Edwards’ debt to Spitzer
John Edwards ought to send Eliot Spitzer a thank-you note for making him look … well, not good exactly, but at least a little less appalling.
As you surely recall, Spitzer and Edwards — two men of accomplishment and grand ambition — were both brought low by their inability to keep their pants on while in the presence of women to whom they were not officially betrothed. In Edwards’ case, it was a campaign worker/groupie named Rielle Hunter. In Spitzer’s case, it was an escort/hooker named Ashley Dupre. While the public hasn’t yet heard from Hunter, Dupre appeared on ABC’s 20/20 three days ago to describe about how an affluent, suburban New Jersey girl came to be a member of the oldest profession.
My confession: I watched the whole, tawdry interview. But my loathing for myself was nothing compared to the loathing I felt for Spitzer as I listened to Dupre talk.
When Spitzer arranged for Dupre to travel to Washington, D.C., eight months ago for a paid sex encounter, she was 22 years old, directionless and aimless, neither mature nor emotionally stable, and someone with a history of drug use. Spitzer was 48 years old, the governor of New York, and the father of three daughters. Still, he had no trouble treating someone else’s daughter, less than half his age, as a live-action sex toy. If that doesn’t sicken you, what will?
At least Edwards did his frolicking with a woman who was close to his age — Hunter, at 44, is only 11 years younger than the pride of Robbins — and for whom the word “victim” can’t be reasonably applied. Where Spitzer engaged in the worst kind of exploitation of someone who could barely be considered an adult, Edwards’ affair was simple, straightforward adultery with an equal.
There’s an unmistakable lesson here: Whatever your degree of vileness, it’s always helpful to have somebody even more loathsome around. You’ll look a little better by comparison.
November 24th, 2008 at 10:20 am
“Whatever your degree of vileness, it’s always helpful to have somebody even more loathsome around. You’ll look a little better by comparison.”
Obviously, people of both genders inhabiting all occupations cheat; however, there seems to be an inordinate number in the law profession who can be easily referenced just off the top of your head.
“….Spitzer engaged in the worst kind of exploitation of someone who could barely be considered an adult…..”
I know many will disagree with me here, but I consider a 22 year-old woman a total adult.
Certainly without the life experience of the men with whom she chose to service for money; however, don’t we all remember being 22?
I think women like Dupree have a habit of coming back with a soap opera script of “poor little lost me” after the fact….when all she should say is that “I liked the fast and easy money and that’s what I chose to do”.
Most nauseating is that many of these women suddenly identify and feel for the wives of these limp-noodled men.
Dan’s certainly right when he characterizes these men as low-life scum–or something to that effect. LOL!
I just get bored with women who all of a sudden become victims when the piercing lights of the media are shown on them.
November 24th, 2008 at 10:55 am
Damn the irony.
When our wives or significant others call us names like “limp-noodled” it only makes our noodles limper. Don’t you understand that name-calling of such a devastating nature serves only to drive us into the arms of understanding, adoring, open-minded, flexible, nubile, imaginative and patient women? Women who willingly subordinate their physical and emotional needs to ours - not unlike a marriage relationship I guess, but without all the arguing about money and farting in bed.
Good night nurse! You may ask how a comment so inappropriate finds itself into a Gearino blog? Well, the truth hurts, dammit (and I have no shame).
But show me a couple that makes no effort to suppress their flatulence in each other’s company - particularly in the marital bed, and I’m whistling THE THRILL IS GONE quicker than hubbie climaxes during their monthly conjugal bout.
And it may not surprise you to hear that I have no problem with the age of Spitzer’s strumpet. She’s legal (barely) and her tender age no doubt enhances her marketability. What, Spitzer was gonna violate the Mann Act shipping a 42-year old hooker across state lines? Not! He’s shelling out big bucks and jeopardizing his rep, marriage and career for a romp! Might as well make it a doozy.
And the fact that Ms Dupree has emotional issues is neither surprising nor Spitzer’s problem. I expect most who toil in the sex industry are mal-adjusted to some extent. Why would one do such as that if they weren’t?
Ah, the holiday season is nearly upon us. A happy Thanksgiving to one and all.
November 24th, 2008 at 11:49 am
Well now, John.
You do, indeed, have a talent for getting to the very bottom of life’s common denominators.
I won’t specify; however, we can all agree that when body functions such as the elimination process–in any form–is easily and comfortably displayed for another person to witness and endure…..
……the thought of romance will be forever eclipsed.
Who does that, anyway? !!!!!
No wonder there are so many unhappy married people.
What could be worse than being a captive to bedroom flatulence?
UGH!
November 24th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Enough of this victimhood business. Does there have to be a victim every time something goes wrong in this country? This 22 year old floozy is a full grown adult woman and she knew exactly what she was doing both then and now. She was pocketing large amounts of tax free cash while servicing Elliot Spitzer and no doubt many, many others. She’s still cashing in on her notoriety by whoring for ABC News. The most memorable thing for me about the affair was the amount that the New York numb nut paid her. This must be some kind of record. She should win the Princess of Poontang award!
November 24th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
As a sidebar, I think Spitzer’s wife is from North Carolina and the lovely couple supposedly have close friends in Chapel Hill.
Why didn’t Spitzer just visit the old massage parlor on Franklin Street during one of their visits?
Newspaper accounts of the place suggest that the management is very discreet.
LOL!!!
November 24th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
It’s tough all over.
Here’s one profession that’s seeing a decrease in pay: mistresses. A recent survey reveals that 80 percent of multimillionaires who had extra-marital lovers plan to cut back on their allowances, gifts, and perks, such as jet rides, resort vacations, and meals at top-notch restaurants.
Bummer.
[WSJ]