Two very different situations. Allen chose a word poorly, but failed to recover effectively. He could have used some tactical skills for that situation.
Foley had a weakness that resulted in actions fundamentally inconsistent with conservatism. Conservatives do not flirt with kids young enough to be their children, let alone with members of the same sex. If Foley's homosexuality was well known he should have been ministered to, but also counseled to step aside. When someone has a moral conflict with the principle of their party, it is no different than any other conflict of interest situation.
If you are a democrat, it's perfectly consistent to have "flexible" morals. But if you claim to be a conservative, you must live as one.
[...If you are a democrat, it's perfectly consistent to have "flexible" morals...]
Awesome statement.
What has come back to bite is the idea that fiscal conservatism can cohabit with social liberalism.
SIDEBAR: Foley could have exposed the hypocritical four fingers pointing back to his fellow gay accusers.