Sorry, but I agree with Guiliani on this one. Everyone makes mistakes and these mistakes shouldn’t necessarily preclude someone from becoming president. It depends on the nature of the mistake, whether or not the candidate admits it, when (how long ago) it happened, and what the candidate has done since it happened. If Obama was using crack last week, that would be pretty serious. If he used it 30 years ago, hasn’t touched it since, and admits it was wrong, it changes things.
For example, consider Guiliani’s divorces. Divorce is generally a social ill. On the balance, it harms our society, so it’s a valid topic concerning Guiliani’s candidacy. The nature, number, and timing of the divorces as well as the candidate’s explanations for them should be carefully considered. Remember, Reagan was divorced. Past mistakes shouldn’t be ignored, but sometimes they deserve to be excused.
Bush DUI, e.g. Didn't sway my vote.
I agree with you. In fact I’m tired of ‘teflon candidates’ who are like nobody I know. They smoke but don’t inhale, they ‘lust in their hearts’ but never admit to more. Your second paragraph was relative there. Sure if someone is a falling down drunk today, then they shouldn’t be in an office. If on the other hand they overcame a drinking problem years ago what’s the big deal? That shows me a strong person who has stumbled, but recovered.
I’d sooner get behind a real person for an office instead of these people who seem so perfect that they seem phony.