Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) has acknowledged an extramarital affair with a staffer

[Bluesplayer]

Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) has acknowledged an extramarital affair with a campaign staffer in a statement released by his office. "I deeply regret and am very sorry for my actions," said Ensign. He is expected to announce the affair at a press conference at 6:30 pm tonight. The affair, which was with a woman who worked for both Ensign's re-election campaign and his Battle Born leadership political action committee, began in December 2007 and ended in August 2008. Ensign's wife, Darlene, said that the couple's "marriage has become stronger" and added: "I love my husband."

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/eye-on-2012/ensign-to-acknowledge-extramar.html?wprss=thefix

[Bluesplayer]

Ensign is a member of the Pentecostal International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, and is the only Pentecostal in the Senate. He attends a Foursquare church in northwest Las Vegas.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Ensign

[Details]

I always think these stories - unless it's someone who has been making a career out of prosecuting other's infidelities - are really pointless. This is his personal life, a personal error.

[Bluesplayer]

I always think these stories - unless it's someone who has been making a career out of prosecuting other's infidelities - are really pointless. This is his personal life, a personal error.

Normally I'd agree with you. But Ensign called for Clinton to resign before he was impeached, and when he didn't resign, Ensign voted to impeach him.

Following Ensign's own moral code, he should resign his own Senate seat.

[Details]

I wish both parties would adopt a "family values" plank, but irrespective of that, I just wish those who seek public office would at the very least uphold the oath of office they take and focus on working for the good of our country and not for their own power and interests.What they do in their private lives has nothing to do with their job in office, so long as they don't let it affect that.

I would love to hear his current response to how he justifies keeping his office, given what he's said in the past about Clinton - no doubt he'd have some excuse why this situation isn't exactly the same - but really - private lives don't belong in government - we should not be looking so much at that.

[Bluesplayer]

What they do in their private lives has nothing to do with their job in office, so long as they don't let it affect that.

I would love to hear his current response to how he justifies keeping his office, given what he's said in the past about Clinton - no doubt he'd have some excuse why this situation isn't exactly the same - but really - private lives don't belong in government - we should not be looking so much at that.

Do you mean we shouldn't be looking at it anymore? Now that it's the R's who are being exposed?

Without Clinton's impeachment, it is highly likely that Gore would have won the electoral vote, rather than just the popular vote. With Gore in office, there would have been no Bush, no Cheney, no torture, no lies to get us into a war in Iraq, no tax cut for the rich, no politicization of the Justice Dept, no reading of "My Pet Goat" in a 7-minute-long daze.

There is also a chance that had Clinton's anti-terrorism efforts been allowed to continue under Gore, led in the White House by Richard Clarke, we could have stopped 9/11. This is one of those "unintended consequences" of a political action such as impeachment for political/personal vendetta. Good job, republicans.

[Details]

Obviously, it does, for the very reasons that it affected this guy's job performance and Clinton's job performance. If you seek a position to serve your community, then that should be your focus. No one forces people into public office. A person should expect to be above reproach if they seek that position.


IMONo one is above reproach. And everyone sometimes has a private life impact their job. Were we not so insane on this issue, he wouldn't be needing to take any time off - just admit it happened to the wife, and work it out like any other marital issue.

Life and marriage is too complex to take a simple view on it (and no, I've never cheated - but I'm married, and it's no simple thing). I wouldn't be judging anyone without knowing every detail of the situation - and I won't know every detail unless I am one of the two people in the marriage.

[Susan43]

I honest to goodness don't care who sleeps with who. But I do care about the hypocrisy.

And I'm only surprised by this news because it's taken him so long to do it. He is one very handsome man and I'll bet he's had a ton of chances. THis is one good looking dude.

http://www.whorunsgov.com/@api/deki/files/16/=profile.John%2BEnsign.jpg

:biggrin:

[Bluesplayer]

Decreasing government exponentially would take care of just about every issue you just posted. Less government...less control over personal freedom. Less government...no need for lobbyist to buy politicians so they get the regulations that special interests want. Less government....less need for media to showcase them.

I do disagree with you on an unrelenting media, since our Founders felt it was the duty of the media to be a watchdog for the government. I know that is no longer the case, but that was the intention behind the First Amendment.

The key is getting the Supreme Court to rule that political donations are not expressions of free speech. Eliminate soft money, and the lobbyists are powerless, just like we are.

[Bluesplayer]

:biggrin: We need a few more Sotomayors, with empathy for the people.

I agree. 8 years of Obama, then 8 years of the next Democratic president might be enough to get rid of the Court's conservative majority once and for all.

[gamma]

Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) has acknowledged an extramarital affair with a campaign staffer in a statement released by his office. "I deeply regret and am very sorry for my actions," said Ensign. He is expected to announce the affair at a press conference at 6:30 pm tonight. The affair, which was with a woman who worked for both Ensign's re-election campaign and his Battle Born leadership political action committee, began in December 2007 and ended in August 2008. Ensign's wife, Darlene, said that the couple's "marriage has become stronger" and added: "I love my husband."

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/eye-on-2012/ensign-to-acknowledge-extramar.html?wprss=thefix

Whoops! It looks as though Republicans have the same problems some Democrats have. lol While I think everyone is entitled to forgiveness, and this is an issue between he and his wife, that has never been the policy for many with regard to President Clinton, or any Democrat, for that matter.

JMO

[gamma]

I have to disagree. If the government didn't regulate business, there would be no reason for businesses to hire lobbyists to push politicians into regulating business FOR the special interests or against the competitors of the special interests. The Unions, Banks, Telecoms, Steel Industy, Oil Insdustry, Green Industry, etc. all use Lobbyists to combat or influence government involvment in their respective businesses. Get government out and there would be no reason to lobby. Don't even have to get to the money issue.

Time to get over it. We are not going to get rid of the U.S. Government. I can't even begin to image the utter chaos this country would experience once there were no regulations or laws in place. Big business would be free to conduct business as unethically, and dishonestly as they'd wish.

JMO

[gamma]

I agree. 8 years of Obama, then 8 years of the next Democratic president might be enough to get rid of the Court's conservative majority once and for all.

I'm counting on that.

[MercedesV]

He has always seemed like a good guy.

He is also a vet.:smile:

Dr. Tiller was also a good guy and also a vet.

This situation, for me, falls into the " Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn." category. It's between he and his wife and the former girlfriend. It's for them to work out the best that they can. And standing up and doing a mea culpa publicly just seems so phony to me. The real question is how is he doing his job? Let the voters decide on that next time he is up for election.

Seems if anyone wants to see family values in action just look to our First Family.

[Bluesplayer]

Affairs do happen to good people. JMO

yeah - they just happen.....

As Susan said, it's the hypocrisy that bothers many of us. I'm a human being, so you can bet that if I was an elected leader, I would never even consider making any comments about the personal behavior of anyone, let alone vote in favor of issues that seek to moderate them, like the laughable Defense of Marriage Act. I would be setting myself up for criticism by doing so, plus it's none of my business.

He made it his business.

[theal3]

He went on TV in a press conference and admitted it etc. Guess it's between him and his constituents now. And he was a GOPer with Pres. aspirations. So much for that. It's the hypocrisy of it all.

[FallenAngel♥]

Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) has acknowledged an extramarital affair with a campaign staffer in a statement released by his office. "I deeply regret and am very sorry for my actions," said Ensign. He is expected to announce the affair at a press conference at 6:30 pm tonight. The affair, which was with a woman who worked for both Ensign's re-election campaign and his Battle Born leadership political action committee, began in December 2007 and ended in August 2008. Ensign's wife, Darlene, said that the couple's "marriage has become stronger" and added: "I love my husband."

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/eye-on-2012/ensign-to-acknowledge-extramar.html?wprss=thefix

Correct me if i'm wrong but it's this the same guy that was on tv almost everyday scream for Clinton to be impeached or step down?

[Susan43]

I lean towards agreeing with you -- just as I did believe Bill Clinton's indiscretions should have been between himself, Hillary and yes Chelsea because children are affected by affairs. The only issue I would have is if the indiscretions were paid for with taxpayer's money as was proven with Rudy G. JMHO

How was the affair found out about if anyone knows?

Hi Athena :seeya:

While the Clinton/intern issue was going on I spent quite a bit of time out of the country. And I'm telling you it was embarrassing. Not that it happened but that such a big deal was made over it, as if we were all a bunch of children. It was absolutely none of our business and it should have stayed between their family.

Tweety is on right now and they're discussing this issue. All men of course. They're trying to figure out whether or not Ensign can now run for president with this "scandal" out in the open. Sheesh! The consensus seems to be he can't. And with all the prudes in this country, they're probably right.

What's that line about puritans?

Puritanism: The haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may be happy.

H. L. Mencken

IMO we still have a lot of puritans in this country.

[beattherap]

I always think these stories - unless it's someone who has been making a career out of prosecuting other's infidelities - are really pointless. This is his personal life, a personal error.
too much tv for me i guess... infidelity brings to mind potential for extortion, blackmail, improper influence, etc... can't say i know of that happening, but ...
imo.

[Susan43]

Seriously NOT looking to be knocked around by AARP nor am I indicating people over 75 lack mental competence, but there is some cause to give thought to limits on judicial appointees.

As an old person I'm not the least bit put out by your post. During the primaries last year I was called an ageist because I thought McCain was too old. And I agreed...I am an ageist. So I would have no problem with age limits.

However I am against term limits. I think that's what elections are and I dislike the idea that if I have a critter that I really like and votes the way I like that there is a law that I can't re-elect them back into office. Just kicking someone out of office and putting someone new in doesn't mean we will get a better critter, just a different one.

[LisaM22]

Normally I'd agree with you. But Ensign called for Clinton to resign before he was impeached, and when he didn't resign, Ensign voted to impeach him.

Following Ensign's own moral code, he should resign his own Senate seat.

interesting, if that is true, then he should do as he has told others to do and resign

[LisaM22]

Decreasing government exponentially would take care of just about every issue you just posted. Less government...less control over personal freedom. Less government...no need for lobbyist to buy politicians so they get the regulations that special interests want. Less government....less need for media to showcase them.

I do disagree with you on an unrelenting media, since our Founders felt it was the duty of the media to be a watchdog for the government. I know that is no longer the case, but that was the intention behind the First Amendment.

like what, what part of government do you want to see less of?

the government needs to be for the people first, corporations need rules set up by the people that they must follow, different stages of corporations need more government, monopolies of course need the most regulations of all and abusive monopolies need to be broken up into baby corps

[IndyRepub]

Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) has acknowledged an extramarital affair with a campaign staffer in a statement released by his office. "I deeply regret and am very sorry for my actions," said Ensign. He is expected to announce the affair at a press conference at 6:30 pm tonight. The affair, which was with a woman who worked for both Ensign's re-election campaign and his Battle Born leadership political action committee, began in December 2007 and ended in August 2008. Ensign's wife, Darlene, said that the couple's "marriage has become stronger" and added: "I love my husband."

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/eye-on-2012/ensign-to-acknowledge-extramar.html?wprss=thefix

"Nevada Sen. John Ensign admits affair; sources say blackmail involved"

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0609/23813.html#ixzz0Idn6rDhp&C

:ohmy:

[Machete]

After first hearing this story breaking on radio news, then reading about it, a couple of things came to mind.

I can't think of a single politician who has come forward to say they were guilty of adultery, simply because they woke up feeling guilty. I believe they do it when, someone found out and is going to reveal it anyway (to the media or in a book), or someone is attempting to extort funds or favors from them in exchange for silence. Maybe even a paramour's threat to go public or inform a spouse. So, what truly made him come forward?

The second thing that came to mind is, I can't recall a married, female politician coming forward with an admission of infidelity. Maybe someone else can?

[IndyRepub]

After first hearing this story breaking on radio news, then reading about it, a couple of things came to mind.

I can't think of a single politician who has come forward to say they were guilty of adultery, simply because they woke up feeling guilty. I believe they do it when, someone found out and is going to reveal it anyway (to the media or in a book), or someone is attempting to extort funds or favors from them in exchange for silence. Maybe even a paramour's threat to go public or inform a spouse. So, what truly made him come forward?

The second thing that came to mind is, I can't recall a married, female politician coming forward with an admission of infidelity. Maybe someone else can?
Extortion was involved. If he didn't admit the affair, his ex-"girlfriend" (or her husband) would've come out about this since he wouldn't give her any money.

[IndyRepub]

Are those two facing charges for extortion?
The article doesn't say.

[LisaM22]

Extortion was involved. If he didn't admit the affair, his ex-"girlfriend" (or her husband) would've come out about this since he wouldn't give her any money.

is that a fact or alleged by the one admitting to the adulterous affair?

[IndyRepub]

is that a fact or alleged by the one admitting to the adulterous affair?

"Sometime later, a Nevada source said, Ensign met with the husband of the woman involved and had what this source described as a positive encounter. Sources said that the man subsequently asked Ensign for a substantial sum of money – at which point Ensign decided to make the affair public. In his Las Vegas press conference, Ensign declined to give specifics about the woman involved but did say she and “her husband were close friends and both of them worked for me.”

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0609/23813.html#ixzz0Idn6rDhp&C

[LisaM22]

"Sometime later, a Nevada source said, Ensign met with the husband of the woman involved and had what this source described as a positive encounter. Sources said that the man subsequently asked Ensign for a substantial sum of money – at which point Ensign decided to make the affair public. In his Las Vegas press conference, Ensign declined to give specifics about the woman involved but did say she and “her husband were close friends and both of them worked for me.”

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0609/23813.html#ixzz0Idn6rDhp&C

this story might get interesting.... obviously something made him decide to be honest and admit to his affair, so I could see this happening - sad that both the husband and wife worked for him and were close friends and he still had the affair with the man's wife, but if he black mailed him for money, he broke the law, wonder if they could be considered a crime of passion - jmho

[IndyRepub]

this story might get interesting.... obviously something made him decide to be honest and admit to his affair, so I could see this happening - sad that both the husband and wife worked for him and he still had the affair with the man's wife, but if he black mailed him for money, he broke the law - jmho

Yeah. I'm sure he didn't decide to admit to this affair out of the goodness of his heart. He can kiss his chance at the '12 nomination goodbye.

[IndyRepub]

He is, of course, a hypocrite: "Turns out that Sen. Ensign (R) is a longtime member of "Promise Keepers."

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2009/06/guess_that_didnt_pan_out.php?ref=fpblg

[gamma]

Normally I'd agree with you. But Ensign called for Clinton to resign before he was impeached, and when he didn't resign, Ensign voted to impeach him.

Following Ensign's own moral code, he should resign his own Senate seat.

Pot, meet Kettle

He sure did call for Pres. Clinton's resignation, as did good "ol Newt. lol I think it's hypocritical and a double standard. JMHO. It seems that as long as a liberal is involved, it's wrong, but if it's a right wing GOP member, it's quite OK. Personally, I would think they would realize the embarrassment involved when the "pot calls the kettle black".

IMO

[gamma]

He is, of course, a hypocrite: "Turns out that Sen. Ensign (R) is a longtime member of "Promise Keepers."

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2009/06/guess_that_didnt_pan_out.php?ref=fpblg

Say it's not so. He's a member of Promise Keepers? WHOOPS!

I believe he has broken several promises, but especially Promise #3 and #4:

PROMISE 3
A Promise Keeper is committed to practicing spiritual, moral, ethical, and sexual purity.

PROMISE 4
PROMISE 4
A Promise Keeper is committed to building strong marriages and families through love, protection and biblical values.



http://www.promisekeepers.org/about/7promises

[gamma]

this story might get interesting.... obviously something made him decide to be honest and admit to his affair, so I could see this happening - sad that both the husband and wife worked for him and were close friends and he still had the affair with the man's wife, but if he black mailed him for money, he broke the law, wonder if they could be considered a crime of passion - jmho

I'm not inclined to believe that story, and I'm never going to believe anything Ensign ever says again, for obvious reasons.

IMO

[gamma]

too much tv for me i guess... infidelity brings to mind potential for extortion, blackmail, improper influence, etc... can't say i know of that happening, but ...
imo.

Nice try. lol

IMO

[LisaM22]

gamma, that is too funny about the promise keepers, talk about hypocritical, maybe he should worry about himself rather then others

[gamma]

I watched the CBS News earlier, and saw Ensign giving a speech about his affair, his behavior, etc. He was reading it. It would seem to me that something of a personal nature such as cheating on one's wife with a friend's wife, would prompt one to be able to speak straight from the heart, not a piece of paper.

I think what Ensign regrets most is being caught/exposed because if I were truly sorry about anything, I wouldn't need to read it, it would come from my heart.

JMHO

[vonna]

Too bad about Sen Ensign, as he had a fairly progressive record. Affair? Again, I could care less. If he should seek office again, my contention would be the hypocrisy and lack of empathy he showed another in a similar situation. The sort of bad judgement that would cause me to be concerned about his ability to "handle the heat" that descends on a president.

Very well stated. I couldn't agree more. This guy sounds the way Newt Gingrich did in a similar situation.

[vonna]

:blushing: Thank you.

Age limits vs term limits, another good topic.

But, before I owe Bluesplayer yet another apology .... these critters of which you speak ... Congress Critters? I would like to observe the elected ones show some sense, regardless of age. IMO? Ensign's mistake was not having an affair, but his treatment of another years earlier.

I disagree. Both were mistakes.

[IndyRepub]

Well, he just resigned from GOP leadership post. http://www.startribune.com/nation/48245602.html

[Martek]

Another typical Republican hypocrite. The "do as I say, not as I do" party. The party that doesn't "walk the talk". Typical...

[Gloworm]

Pot, meet Kettle

He sure did call for Pres. Clinton's resignation, as did good "ol Newt. lol I think it's hypocritical and a double standard. JMHO. It seems that as long as a liberal is involved, it's wrong, but if it's a right wing GOP member, it's quite OK. Personally, I would think they would realize the embarrassment involved when the "pot calls the kettle black".

IMO
Not defending Ensign here, but Clinton was impeached not because of his sexual indiscretions, but for charges of perjury, obstruction of justice, and abuse of power. Much more significant behavior than his regular dalliances.

[ABC]

From what I have read, the Senator was seperated from his wife over the time period of the affair. Sad if his career ends like this but probably will. Sin City taxpayers are not too forgiving.

[Details]

There are many good people in politics. Think what our country would be like if not! Cynics are just as wrong as people who are too naive. I go for the middle path. And I know there are many good people with good intentions in politics. But the issues are never so simple as we'd like to think.

[LisaM22]

Not defending Ensign here, but Clinton was impeached not because of his sexual indiscretions, but for charges of perjury, obstruction of justice, and abuse of power. Much more significant behavior than his regular dalliances.

he was attacked for not admitting it when republicans attacked him for having an affair, republicans made "it" an issue

[ridrea]

I get what you're saying and I'm a cynic myself but I think I could think of many Politicians who gave more than they took:

JFK (probably through no fault of his own) and RR come to mind.

And of course those of way back who got us where we are - there are so very many.

I agree with the essence of your post, though.

:smile:



I agree for the most part and I'm sure there are some good honest ones but seems so many of them have at least some little bone in their closet. If Reagan was ever unfaithful to Nancy, I don't want to know it.
I guess I was saying that I am not shocked at anything that comes out anymore.

[ridrea]

Snipped

So, you have some kind of proof to show us that every politician in the U.S. has had, or is having an affair? That's a bit slanderous, isn't it, not to mention a lie.

jmo

Careful who you call a liar! Stop baiting!

[ridrea]

No baiting here. Please provide a link to back-up the statement you made that every politician has had or is having an affair. You made the statement, not me. What's the problem asking for validation?

BTW, the statement is NOT true, but I never called any poster a name, much less you. I know the TOS and always TRY to obey them.

jmo



What do you call it then? You said what I posted was a lie!
I didn't say they all had had an affair, didn't you catch the word 'yet'?
You're looking for trouble but you won't find it here!

:seeya:

[ridrea]

YOUR post speaks for itself:


:patriot:

They haven't been caught 'yet' if they haven't done it yet...right!! Give it up! No wonder your nics don't even last 24 hrs.!

:seeya:

[lunchlady]

The Promisekeepers thing is the best part IMO. And the best friend part is also pretty good. Infidelity is tacky, but those two elements really increase the tackiness IMO.
I guess I'm old fashioned but marital strife doesn't impress me as an excuse for infidelity. Make a clean break and then go shopping. But cheating is about getting something extra, not playing by the rules.

[justaguy]

Hi Athena :seeya:

While the Clinton/intern issue was going on I spent quite a bit of time out of the country. And I'm telling you it was embarrassing. Not that it happened but that such a big deal was made over it, as if we were all a bunch of children. It was absolutely none of our business and it should have stayed between their family.

Tweety is on right now and they're discussing this issue. All men of course. They're trying to figure out whether or not Ensign can now run for president with this "scandal" out in the open. Sheesh! The consensus seems to be he can't. And with all the prudes in this country, they're probably right.

What's that line about puritans?

Puritanism: The haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may be happy.

H. L. Mencken

IMO we still have a lot of puritans in this country. hi susan. i think sometime during the craig thing i just lost my taste for outrage . i just came to view it as more pathetic than anything else. and after my guy, john edwards revealed such an atrocious side of himself, it sure aint just republicans. i know he is a hypocrite, but who of us hasn't been. and some of my BIGGEST changes in personal viewing of the world and..lessening in my judgement of it..have been after i have been caught ..or found myself doing ..things i would have been unhappy if i found someone else doing. i guess i hope he reconsiders what is worth condemning...and what is just going "good gosh that was stupid"..and whistling on by.
he didn't really hurt anyone but himself and his supporters...i leave it to them to decide. i guess i am gettin soft in my increasing age and bodyfat.

[Details]

Yeah, but I'd side with the cynics.

Someone has to do some oversight - don't you think?

:smile:You can do oversight best with your eyes open - they're closed when you believe always the best or worst of people.

Fact is - most people are good, and even more than that have good intentions - even if they fail sometimes. So a reasonable middle approach is the standard - trust, but verify. Take them as a good person - because most will be - but watch what they actually do.

Cynics think the clean politician is just a dirty one that hasn't been caught - and as such they tend to excuse dirty politics from the false view that "everyone's doing it".

[justaguy]

And all of the charges were a direct result of the affair. Never met a man or woman who would admit they were having an affair when asked. :shrug:
me either..unless it was brad pitt...lol have a good afternoon,athena

[LisaM22]

so he has affair with his employee and hires her husband and her son to work for him as well and he is friends with them, sad... how did he look the husband and the son in the face everyday, or for that matter himself in the mirror ever morning?

[LisaM22]

And all of the charges were a direct result of the affair. Never met a man or woman who would admit they were having an affair when asked. :shrug:

not unless they are being blackmailed or know they can't hide it anymore anyways

[TBIBeg]

Another typical Republican hypocrite. The "do as I say, not as I do" party. The party that doesn't "walk the talk". Typical...


Deomocrats don't have affairs? :confused: and lie about them?

[LisaM22]

Deomocrats don't have affairs? :confused: and lie about them?

do they preach Christian Family Values like this man did? democrats that cheat are wrong too, but the poster was just saying with this man you add hypocrite to the list as well

[Tracian]

he was attacked for not admitting it when republicans attacked him for having an affair, republicans made "it" an issue


Well, he still lied, and used his position as President, for crediblity, to call a woman a liar.

Kinda like I tell my kids, the truth may sting, but a lie will kick your....

You get the picture.:biggrin:

[Tracian]

do they preach Christian Family Values like this man did? democrats that cheat are wrong too, but the poster was just saying with this man you add hypocrite to the list as well


Oh come on...What about Edwards, standing by his wife suffering from cancer, using he illness to promote his own campaign, and it turns out he is a creep.

I find all these people equally despicable in their own special ways.

[Tracian]

And all of the charges were a direct result of the affair. Never met a man or woman who would admit they were having an affair when asked. :shrug:


As the leader of our Country...IMO, he has a duty to be an example and not call another person a liar, using his credibility as POTUS.

It showed a lack of character, IMO. Those that supported him would have still done so, if he just fessed up; and those that wanted to bring him down, so to speak would have crashed and burned.

It's kinda like when a defense attorney puts his client on the stand, they try to bring up all the bad stuff to take the wind out of the sails of the SA.

[LisaM22]

Oh come on...What about Edwards, standing by his wife suffering from cancer, using he illness to promote his own campaign, and it turns out he is a creep.

I find all these people equally despicable in their own special ways.

I said it was wrong, but it is different then judging others marriages and then cheating on your wife too, it makes it not only wrong but hypocritical too and for this guy, having an affir with the guys wife and having her husband and son on his payroll just is sick, would you want to work for the guy after that, or have your wife or daughter work there? or for any of these cheaters for that matter

[Tracian]

I said it was wrong, but it is different then judging others marriages and then cheating on your wife too, it makes it not only wrong but hypocritical too


They are all hypocrites, just depends on in what way.

Edwards told the world how devoted he was to his wife...

Ensign was horrified by Clinton's dalliance..

[LisaM22]

Affairs show a lack of integrity on any person that has an affair because they have broken a contract - a commitment to their spouse. Again, President or not; Democrat or Republican or whatever -- NEVER met a man or woman that will admit they were having an affair unless there are extenuating circumstances such as in this case that Ensign was threatened with blackmail and Clinton because of entrapment. As I type this there are hundreds of men and women right now having affairs who will NEVER admit it until they are caught! In the words of Richard Pryor who got caught in bed with another woman by his wife "Woman, do you believe me or your lying eyes?"

IMO it should be a personal issue between a husband and woman. As I've said before affairs do happen between good people who made poor choices. The reason Ensign is being called a hypocrite is because he is also a member of Promise Keepers (Men of Integrity) and was very vocal in the attempt to outst President Clinton.

"People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones". JMO

PROMISE 3
A Promise Keeper is committed to practicing spiritual, moral, ethical, and sexual purity.

PROMISE 4
A Promise Keeper is committed to building strong marriages and families through love, protection and biblical values

http://www.promisekeepers.org/about/7promises

yep, I think he will be booted from that religious group (Promise Keepers) - jmho

[Tracian]

Affairs show a lack of integrity on any person that has an affair because they have broken a contract - a commitment to their spouse. Again, President or not; Democrat or Republican or whatever -- NEVER met a man or woman that will admit they were having an affair unless there are extenuating circumstances such as in this case that Ensign was threatened with blackmail and Clinton because of entrapment. As I type this there are hundreds of men and women right now having affairs who will NEVER admit it until they are caught! In the words of Richard Pryor who got caught in bed with another woman by his wife "Woman, do you believe me or your lying eyes?"

IMO it should be a personal issue between a husband and woman. As I've said before affairs do happen between good people who made poor choices. The reason Ensign is being called a hypocrite is because he is also a member of Promise Keepers (Men of Integrity) and was very vocal in the attempt to outst President Clinton.

"People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones". JMO

PROMISE 3
A Promise Keeper is committed to practicing spiritual, moral, ethical, and sexual purity.

PROMISE 4
A Promise Keeper is committed to building strong marriages and families through love, protection and biblical values

http://www.promisekeepers.org/about/7promises



Oh ITA about living in glass houses, and the Promise Keepers...Uh....well...(if you can't say something nice LOL)

Regardless of what group wanted to oust Clinton, it is not what made him lie; it was a very poor attempt at CYA.

I really felt sorry for Monica, she was young and had stars in her eyes, our President went to the national media and called her a liar, she was ridiculed, she was called names, she was attacked by Clinton supporters....I am not sure, but did he ever even apologise?

Just because Ensign has proven to lack integrity, IMO, does not excuse the lack of integrity that Clinton showed, to be honest, I expected more from him.

[Tracian]

yep, I think he will be booted from that religious group (Promise Keepers) - jmho

Aww...he will sob and beg forgiveness, ala Jimmy Swaggart, and all will be forgiven..:rolleyes:

[Tracian]

Never said Clinton got a pass. Please re-read my post

Sorry -- I have NO sympathy for Monica L. as I don't for any "other woman" that knows the man they are sleeping with is married before entering the relationship. She made a poor choice as well. Her anger should be directed at "Linda" The only one that receives empathy from me is the spouse that is cheated on and any children they may have. JMO


Well, Monica didn't make a promise or exchange vows with Hilary. I don't blame a woman if she is single, who knows what 'pillow talk' was going on. She was young, and he knows how to work it...so to speak, she was not the first, it seems.

But regardless, Clinton had no right to make her first the 'liar' and then the 'villian' in this whole mess.

[Tracian]

Nobody can top Ensign who is a member of PROMISE KEEPERS. Biggest hypocrit of all.

MO


Well, I think it is pretty bad to cheat on your dying wife, while using her illness to promote your own campaign...but that is just me.

[Tracian]

We will have to agree to disagree. :)


Agreed :wub:

[LisaM22]

Aww...he will sob and beg forgiveness, ala Jimmy Swaggart, and all will be forgiven..:rolleyes:

maybe he can become a born again virgin, I hear some churches offer that service now

[Tracian]

PULEEZE. ML had a definite agenda, and in fact, made a lot of money off of exposing this deal. I have never believed for one minute that her "Friend" betrayed her. It ws a set up from the beginning, I'm sure. IMO

I've always wondered if the GOP was behind the set up? I'm still curious about that. IMO




Yeah, Clinton was a pure as the driven snow before the GOP planted Monica, the intern into his grasp...the poor guy didn't have a chance...:rolleyes:

[Tracian]

BAck to the subject.

This thread is about Ensign, not anyone else, and IMO, he is the biggest hypocrit of all. A member of "PROMISE KEEPERS"????????? It doesn't get much worse than that. IMO

I'm of the OPINION that those who run around professing to be saints, generally are the biggest non-saints. JMO


It is your opinion that he is the biggest hypcrite of all...I think he is neck in neck with others.

[Tracian]

Yeah right the GOP used this child to setup the most powerful person in the world, he was the victim. :w00t:


Kind of Biblical...

Daniel slew Goliath with a rock, and the GOP attempted to slay Clinton with a......a young girl that he thought 'rocked'

:laugh:

[LisaM22]

I think the husband should of called that show cheaters, that would of been payback enough imo

[Tracian]

I think the husband should of called that show cheaters, that would of been payback enough imo



You got something there...'Cheaters, the Political edition'

Now that would be entertaining...:lol:

[LisaM22]

You got something there...'Cheaters, the Political edition'

Now that would be entertaining...:lol:

yeah it would, lol, and it might even scare some straight

[LisaM22]

WHOOPS!

"The first public statement from the woman who had an affair with Nevada Sen. John Ensign suggests more is brewing behind the Republican lawmaker's neat account."



http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/06/18/statement-ensign-ex-mistress-suggests-details-emerge/

Normally, IMO, the fact that another guy had an affair is of little interest to me, but the fact that this guy has advanced his career on the backs of others he has demeaned for the same thing, or less, I feel it's of vital importance.

IMO

hmmm, so the husband found out and went to the media and the media contact the adulterer and he decided to go public so he could be the first to tell the first, like a cheater is gonna be honest just cause they got caught?

[LisaM22]

Just curious.

Would you feel the same way if the Senator's name was Ted Kennedy (who, if I'm not mistaken, then and now pretended to be a Roman Catholic)?

(I've got a little bucket here where you can drop whatever you feel is kind of hypocritical in before you answer)

:smile:

pretended to be a Catholic, is that like cheating on your religion?

[vonna]

hmmm, so the husband found out and went to the media and the media contact the adulterer and he decided to go public so he could be the first to tell the first, like a cheater is gonna be honest just cause they got caught?

I guess it didn't matter to him that their 19-year-old son had been on the Senator's payroll while the wife was having the affair - and when that ended so did the job for the son.

[Truberry]

Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) has acknowledged an extramarital affair with a campaign staffer in a statement released by his office. "I deeply regret and am very sorry for my actions," said Ensign. He is expected to announce the affair at a press conference at 6:30 pm tonight. The affair, which was with a woman who worked for both Ensign's re-election campaign and his Battle Born leadership political action committee, began in December 2007 and ended in August 2008. Ensign's wife, Darlene, said that the couple's "marriage has become stronger" and added: "I love my husband."

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/eye-on-2012/ensign-to-acknowledge-extramar.html?wprss=thefix It's really sad when the country is falling to ruins and being destroyed by the obama administration and his congress.. the media can only report on an affair.. good grief.

[Tracian]

hmmm, so the husband found out and went to the media and the media contact the adulterer and he decided to go public so he could be the first to tell the first, like a cheater is gonna be honest just cause they got caught?


Kinda like I said about a lawyer putting his client on the stand and getting all the nasty stuff out on their terms.

[Martek]

It's really sad when the country is falling to ruins and being destroyed by the obama administration and his congress.. the media can only report on an affair.. good grief.

Sorry, I have no cry-rag out for that one. Maybe a miniature violin...

I remember the name KENNETH STARR and all the daily REPUBLICAN MUD about the Lewinsky scandal. Let them hypocrite Republicans reap a little of what they have sown!

IMO :p

[YoYo]

Husband of ex-mistress (through lawyer) demanded money.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090619/ap_on_go_co/us_ensign_affair

[Martek]

What part of POTUS doing what he did in a restroom off of the Oval Office to a 19 year old Intern didn't you get?

:confused:

What part of "them Republicans are hypocrites and this is an example of them showing their hypocrtical ways" did you not get?

:confused:

[Carol25]

The new oath of office:

I do solemnly swear that I will support bipartisanship and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; stop wasting taxpayer money and offering earmarks; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same and to my spouse during office; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter without taking bribes: So help me God.

Any who breaks this oath will be immediately terminated from their position.

[Not Telling]

The new oath of office:

I do solemnly swear that I will support bipartisanship and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; stop wasting taxpayer money and offering earmarks; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same and to my spouse during office; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter without taking bribes: So help me God.

Any who breaks this oath will be immediately terminated from their position.

bear true faith and allegiance to the same what?

[Not Telling]

Ummmm.... perhaps you should read the oath that senators must take when they enter office. The Senate Oath of Office:
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God. I could point you to Google if you need help. :read:

Carol, I thought you did an excellent job.

I did read it... That's why I know that her version doesn't make sense...and is wrong...

When it says that "I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same".... It is referring to bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution.... So, you can't put, "stop wasting taxpayer money and offering earmarks;" in between supporting and defending the Constitution and that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.... Otherwise, you are saying you will bear true faith and allegiance to stop wasting taxpayer money and offering earmarks instead of to the Constitution...

[Carol25]

This blackmailing thing doesn't say much about the ex mistress's husband now does it? Just how long did he know about this affair. This story could really develop into a more interesting story.

Ensign really had a hard decision to make.

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D98U0B380&show_article=1

[Carol25]

I did read it... That's why I know that her version doesn't make sense...and is wrong...

When it says that "I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same".... It is referring to bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution.... So, you can't put, "stop wasting taxpayer money and offering earmarks;" in between supporting and defending the Constitution and that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.... Otherwise, you are saying you will bear true faith and allegiance to stop wasting taxpayer money and offering earmarks instead of to the Constitution...

I was just playing, trying to put in some important challengs to integrity, without changing the oath too much. You would have really gotten after me when I was trying to put in the phrase, "doing the nasties in airport bathroom stalls", wouldn't you? lol!

[Carol25]

Ummmm.... perhaps you should read the oath that senators must take when they enter office. The Senate Oath of Office:
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God. I could point you to Google if you need help. :read:

Carol, I thought you did an excellent job.
Thank you, CBHope!

[Carol25]

Are we supposed to believe Ensign's story about being blackmailed by his Mistress's husband? That's so laughable. As if he's an honest, and truthful man, and his ethics are beyond reproach.

I don't buy it for one minute. If he was indeed blackmailed, the authorities had better arrest the Mistress's husband pronto. :lol:

MO
That's what we'll be waiting to see. That's a wild accusation and easily proven if he has the letter.

[Lyndawitha"Y]

This whole thing has gone beyond having an affair..and I am sure it will all eventually come out..I dont give one hoot who sleeps with whom..but so many other questions have now come to light surrounding just this guy..Name calling other transgressors is not helpful..in fact for me it seems to come down to excusing this sorded story...and why??would anyone want to condone this guys behavior whatever side you're on..Affairing is only one issue..I'm humming about the other more important issues...

Am I wrong, doesnt the GOP stand for all that this guy ISNT?..Wasnt this guy on that list of possible Representatives to become the next Republican nominee??..Boy, oh boy if he is representative of the "Creme de la creme"..I do believe there is some housekeeping necessary for RNC/GOP leaders to do..Course that only my sense of this whole mess!!

LMS

[Carol25]

When you ask "doesn't the GOP stand for all this guy ISNT?..." are you
implying that the Dems have lower standards?

:confused:
I knew someone was going to grab onto that, but to be fair, she has her right to her opinion and she did qualify it by saying, "Course that only my sense of this whole mess!!", which most posters don't have the courtesy to say. JMO

[Lyndawitha"Y]

When you ask "doesn't the GOP stand for all this guy ISNT?..." are you
implying that the Dems have lower standards?

:confused:

I am NOT IMPLYING anything..only that since Sen.Ensign is republican that he is a representative of that party and their standards..Bringing Dems into this is not applicable..

Guess you havent noticed???..I am not American..so have no dog in the race one bit..In fact, I am Conservative up here Federally..and Liberal Provincially..I tend to go with the "Platform" of the person I vote for..Not cowtow to "Partylines...

LMS:sneaky:

[Lyndawitha"Y]

I knew someone was going to grab onto that, but to be fair, she has her right to her opinion and she did qualify it by saying, "Course that only my sense of this whole mess!!", which most posters don't have the courtesy to say. JMO

Carol..TY for acknowledging just where my intention was and is..I was only trying to give an "Outsiders" perspective to this message board.no more no less...LOL..My some are really in truly senseeteeve!!

LMS:ohmy: