"In 2000, for example, James Dobson issued a personal press release specifically to "clarify his lack of support for Senator McCain." "The Senator is being touted by the media as a man of principle, yet he was involved with other women while married to his first wife," Dobson said. He also cautioned that McCain's character was "reminiscent" of Bill Clinton's--possibly the ultimate insult in conservative circles."
Steve Benen, High Infidelity
High Infidelity
As Dobson frames the issue, infidelity is not about saints and sinners, it's about character. A candidate's personal life is perhaps the very best measure of his or her character. This is not about casting stones, glass houses and hypocrisy of those questioning a candidate's fitness, as they have not placed their character at issue by proclaiming they should be the next leader of the free world. It is solely related to character of the candidate.
Sadly, as brilliant as Newt is, he has twice broken marriages with his infidelity. Dictating divorce terms with the first wife while she was in the hospital recuperating from uterine cancer related surgery also reflects poorly on his character. The character issue causes me concern with Newt. This is truly a lesson that we should have learned from the Clinton administration.
You make some very valid points. I am content to let the process run its course and see how everything shakes out. If the Newt's the man then it will become clear as time goes on. It's a LONG time until the convention and the election. It would not surprise me at all to see someone we're not even talking about now in contention.
Ain't politics wonderful?