Lawrence O'Donnell on Weiner: 'Voters Need to Realize Sex Doesn't Matter'
While much of the media have actually been doing a fairly good job reporting Congressman Anthony Weiner's (D-N.Y.) sex scandal, most of MSNBC's commentators have been doing what MSNBC commentators do best - defend anyone with a "D" next to his or her name.
Such was the case Wednesday evening when "Last Word" host Lawrence O'Donnell told his viewers, "Voters need to realize that sex doesn't matter when it comes to casting their votes" (video follows with transcript and commentary):
LAWRENCE O’DONNELL: Republicans have a much tougher time surviving so-called sex scandals because they spend so much time preaching against the kind of behavior they then get caught doing themselves. So Republican careers die this way because the politician stands convicted of hypocrisy, and because the politician’s career has been largely supported by people who actually believe that family values is something you can vote for. The constituents of liberal Democrats are under no such delusion. Anthony Weiner can easily be re-elected in his district no matter what he tweets, and nothing has developed in this story so far that would prevent him from being elected mayor of New York, a job for which he is more than qualified and well-suited. New York voters know that there is nothing that should matter to them in this Twitter story as voters. Sure they might find some fun gossip material in it, but as voters they are smarter than the political media that thinks there is something terribly important about Anthony Weiner to be learned from his Twitter account.
We can only hope that the majority of American voters are not far from understanding that human sexually is just that - human. That it comes in as many variations as there are people. That there is no particular form of sexuality, no particular level of promiscuity, or no amount of abstinence that makes someone better at thinking about what our tax rates should be. Voters need to realize that sex doesn't matter when it comes to casting their votes. Luckily for Bill Clinton enough voters came to that conclusion just in time to make him president and to re-elect him. The maturation curve of the American voter is obviously running a bit higher than the maturation curve of the American media. We will continue to dwell on sexcapades long after the American voter considers them irrelevant to the question of how to govern the United States of America.
So this is what a socialist thinks about sex and politics:
- Promiscuity and infidelity are nothing to be concerned with when judging the character of a person being bestowed a position of tremendous power
- Family values isn't something you can actually vote for
- A 46-year-old man married for less than a year sending lewd pictures to a 21-year-old college student (assuming that's what Weiner did) is by no means an indication of his character or how he might use his position of power as an elected official.
If this is where America is going, our society is in far more trouble than the imminent financial crisis associated with Social Security, Medicare, and exploding budget deficits.
- Noel Sheppard's blog
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Comments
obamas' defeat will be sweet
Submitted by gAMEoVER on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 11:13pm.
REALLY ?
O'Donnell's new career?
Submitted by Dave81 on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 11:15pm.
When did O'Donnell take to preaching? Apparently reporting news now involves informing people that their morals and personal values are wrong and outdated. Good to know!
When a Republican is involved
Submitted by kg on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 4:10am.
When a Republican is involved in a sex scandal the modicum of morals they have left tells them they should step down. This upsets the Democrat media because when a Democrat is involved in a sex scandal they lie and hang on to their position for dear life regardless of the consequences.
"DumbAssity of Dope"
Crazy Larry's Mantra
Submitted by HockeyKid on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 11:17pm.
"Voters need to realize that ___ doesn't matter when it comes to casting their votes."
In this episode, it was sex. Stay tuned to watch Larry fill the blank with all the other things libs want voters to ignore:
In other words, Lean Forward America, the Democrats are comin'!
"Beauty is only skin deep, but liberal's to the bone." - me
Sex doesn't matter? Um, Rep.
Submitted by Van Halen on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 11:23pm.
Sex doesn't matter? Um, Rep. Lee was out of his seat in mere hours because of his shirtless pic. Talk to Schwartzenegger if you need confirmation. And if that doesn't convince you Larry, go look at the headlines today generating the most views -
1) The continuing economic collapse.
2) Weinergate.
Yeah
Submitted by killa37 on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 11:32pm.
Yeah Larry.................you're half right. Sex doesn't matter if it involves a lib or a Democrat, regardless of the situation. It matters a LOT if you're a conservative or a Repulican, regardless of the situation.
Can we count Arnold as a Republican? He is certainly not...
Submitted by jawebster1 on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 2:18am.
getting away with it. O'Donnell, like most Liberals, says whatever he needs to say in order to protect his side no matter the circumstances. Their philosophy is, Liberals can do no wrong and Conservatives can do no right. That is why no one should ever believe what a Liberal commentator like O'Donnell has to say...about anything!
→ Sex doesn't matter
Submitted by Cool Arrow on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 11:57pm.
I'm sure Lawrence has permission from his life partner to say that.
Right. It Doesn't Matter
Submitted by CSnord on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 11:55pm.
So, according to this nimrod, we are supposed to believe that a man who willing to sell out his own wife for a younger bit on the side will be completely honest and will at all times uphold the interest of the people who elected him. The morons who vote for liberals might smoke that, but no reasonable person would.
I sort of agree
Submitted by shawn. on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 12:09am.
If I found out a politician is unfaithful and honest and remorseful about what he did. It would not bother me if they were honest about it and not a hypocrite about It like Spitzer and prostitutes. What people do with their own social affairs unless they are physically abusive really does no concern me.
However this Weiner guy if found guilty should go because he is obviously hiding something and being evasive.
Lucky for Bill Clinton
Submitted by nkviking75 on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 12:44am.
"Luckily for Bill Clinton enough voters came to that conclusion just in time to make him president and to re-elect him."
Luckily for Bill Clinton his War Room was able to cast enough doubt on the rumors about his promiscuity that, combined with Ross Porot siphoning GOP votes and weak GOP candidates, Clinton was elected twice. It's also lucky that the Lewinsky story didn't surface until after his reelection. People clearly think the Lewinsky affair is a true story and that Bill can't keep it in his pants. It's also lucky that the standard for conviction on impeachment charges is so high and that Democrats are too partisan to let the evidence sway them to convict.
If there was any justice, Clinton would have been jailed for perjury, and Wiener would be under investigation right now.
“Always love your country — but never trust your government!" -- Bob Novak (1931-2009)
When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.
Time to stand up Larry and be counted
Submitted by Injest on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 1:15am.
"Lawrence O'Donnell on Weiner: 'Voters Need to Realize Sex Doesn't Matter'"
They do Larry.
They also realize that hacking a Federal government site is a Felony. Impersonating a US Congressman is a Felony.
Larry, if we take Weiner at his word, then we must assume that our Federal government has been compromised at best and under attack by person or persons unknown, possibly a hostile government.
The Obama admin is trying to make the case that we should respond to a cyber attack with real missiles!
Did you get that Larry? Its been on the news!
If Weiner is lying then he has committed a Felony, making a false complaint about being attacked to cover his own stupidity....... Oh wait, he hasn't/won't file an official complaint, Hummm could Weiner be an agent for some hostile government?
Weiner has also accused Dan Wolf of being behind the attack he won't file charges on?
He is accusing a US citizen with crimes that could put Dan Wolf in prison for life.
On what planet in what country is this acceptable behavior for a leader?
Its wayyyyy past time for Weiner to come clean on this.
Call the FBI, they can get to the bottom of this in no time.
If Weiner is telling the truth and Dan Wolf or someone else has hacked his account, prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law! Make an example out of him. Put him in prison for life.
If Weiner is lying, prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law! Make an example out of him. Put him in prison for life.
Weiner has made this bed its past time for him to lay in it.
Larry this is not about sex, it is about national security, honesty in our government.
Who could be against this?
Time to stand up Larry and be counted, where do you stand?
The left seemed to think it
Submitted by rbosque on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 1:25am.
The left seemed to think it mattered when they tried to slime McCain with a non-existent sex scandal.
Uh, there's a difference I think...
Submitted by Chris Norman on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 1:54am.
Some married politician having an affair with a consenting adult is bad enough - but a congressman sending photos of his crotch to a college girl isn't just about "sex" - it has the "that's sick" factor - and I don't care what letter is after the congressman's name...
"...a congressman sending
Submitted by classicliberal2 on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 10:45am.
"...a congressman sending photos of his crotch to a college girl isn't just about 'sex' - it has the 'that's sick' factor - and I don't care what letter is after the congressman's name..."
It has a distinct creepy vibe to it. There is, however, no reason to assume this was anything other than what Weiner said it was--a prank pulled on him.
No reason to assume
Submitted by Model850 on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 4:42pm.
There is, however, no reason to assume this was anything other than what Weiner said it was--a prank pulled on him.
That would be a lot more credible were it not for the fact that Weiner -- as far as I know -- still has yet to outright deny the picture is of him.
A US congressman doesn't know whether or not he's ever taken (or had taken by someone else) a picture of himself in his underwear?
That seems to me to be a pretty good reason to assume there's more to this than Weiner is admitting.
There's probably a story
Submitted by classicliberal2 on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 5:24pm.
There's probably a story behind the pic itself that he'd rather not publicly share, something done in private for laughs that is embarrassing if made public. The woman to whom it was sent doesn't even know him, and unless we're to believe Weiner is a lot more odd a fellow than he's ever shown any evidence of being, that means it's very unlikely he intentionally sent it to her. "Intentionally" is an important word, there, too. He may not be the most tech-savvy fellow in the world. The more negative characterizations of the incident seem the absolute least likely scenarios.
Now Weiner admits to everything.
Submitted by Tailgunner on Wed, 06/08/2011 - 10:12pm.
Time to crawl back in from that limb you've been out on trying to defend this sleazy lying Democrat pervert and sexual harasser.
CANDIDATE Obama: 'Yes, we CAN'.
PRESIDENT Obama: 'BECAUSE we CAN'.
Actually it's premature to
Submitted by Beukeboom on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 4:54pm.
Actually it's premature to assume it was a prank as well. So far nothing substantive in the way of evidence has been released. Considering Weiner's rather dubious reputation for being less than honest, taking his word for it would be foolish.
Hmmm seems like someone's liberal hero
Submitted by gmaniac1 on Tue, 06/07/2011 - 5:42am.
was caught with his pants down.
Any more scenarios in defense of the Weiner?
...But lying about sex does matter unless you are a...
Submitted by jawebster1 on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 2:06am.
Liberal Democrat like Bill Clinton, then you can and will get away with it. Unlike Clinton, Weiner is such an obnoxious character that he may be the exception and might not get away with it. Only extreme far left wierdos like O'Donnell from the Liberal media will stick up for him, most will probably not.
jawebster---
Submitted by matthewdean on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 2:12am.
"obnoxious" is the perfect word to use in describing this guy.
MD
Hell, this prick gives
Submitted by killa37 on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 2:35am.
Hell, this prick gives 'obnoxious' a bad name!!!! I'd pay to give him a couple of crisp, swift cracks!!!
Vice President John Edwards?
Submitted by Truestar on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 3:05am.
My god, does OD not have the aptitude to listen to himself?
I'll cite one flaming example that OD has conveniently, and perhaps delusionally ignored-former DEM vp candidate John Edwards. Can this idiot OD honestly believe that all the sordid and seamy twists and turns of his sex scandal---which disturbingly bled over into his political life---mean nothing to Dem voters because, well, "it's just sex"? After all, Edwards is a stand up Dem, a guy who wants to help poor people, and just do all that's good in the world. So to OD, who I presume supported Edwards as a candidate, if it weren't for the media's "obsession" with sex, he'd be fine and dandy with the likes of Edwards in high office. WOW.
Edwards is such a stand up guy.
Submitted by ahusser on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 5:05pm.
Cheats on his wife who at the time had cancer.
Covers up same. and now is facing indictment:
"(From the HuffPost 5/25) RALEIGH, N.C. — The Justice Department plans to bring criminal charges against John Edwards after a two-year investigation into whether the former presidential candidate illegally used money from some of his political backers to cover up his extramarital affair, a person familiar with the case said Wednesday."
also from the same article:
"Federal authorities have been investigating the former North Carolina senator's campaign finances, focusing heavily on money from wealthy supporters that allegedly went to keep mistress Rielle Hunter and her out-of-wedlock baby in hiding in 2007 and 2008 to protect Edwards' White House campaign from a career-ending scandal."
Sex scandals can make one do funny things like lie and cheat (and steal) and cover up stuff. Lots of honesty and integrity on display. But you know sex doesn't or shouldn't matter (sarcasm).
The extramarital affairs of President John F. Kennedy
The extramarital affair(s) of Gary Hart and last but not least our serial rapist in chief
Bill Clinton. I always wonder about the mindset of people who engage in such behavior when they know that it could end or severely tarnish (if you are a Democrat) their careers. I am sure they are tirelessly working for the public good while chasing nookie.
"Somehow, I told you so, just doesn't quite say it." Will Smith in 'I, Robot.'
Sex, or sexual harassment?
Submitted by big.league.slider on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 3:51am.
Since Rep. Weiner used a communication system under federal control, to transmit a lewd image to a female that apparently did not request it, doesn't that at least constitute sexual harassment?
Not to mention that it might be an interstate crime, since the lewd image was sent from DC to Washington state?
Or even the fact that the image was sent via a device that is being paid for by the US taxpayers?
"Anthony Weiner can easily be
Submitted by poseA on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 5:47am.
"Anthony Weiner can easily be re-elected in his district no matter what he tweets, and nothing has developed in this story so far that would prevent him from being elected mayor of New York, a job for which he is more than qualified and well-suited."
This tells me all I need to know about his constituents.
In the words of Congressman Weenie himself
Submitted by gmaniac1 on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 6:00am.
I can "definitely say" that sex does matter as evidenced by hoe I mean how much of a story this has become. Go back to spoutin off about socialism numnuts;)
No, Larry, sex doesn't matter.
Submitted by johnsonl on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 6:24am.
Nobody cares what goes on in one's bedroom, behind a closed door. Keep it there and it won't matter. If this guy takes a picture of his underwear and sends it out over a social networking site, how can we expect him to display any kind of discretion as a congressman? If a person can't keep their pants on, how can anyone take them seriously?
Larry, the problem that voters don't like is lack of morals
Submitted by TheHistorian on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 6:37am.
What we as voters have found is that people who are immoral when it comes to sex will also be immoral when it comes to their behavior in office. Or maybe you can name even one who was sexually immoral but who was moral?
Clinton, Kennedy, Weiner are three that leap to mind.
C'mon, Larry, prove the converse.
Dennis Prager
Good summation, Noel
Submitted by Galvanic on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 11:02am.
Weiner will certainly get re-elected in his district, just as Frank gets re-elected in his, and Rangel gets re-elected in his, etc. Voters are free to make these choices.
But O'Donnell's "sex don't matter" declaration doesn't wash with many of us, and that's because in the end, I want to believe that the person I'm voting for can be trusted to perform as he/she promised. And if that person's spouse can't trust him/her, how can I?
Just ask Maria Shriver.
In the case of Weiner, I do question the judgment of a 46 year old married man sending lewd photos to a 21 year old co-ed. Weiner is not only a narcissist, he's a case of arrested psychological development; he behaves like a spoiled teenager. If that makes him qualified to be mayor of NYC as O'Donnell claims, I'm glad I don't reside in NY.
What is it about the north?
Submitted by johnsonl on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 4:56pm.
Too much industrial waste in the water?
The O'Donnell Argument:
Submitted by Comrade Jim on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 8:54am.
Democrats don't preach against lying, stealing, cheating, betrayal, ...., so they can't be held responsible for lying, stealing, cheating, betrayal, ....
Two words...
Submitted by Quasi-socialist on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 8:59am.
Mark
Foley
That was a never-ending Dem media-fest. When they never (ever) made it clear whether or not he was texting somebody under or over the age of 21. An ex-page can easily be a full-age adult.
I'm sad Incestmo is missing out on all the Weinergate action.
Submitted by SickofLibs on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 8:59am.
I feel he really could have brought a different perspective to the whole thing.
Ditto for you, Zippers. Hee hee.
Perspective, or
Submitted by Boudin on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 9:07am.
Angle?
sex doesn't matter
Submitted by jessieH on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 9:42am.
It has nothing to do with sex. It has everything to do with morals, honesty, pride, common sense and honor. Weiner has none of these qualities. Throw the bum out!
sex only matters if
Submitted by ohio granny on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 9:49am.
Sex only matters if a Republican is involved and is used to destroy that person. DemocRATs have no morals or standards (except power), so therefore no scandal can touch them, especially not one of a sexual nature.
DemocRATs = liars, cheats, crooks and thugs.
So did Lawrence O'Donnell
Submitted by Beukeboom on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 10:01am.
So did Lawrence O'Donnell take a similar stance with Rep. Christopher Lee and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger? Of course not. Another liberal hypocrite at MSNBC. Who knew? /sarc
Creepy...
Submitted by adamsmith on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 10:43am.
I don't care if someone agrees with everything this Socialist weirdo says, he's the creepiest guy on TV. Maybe the Big Head on a tiny body. The way he speaks is creepy as hell. Something tells me his mom and dad were brother and sister......
Don't tell me what to think.
Submitted by telecaster on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 11:35am.
It's because sh_t -for- brains like Larry presume to tell voters what's important and what's not, all the while groveling at the feet of Obama that will unseat the president in 2012. These lefties think they're doing a favor for Obama and the Dems when in fact while desperately defending both they pull back the curtain to the looney, oily, progressive padded room of their world. The fact that Larry lightweight is still shilling on cable proves that despite their majority on television, the left will lose because their Chicago politics, their billion- trillion dollar, nanny state agenda, their loser philosophy are as empty as Larry's suit.
couldn't have happened to a nicer guy
Submitted by sometimesright on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 11:42am.
after hearing this man arrogantly shoot down ANYONE who disagrees with him i can whole-heartedly say it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. i listened to him argue with a conservative opponent and he arrogantly told him in so many words...."i was there in the debate, you DON'T know what you're talking about" "i know better than you what's best for the country" ect...
he has such a high insufferable opinion of himself it was sickening. he doesn't debate, he just says you're not qualified to debate with HIM. to see him twist in the wind like this gives me a warm fuzzy feeling inside. the media have no choice but to be critical of this given the ridiculous answers he's given in his defense. thanks for reading! i'm long winded today.
O'Donnell is right...
Submitted by Bill Brasky on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 12:02pm.
Sex doesn't matter in voting. However, honesty, integrity, class, values and principles do. Weiner has exposed himself as unfit for office. And not just by the act of sending his penis pics to a college student. Look at the the combative, illogical, stubborn way in which he lies about this incident. Now imagine you are trying to work with this fool on the people's business in Washington. Get the F out Weiner, you are a disgrace.
"Lawrence O'Donnell on Weiner"
Submitted by retrocon on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 12:12pm.
seriously?
"...stand up Larry..."
c'mon!
"Bill Clinton"
really?
this post is degrading quickly.
The left never gets it...
Submitted by apf2 on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 2:19pm.
It is about character and competence.
Character:
1) If he'll lie to his wife, why wouldn't he lie to us?
2) If he doesn't respect his recent vows how much less does he respect his promises to the constituents?
3) If he thinks he is so powerful that he can ride roughshod over his wife, this young girl, and the voters, what else does his power tell him he can do?
Competence:
1) If he let's the little head think for the big head, how can we expect him to do what he's supposed to do?
2) If he can't control this piddly situation, how can he be trusted to deal with real heavy-weights (like Chavez, the idiot in Iran, etc.)? I know is just a measly congressman--and he doesn't even measure-up at this level!
3) Do I even need to mention his stupidity for trying to use a technology which he obviously doesn't grasp?
In the end, Weiner is just a very little man who finds himself in shoes much too large...
But to liberals, those
Submitted by Beukeboom on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 3:38pm.
But to liberals, those questions don't matter regarding other liberals.
However when the liberals apply those questions to conservatives it suddenly is earth-shatteringly a huge deal.
Liberal hypocrisy in action.
"O'Donnell on Weiner" HA!
Submitted by almostacowboy on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 3:24pm.
I hear Larry really likes Weiner. Almost as much as he likes Dick ......Durbin.
Having morals doesn't mean
Submitted by nanabanana on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 4:12pm.
we don't make mistakes. Happens - we're all human. As for Weiner, or anyone else, if you pull this crap in private, I have to wonder if you aren't "screwing" US! But apf2, you expressed it a whole lot better than I have.
'Scuse me but if Weiner DID
Submitted by Beukeboom on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 4:29pm.
'Scuse me but if Weiner DID send the photo, that really cannot be considered a "mistake." A mistake is something occurring by accident sans intent -- a blunder. Sending a lewd photo intentionally cannot be considered a mistake. Stupid? Yes. Mistake? Not really.
I have no stomach for liberal
Submitted by deerjerkydave on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 4:39pm.
I have no stomach for liberal media hypocrisy. If they're going to crucify Republicans over minor sex scandals like Larry Craig and his foot tapping, or Mark Foley and his page boy emails, then they need to get out the hammer and nails when a liberal Democrat like Weiner does it too.
------------------------
"The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the Federal Government are few and defined. Those which are to remain in the State Governments are numerous and indefinite. -James MadisonLarry Baby-
Submitted by JIMMY1660 on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 7:07pm.
Character-integrity do matter.
Would you want this guy married to your sister/daughter,
i think not
if you do, you are a scum bag as well.
My 'mistake', Beukeboom - wrong word.
Submitted by nanabanana on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 7:15pm.
Stupid works for me, though. I was using 'mistake' more as a general description re our humanity, not as a literal description of the stupid crap he pulled. Gotta be more careful. Sorry.
Someone needs to send O'Donnell's daughter a picture...
Submitted by Tailgunner on Thu, 06/02/2011 - 7:39pm.
...of similar content.
Will O'Donnell be as 'tolerant' when it's HIS family being targeted?
This is proof Weiner is guilty. Libs aren't denying it anymore.
Liberals all go out and tell us 'everyone' sends pictures of their hard-on to young girls...especially Democratic politicians...and it's OUR problem if we get offended.
Libs are so good at spreading propaganda that they can excuse negligent homicide and a career in the Ku Klux Klan.
BUSTED. GTFO, Weiner.
CANDIDATE Obama: 'Yes, we CAN'.
PRESIDENT Obama: 'BECAUSE we CAN'.
THIS from the guy that skewered Newt Gingrich?
Submitted by 1dottiemarty on Sun, 06/05/2011 - 10:31am.
Remember that ridiculous thing he did to Newt? About cheating on his wife? And NOW sex doesn't matter? We're all human? Really? Does anyone recall the coverage of Newt having the nerve to buy his WIFE expensive jewelry? But a prominent married D congressman e-mailing his junk to parent's young daughters, while claiming his accounts have been illegally HACKED? Nothing to see here..move along...he's qualified to be Mayor of New York. New Yorkers, respectfully WTF? Chuck Schumer, Nadler, Bloomberg, Weiner, etc.