Vitter v. Craig
Let's put a lid on something right now. Most think the reason the Republicans got Larry Craig's head on a pike but didn't call for David Vitter's resignation is that Craig was cruising for teh gay sex.
Wrong.
Republicans are craven. They don't necessarily care much about the gay issue beyond using it to get their hideous base to the polls. Many employ gay staffers and know it. Republicans would stand behind someone who fucked chickens if it meant staying in, or regaining, power.
No, this is primarily based on one thing. Vitter's replacement would be a Democrat. Craig's will be another paleolithic conservative Bush-enabling Republican.
Got it?
Expediency is the order of the day. There is a higher morality than mere plebeian morality; let's call it, Rovian morality.
Times like these kinda make you proud to be an American, no?
Posted by: Lisa | 09/01/2007 at 04:46 PM
I think that's a big part of it, but also Vitter is younger and played his hand a bit better long haul.
Posted by: Blue Gal | 09/01/2007 at 06:52 PM
oh yeah. Definitely got it. Right on!
Posted by: konagod | 09/01/2007 at 07:40 PM
Nail hit on head, my friend!
Posted by: catherine | 09/01/2007 at 07:49 PM
Yep. Another example of this phenomenon is the Mark Foley scandal. Hastert (the wrestling coach) knew for several years that Foley was going after young pages but did nothing to stop him.
Posted by: Comandante Agi | 09/01/2007 at 11:00 PM
Excellent point, sir.
Posted by: actor212 | 09/02/2007 at 01:24 AM
That's exactly it. And even despite Craig's "incident", if Republicans thought he could get re-elected he would have stayed in office. But the Republican leadership decided they would rather take their chances with a Republican appointee who will have a year to establish himself rather than stick with Craig.
What's more maddening is now the Republicans are running around saying "look how quickly we took care of 'our problem'...see, see! Republicans don't tolerate...."
Don't tolerate, what? Law breaking? See Vitter and Tom Delay (who stil makes the media rounds as a Republican Hero)
Don't tolerate teh gays? It's funny watching them make lemonade out of vinegar...you have to pour in A LOT of sugar.
Posted by: polishifter | 09/02/2007 at 02:55 PM
Got it.
Posted by: Professor Zero | 09/03/2007 at 01:24 AM
Got it.
Posted by: Professor Zero | 09/03/2007 at 01:24 AM