It IS okay to not call for Weiner's resignation.

It is particularly true if you never called for the resignation of the loose zippered repubicans either.

I have called for resignations for actual crimes and such. (Yes, some moral failings are also criminal acts.) But if it is largely a matter of the big head being unable to control the little head, I'm the sort of person who mostly yawns - unless harm was done.

For example - Strauss-Kahn is alleged to have done a criminal act, and he sounds like a criminal. Newt sounds like a sleaze bag, but not a criminal. Arnie is a sleazebag *and* a muscle head, but I never called for him to resign. (I hope Maria ruins him.) Clinton was a pig, but never worth impeaching. The list is long of politicians who really did nothing more than indulge their desires instead of exercising self control.

I suspect a lot of us have a sufficiently consistent history regarding our outrage to be okay with Anthony continuing to serve if his constituents will have him.

I voted for both Gerry Studds and Barney Frank after their big right wing trumpeted scandals and was delighted when both held on to office.

I feel about this the way I felt about the Clinton thing---a monumentally stupid thing for a man who knew the right wing was actively gunning for him to do but sexual stupidity is normal human behavior and I never vote for saints, only for pols that will stand with me from time to time instead of only for the rich and powerful.

David Vitter: From Wikipedia
D.C. Madam

In early July 2007, Vitter's phone number was included in a published list of phone records of Pamela Martin and Associates, a company owned and run by Deborah Jeane Palfrey, also known as the "D.C. Madam", convicted by the U.S. government for running a prostitution service. Hustler identified the phone number and contacted Vitter's office to ask about his connection to Palfrey.<18><19> The following day, Vitter issued a written statement:
“ This was a very serious sin in my past for which I am, of course, completely responsible. Several years ago, I asked for and received forgiveness from God and my wife in confession and marriage counseling. Out of respect for my family, I will keep my discussion of the matter there — with God and them. But I certainly offer my deep and sincere apologies to all I have disappointed and let down in any way.<20> ”

The statement containing Vitter's apology said his telephone number was included in phone records dating from his days as a member of the House of Representatives.<6> Phone records show that Vitter's number was called by Palfrey's service five times, the first on October 12, 1999, and the last on February 27, 2001.<21> Two calls were placed while House roll call votes were in progress.<22><23>

On July 16, 2007, after a week of self-imposed seclusion, Vitter emerged and called a news conference. Standing next to his wife, Vitter asked the public for forgiveness. Following Vitter's remarks, Wendy Vitter, his wife, spoke. Both refused to answer any questions.<24><25><26>

Just like he said in his press conference, he does not really know if they are underage, just what they said online. That is one thing I think was the STUDIDIST thing he did as it could turn out one was/is underage. That and then lying about it when he got caught.

However, at this point I don't think he should resign. Stupid and sad though.

does not know how old the people were. I hope not, but it is what I first thought.

the only difference is when they are claiming family values and moral superiority and trying to tell me how to live my life... like marriage being between a man and a woman... but even then i really think it's between them and their wife/husband unless they've committed a crime or covered something up.

He's a fucking idiot for what he did, but I don't think he should resign.

... and jointly call for America to focus more on the problems facing America and less on partisan distractions, and both apologize for contributing to the problems. That might send a strong message to the media and the rest of the space to stop the partisan crap and BS that fuels the corporatists stranglehold over all of us and the downfall of our country.

Won't happen, but I think that might be a way to start helping restore faith in the government, and might rescue some of the image of both Weiner and Vitter, if they were seen to put country ahead of their flawed selves.