn't promise others to abide by it, to uphold it and to act in the public's interest to do so.

Sent by ajtp | 8:32 PM ET | 03-10-2008

If Spits did not bust those hookers during his time as A.G. he would get some empathy. He'll prob end up like Ryan in Illinois or McG from Jersey. Down then out.

Sent by buzz | 9:05 PM ET | 03-10-2008

Sexual desire is a natural human tendency, yet we try so hard to fight it and control it, as if it were evil. Spitzer has proved that he has a human weakness, and he has apologized for it. Although I am disappointed, it is mainly because I like him as a governor and feel that he hasn't had the full opportunity to really make a change and do some good for our state. This is just one more step back (or several)in the battle that seems to move forward so slowly. There are so many immoral acts that our politicians engage in, and I feel that sexual immorality is really the least offensive crime he could commit. It does not change my opinion of him as a governor, and I do feel it is a personal matter to be dealt with by his family.

Sent by Eliza | 9:14 PM ET | 03-10-2008

I am intriuged by the analysis by ajtp, as rhetorically it is so sound. The problem with rhetoric, as we all learn eventually, is that it doesn't allow for the ambivalency that is inherent in life. As children we believe that the world is black and white, as we mature we learn that people, and life, are more complex. Is Mr. Spitzer good at his job? (I don't pay attention, I live too far away.) Does his personal weakness make him less good at his job? If the prosecutors are to be held to the highest moral standard, what is the cut off? Speeding? Reckless Driving? Possession of an illegal firearm? Driving under the influence of alcohol? It amazes me, in fact, confounds me, that because this is prostitution rather than one of those crimes, so many people have their panties in a twist.

As I said before, there may be a question of judgment; how anyone who had offended so many in higher places could think they could get away with this particular crime is puzzling. I think it is a bit of a stretch to say that Mr. Spitzer completely (as all black and white analyses are absolute) lacks integrity.

Sent by Peggy | 10:22 PM ET | 03-10-2008

We should all legalized prostitution like Nevada. All hell did not broke loose when prostitution was legalize in Nevada.
Likewise, the entire country did not move to Nevada even thought they have legalized prostitution! Prostitution ( and marijuana) is just like alcohol and cigarettes, some like it, some abouse it, some just use it casually. Good ole' America is not going to hell if we legalized prostitution and marijuana.
By the way, Denver legalized marijuana, and the city did not go down hill!

In fact, the year they legalized marijuana, Colorado Springs, a well known conservative town, has a higher percentage increase in crime!

Sent by Independent | 10:39 PM ET | 03-10-2008

Interesting that in the several NPR reports I heard, none mentioned his party affiliation.... After looking it up I realized why.

Sent by Jeff Caspar | 10:44 PM ET | 03-10-2008

I just have to agree with "ajtp," because I think it is easy to get sidetracked by the sex aspect. This is not an issue of family values and human weakness. He broke the law.

If he had cheated with someone he was not paying through a prostitution ring, it would be an issue of morality and family values. Here, it seems the problem is his involvement with illegal activity. Our leaders cannot be expected to be perfect or morally blameless, but they can be expected to live lawfully. And if they disregard the law, they should be held accountable. It is a huge disappointment that someone who has done so much good, made this kind of mistake.

Sent by carrie | 11:17 PM ET | 03-10-2008

This man swore into office with his hand on the Bible. The same man swore himself into a bond of union with another person in the presence of God. We are all imperfect but we all have been given the abillity to decide between right and wrong. My 6 year old daughter understands it is wrong to do what he did, and ufortunatly she lives in a world that she understands that at this young of an age, but she does. The fact is people no matter what there political or social standing is, they are going to mess up. I may not be a college graduate, and all you out there that are correcting grammer on these blogs may have a field day with my writting do your worst, but the fact is people seem to think that more and more the bible is out dated and that we should'nt live by it's standards anymore. Why? Its a better way of life, im not saying Im perfect in any way, but I do what I can to live strictly by the bible. You can't take from it what you want as long as it suits your life syle. Read Ephesians 5:1-6, then read 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, after that read paragraph 11 and know that there is hope! Sorry to bible thump but there is right and there is wrong. Hopefully this man will choose right and do his best to mend his family.

Sent by j law | 11:51 PM ET | 03-10-2008

Spitzer has rendered himself ineffective as governor through his risky behavior, getting caught, and trying to wiggle out of the inevitable. The nation(citizens and press) focuses way to much on philandering and ignores the important issues: war, poverty, environment, exploitation, etc).

Sent by antoinette mcnichol | 4:20 AM ET | 03-11-2008

In rard to your drumbeat concetrning Governor Spitzer's failings, "let the person without guilt, cast the First Sone."

Sent by Bert W. Valdes | 8:29 AM ET | 03-11-2008

If someone feels it is ok to lie to their spouse they really can't be trusted.The spouse is the person you are to love and honor above all others. Saying everyone does it doesn't make it right! Where did he get the $4,300 for a prostitute and how many other times has he done it? I feel for his wife, who stood there with absolute pain on her face. I hope it was the only time and they can work it out but I don't believe that will be the case.

Sent by Carma | 8:48 AM ET | 03-11-2008

Be careful when looking into the abyss.

Sent by Anne K. | 9:10 AM ET | 03-11-2008

It just figures, I love it when all these law makers and enforcers get involved in all the activities they try and keep the "common People" safe from! While I think there are public safety issues with prostitution I do Not for one Second think the the government has the right to make it against the LAW. Especially when it seems they have no personal issue with the activities they stand so hard against. (for the common people) I usually dont post on this kind of stuff but, I"m really tired of the Omnipotent attitude "leaders of this country" have. I beg the leaders of this country to please stop trying to save my life and soul and allow me to live ! If a women choses to sell what she has to offer to me why should the state care? do the right thing and tax it you morons. Think of how much easier and safer it would be to regulate it rather then try and stop it.

Sent by Mike | 9:15 AM ET | 03-11-2008

I am disappointed to read and hear this incident reported as a relationship with a "high-end" or "high-priced" call girl. This is a descriptor that is candidly added by media almost as a supporting or mitigating factor. Does the fact that Gov. Spitzer paid more for this woman's body make it in any way less wrong? Are "high-end" prostitutes any less subjected to the physical dangers, psychological harm, and the inability to lead a normal life? This shows me that what upsets people about this story is the foggy idea that a person with responsibilities in the public eye has somehow been linked to a 'dirty' scandal - not the obvious problem that prostitution and the objectification of women is still a serious problem, even in this country.

Sent by Luise | 9:51 AM ET | 03-11-2008

unreal ...what a jerk ...this is one more reason that republicans will probably win the presidency again and witth the democratic congress we will have 4 more years of war ...deficits...and stagnation as very little meaningful legislation will get passed as mccain will vweto all democratic iniatives...

Sent by shoreguyy | 9:56 AM ET | 03-11-2008

When my wife and I got married I sat her down and said the following; if I am hungry, and there is no food in the house, I will go to a restaurant. If I am tired, and there is no place to sleep, I will go to a motel. If I am felling sexy and.........she said, "say no more, I get the message".
If a man or women has everything at home they want or need, they will stay at home.

Sent by DT | 10:00 AM ET | 03-11-2008

The most serious thing Spitzer did was to leave himself open to blackmail by organized crime, which obviously has it in for him anyway. I can't help wondering whether or not his immediate confession and apology are not linked to a refusal to be blackmailed.

I also can't help making a distinction between Bill Clinton's behavior and Spitzer's, with Bill taking advantage of his office for sexual favors and Spitzer going to a willing prostitute under an assumed name. As the oldest profession, no one has ever been able to stamp out prostitution, and literature is full of stories about "good prostitutes". Passion is an ordinary human weakness, and the fact that Spitzer obviously gave into its seductiveness doesn't make him any better or any worse than most of this world.
There's nothing cheaper than a prurient interest in other peoples' private lives. The best way to get rid of organized crime's involvement in prostitution is to make it legal, let women be regularly checked for sex related diseases, have them pay taxes and join the push for universal health care.
So he's not perfect. Give the guy a break.
Ingrid

Sent by ingrid bengis palei | 10:15 AM ET | 03-11-2008

The fact that Spitzer was with a prostitute doesn't vindicate the frauds and cheats on Wall Street.

Sent by Mike Fleissner | 10:26 AM ET | 03-11-2008

If our torturing, lying and incompetent president doesn't have to resign, I am not sure why Mr Spitzer does. At least he prosecuted rich crooks as well as poor ones. The Republicant's can't say the same that is for sure.

Sent by Michael Langdon | 10:37 AM ET | 03-11-2008

This is the guy who is supposed to UPHOLD the law, not break it. It is a federal crime to transport a person across state lines with the express purpose of engaging in prostitution.

No one is above the law. Not even you Mr. Spitzer.

Sent by Nancy | 10:48 AM ET | 03-11-2008

When are we going to get our faces out of other people's bedrooms? He cheated on her, the only person he owed allegiance to in this area. He didn't promise us, when he ran for office, to have sex with anyone specific. It is their business only.

And it was first report that he had a connection to a call-girl ring; sounded like he was running it, or an investor. He went to a prostitute. Between him and her, and his wife. I don't care.

Let him stay on and do his job to the best of his ability and I'll judge him on that.

Sent by SLF | 10:52 AM ET | 03-11-2008

How is this incident not directly correlated with his job? Spitzer got caught for doing something that he himself prosecutes others for doing!! That is the issue.

Sent by Laura | 12:16 PM ET | 03-11-2008

I really don't understand how anyone can separate "the man" and "the job" in this situation. His JOB is to uphold the law. He broke it. He is a miserable excuse for a man and isn't doing his job well.

No excuses. Not EVERYONE cheats. And quite frankly, if you don't believe you can be faithful - to your spouse or your constituents - then don't take the oath(s).

Sent by Emily | 12:17 PM ET | 03-11-2008

Governor Spitzer did a Jason Giambi. He apologized without saying WHAT he was apologizing for. Spitzer is a typical "do as I say, not as I do politician."He is a hypocrite of the highest order and cannot be trusted. With the prices of $1,000-$5500 per hour, and women being flown internationally, there is NO WAY that Organized Crime doesn't have its hands in this business. IF soliciting a $20 street prostitute can get you arressted,booked,fingerprinted, and photographed, why hasn't the same thing happened for a high priced prostitution bust?

Sent by Eric Leo | 12:20 PM ET | 03-11-2008

I find it interesting the the Republicans want to impeach Spitzer while leaving Larry Craig in office. They both are guilty of an illegal act, Craig was even found guilty in a court of law.Moral values must be different for those in your own party.

Sent by skip from Idaho | 1:36 PM ET | 03-11-2008

I simply ask for consistency--
Either ALL politicians doin' prostitutes resign or NONE of them resign.

Sent by Louisiana Democrat | 1:46 PM ET | 03-11-2008

I disagree with the assumption that Eliot Spizer's personal life has nothing to do with his political life. His behavior only goes to prove that he cannot be trusted - not by the citizens any more than he can be trusted by his wife. If he has that little regard for the marriage vows he made to his wife, is there any reason to believe that he would have any regard to the vows he made to the citizens of New York.

Sent by Marti | 2:29 PM ET | 03-11-2008

Eliot Spizer did more to help my retirement savings (410K & IRA) by kicking Wall Sts. but than anyone else in the country including the idiots in Washington DC. If NY is stupid enough to throw him out, I will be the first person in Massachusetts to donate to his run for the Gov. office here! Geo.

Sent by Geo. | 3:20 PM ET | 03-11-2008

I think the thing that offends me most about this is the hypocrisy. It just seems like such a dark, seedy deception. The recklessness with which he publicly trashed his family by engaging in this behavior is unforgivable. I don't think I'm holding him or any one else up to an unreasonably high standard by being shocked by this. He broke the law. He cheated on his wife. And at the same time he condemned others for the same behavior. Its despicable.

Sent by Tracey | 3:29 PM ET | 03-11-2008

He acted as a puritan. He needs to answer. Maybe taking down the other prostituion outfits when he was AG was only taking down rival gangs (Other competitors!!!!)to ensure more busuness for his group. This guy comes from a very wealthy family but makes people believe he is the average guy from the Bronx. Fake.

Sent by CNA | 3:31 PM ET | 03-11-2008

Thomas Jefferson had a mistress - at least one; so did FDR; so did Eisenhower; let's not discuss the Kennedys; President Clinton?? This isn't news. Go after them for graft; this behavior is unfortunate but it isn't news. His colleagues who are demanding his resignation had better check their own phones for taps.

Sent by Mickey Coburn | 3:37 PM ET | 03-11-2008

The sex is catchy. However, it is a red herring. Substitute tickets, trips, art, gifts or money for sex. The real story is about the unravelling of an otherwise successful leader.

Leaders ususally derail themselves with small events. Like Clinton, Nixon, Koslowski and Stewart before him, Spitzer injured himself with a small knife.

Those leders most likely to derail possess one or more of the following four characteristics.

HUBRIS - sourrounded by "yes men" (and women)who will not say no.
ZEALOT - promotes causes powered by emotion not reason
END ALWAYS JUSTIFIES THE MEANS - Results without regard to the cost
OVERDONE STRENGTH - strength becomes a weakness.

It seems the Governor may have scored in at least three categories.

Sent by Patrick Rowe | 4:13 PM ET | 03-11-2008

So, the news is all over two adults who consented to sex. However, our President whom is suppose to uphold the law wiretaps without a warrant, kidnaps people, tortures, ignores every piece of the constitution and the press does nothing. Maybe the media should be arrested for pimping out the truth.

Sent by Michael Langdon | 6:45 PM ET | 03-11-2008

His wife was in New York City for the benefit of the children. He was usually in Albany for the benefit of the government. DC where it apparently happened was not in New York City, of course, either.

They were each divided by his heavy responsibilities to his job in Albany and her heavy responsibilities to her job as mother of their teenage children going to school in New York City. He had heavy stresses as Governor. This is a situation made for trouble, not the stresses everyone has, and is understandable.

I think he and his wife need to learn to respect his need to have his wife with him as well as both their needs to have her with his children.

Sent by Jo Anne Karasek | 10:35 AM ET | 03-12-2008

A president who publicly condones torture, in a world where the U.S. was once highly respected and is now despised, or a governor who sees a prostitute and goes to great lengths to try and keep it secret. Who does more damage?

Sent by Peggy | 12:25 PM ET | 03-12-2008

His having a prostitute dosn't bother me its his paying the amount of money involved that gaulls me.

Sent by Ray Parker | 1:26 PM ET | 03-12-2008

Spitzer is now known to be a deeply flawed man with contradictory impulses, appalling judgement and self control, and inadequate conscience. Power does seem to corrupt, and he likey felt above the law. He is not an individual to be entrusted with governing in my opinion.

Sent by Martin | 5:10 PM ET | 03-12-2008

Jesus told the people...."Those of you who have not sinned may cast the first stone" WE are not Spitzer's judge! This is between him and GOD....Are any of us without sin? Think about it.

Sent by Philip | 2:05 PM ET | 03-16-2008