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Why Weiner Isn't Pulling Out
By
Max Rivlin-Nadler
Published Jul 24, 2013
Modified Jul 24, 2013
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Weiner via Daily Intel, Photoshop via Jen Carlson
By
Max Rivlin-Nadler
Published Jul 24, 2013
Modified Jul 24, 2013
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Anthony Weiner was back on the campaign trail today, once again telling New Yorkers that he's sorry for his past actions, but he will still totally be a great mayor who will never humiliate us by sending cockshots to anyone other than his wife. He quit all that, as of eight or nine months ago! (Okay there may be one or two more yet to surface... and he may or may not have sent out ONE LAST primo pic of his junk while his wife was droning on at yesterday's presser, but that was IT. Carlos Danger made him do it!) Anyway, this afternoon, he sent out a long email to his supporters about the recent sexting revelation, explaining his rationale for staying in the race.
But Slate has put together a very good timeline explaining Weiner's digital affair with Sydney Leathers, that shows he repeatedly lied to the press about whether he was done sending dick pics or having phone sex. While giving interviews about his new life as a father, Weiner was talking up a Chicago condo for himself and the young, liberal Feathers, as well as engaging in phone sex.
He was also writing things like this:
"i slide my cock into you slow at first. you are soo tight. and then harder. my balls slapping your ass. with each thrust you squeal a little. i start to fuck you so hard your tits almost hit you in the face. you reach back and spread your ass."
You bad, Anthony.
To his supporters, Weiner wrote,
Sending these embarrassing messages to women online, whom I never met, was a personal failing that was hurtful to my wife and a part of my life that Huma and I have put behind us. These things I did, as you have read in the papers, didn’t happen once. It was a terrible mistake that I unfortunately returned to during a rough time in our marriage. After a lot of reflection, some professional help, and a general reorientation of my life, Huma has given me a second chance. I will never stop being grateful for that.
Before and after announcing my run for Mayor, I repeatedly answered every question about these mistakes. I was clear that these relationships took place over an extended period of time with more than one person. I regret not saying explicitly when these exchanges happened.
He finishes the email by telling voters, "New Yorkers don’t quit, and I’ll never quit on you."
Other mayoral hopefuls have called on Weiner to drop out of the race (obviously), but Weiner seems willing to face the threat of further dick pic revelations (that The Dirty seems ready to post) and continue his campaign.
There are several reasons for Weiner to continue his campaign. First, Weiner is already locked into the ballot for the September 10th primary. He would have to actively tell people not to vote for him for the rest of the election cycle. Second, he's winning (according to some). It wouldn't be in a political beast's heart to leave before the new polls are in. Third, New Yorkers (and by New Yorkers, we mean the magical 25% of NYC voters Weiner will need for the runoff) might not care all that much about this sexting stuff. As we pointed out earlier, uber-popular Mayor Giuliani had a very prominent mistress during his time in office.
So will Weiner pull out? Depends on what other sexters come out of the woodwork, and whether there's any more pictures of Weiner's wood. But the sexts are pretty damning, and with more exposure, will likely drive his campaign to a premature climax.
Tagged
anthony weiner
carlos danger
Max Rivlin-Nadler
Max Rivlin-Nadler has been a contributor to Gothamist since 2013. He has also reported for the New York Times, NPR, and The Intercept. His years-long investigation into New York City's arcane civil forfeiture laws led to a series of reforms which altered a practice that had been taking millions from poor communities for decades. Recently, he brought back a surfing habit from a few years on the west coast, and would love to see you all out in the Rockaways.
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