The end of a promising political career

Anthony Weiner has been the loudest liberal voice in the House during this time of Republican control. He didn't shrink from shrillness in criticizing Republican policies and behaviors. He was a protege of Senator Charles Schumer and was widely expected to be the next mayor of New York City.

And now he is a disgraced ex-congressman whose political career is probably over for good. And all because of that dangerous "Send" button.

Yes, when aired in the full daylight of 24/7 media coverage, it looks awful -- despite the fact that no crime was committed (as far as we know). And not even a single instance of "carnal knowledge" or actually touching any of the women he exchanged sexy messages and photos with. But in many ways it seems more shameful than knowing a political figure has had an affair. Maybe it's the details, the pictures.

Mostly he comes off looking juvenile, rapacious, and stupid. And, contrite as he appears to be now that he's been caught, he was also using a significant amount of denial of how damaging this would be politically -- not only to himself, but to the Democratic party and the liberal causes in which he had poured his life.

And all because of "Send." There's something about the ease of making contacts and having intimate conversations online, something that leads people to say things they might never say to a person's face. It may seem risk-free, until you hear something like this. If Weiner weren't who he is, it would be a non-story. People do this all the time, especially late at night when they're alone and often lubricated by alcohol.

But for a public figure to take suck risks, there has to be a level of denial about the risk. So is it sexual addiction? Maybe, whatever that means. Self-sabotage? Maybe, although that doesn't seem his pattern otherwise.

Whatever the internal conflicts that led to this, it's sad for Weiner, his family, his mentors and political allies, and his political party.

But he had to go. His scandal almost totally wiped out a week's worth of advantage the Dems had just gained from the upset victory in New York State to attack the Ryan budget/Medicare privatization plan and to gain control of the political message.

But Barney Frank survived something even more personally damaging: gay and guilty of allowing a gay hustler who lived with him to use his apartment for business trysts. And now Barney is the top ranking banking/finance person in the House.

Is it just different times? Were the Dems in control back then? I don't remember.

How many times have you hit "send" and immediately wished you hadn't?

Ralph