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Weinergate: Does Weiner Have Staying (In Office) Power?
By
Garth Johnston
Published Jun 7, 2011
Modified Jun 7, 2011
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By
Garth Johnston
Published Jun 7, 2011
Modified Jun 7, 2011
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Anthony Weiner has said he's going to stay firm in his decision not to resign—but do his constituents even want him? On the heels of Weiner's teary press conference yesterday, reporters rushed to the seven-term Congressman's Brooklyn and Queens district to find out what the people think, and the answers they found seem directly related to who was asking.
The Post, for instance, found a 37-year-old man livid that Weiner was excited to find "a Jewish girl who sucks d--k" telling the tabloid "He behaved as if he doesn't have Jewish voters to respect come Election Day." Murdoch's minion's also dug up folks who doubted the congresman's tears ("He didn't come across as sincere at all. I just didn't buy it.") and people appalled by the age of some of Weiner's sext partners ("Those little girls are my daughter's age," said one man who had voted for Weiner repeatedly, "he took full advantage of his powers to another level, like he wouldn't get caught.").
Meanwhile the Daily News, found a mixed bag in the district. For every person disgusted by Weiner ("I think he should be barred out of politics. He's disgusting and a pervert.") they seemed to find another who was less upset ("He was foolish, but he didn't commit any crimes."). And over at CBS the constituents were split on the issue. “I’m a little disappointed basically with his MO in regards to these things," one resident told them. "He’s a very well respected politician, especially in this area, and I’m somewhat taken aback by this whole thing."
Assuming he stays true to his word and finishes his term, the question now is what will this sext scandal do to Weiner's political prospects. And the short answer may very well be not much. Though some are saying that Weiner will now never be mayor it is worth noting that he will be just 57 come the November 2021 election. He has lots of time to keep trying. He even has time to brush himself off before the next congressional election. “In our day and age, a year and a half isn’t really quick,” former Republican National Committee research director Jeff Berkowitz told Politico. “There’s a lot of time for him to get back to work, focus on his constituents.”
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anthony weiner
Congress
election
political prospects
staying power
weinergate
Garth Johnston
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