All these guys had widely publicized extra marital affairs, and the one thing they have in common is their power and popularity. They sure don't seem to have any trouble with the ladies, except perhaps having one too many. (Maybe more, but don't ask, don't tell.)
Dave Letterman's recent disclosure of a fling with a staff member was all we heard about for two or three days. A lot of attention was focused on the crime and the alleged blackmailer, however WSJ blog tackles the issue of whether there could be a sexual harassment case somewhere in the mix. See Stupid Human Tricks: On David Letterman and the Law which points out that simply having sex in an environment where there is a significant power disparity isn't enough to make a case. In a relationship such as this one a passive female might have been too afraid to say "no," but she also might have welcomed the excitement and possible opportunity such an affair might bring. It has happened before, ask Monica Lewinsky.
We regular guys watch it all from the bleachers as those guys get women to drop their worldwide pants. Marital infidelity aside, it all seems so normal. Just as the average fellow will feel a little something when a gorgeous women gives him a friendly glance, he's also no doubt noticed a change in the body language of his significant other if a famous guy gives her a welcoming sign.
No one is to blame, except perhaps our long ago ancestors who selected their mates on the same basis and sent that gene spiraling through the generations only to get noticed when celebrities' personal lives hit the headlines. Sometimes mother nature just grabs a body part and leads it's owner into dangerous territory.
While I certainly don't condone the behaviors that led to this, I'll give Letterman props for coming clean. I say, if ya gots the cojones to do the cheatin', have the cojones to man up to it!
This of course, is one of my biggest gripes about Clinton. Several times he was busted by the press about things which he wouldn't own up to. Had he simply spun the pot question with a downcast gaze and "Well, yes, I did smoke and inhale. It was one of the most stupid things I did as a young adult and I regret my foolish and reckless actions to this very day." there wouldn't have been anywhere for the attack dogs to go.
Likewise with his Lewinski infidelity - he wasted billions of taxpayer dollars and nearly 3 years worth of opportune time denying his deeds only to eventually 'fess up. Why didn't he just man up to begin with and avoid frittering away the majority of his 2nd term on frivolous nonsense?
So, as much as I have contempt for the misdeeds, I have even more for the lack of spine after the fact. Like I said, if you;re a big enough ol' boy to have extramarital fling, at least also be a big enough ol' boy to face the music head on if you get busted.
Posted by: Rob O. | October 04, 2009 at 05:35 PM
Letterman could have paid the blackmailer and hope to keep it a secret or come clean and put the best face on it. If his audience is still on his side then he did the right thing career wise.
Mrs. Letterman is an virtual unknown, but presumably she will take the Hillary Clinton approach to the hubby's dalliances.
Posted by: Geo | October 05, 2009 at 06:21 AM