Resign, Mark
By Will Folks
“It was the last thing I ever expected to hear, and he was the last person I ever expected to hear it from.”
That’s been my quote, and by now I can reflexively regurgitate that response to any of the dozens of national reporters, producers and other circling vultures who have descended upon Columbia, S.C. to pick at the painfully lurid details behind the sudden, surreal fall of South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford.
I can also reflexively regurgitate that response to dozens of friends and family who have been calling me today asking if I’m “alright.”
Of course I’m alright.
Why wouldn’t I be?
I didn’t cheat on my wife. I didn’t ditch my family on Father’s Day. I didn’t deliberately deceive anybody who works for me. I didn’t come right up to – if not cross – the line when it comes to using taxpayer resources for what was clearly personal (i.e. “risky”) business.
Most importantly, though, I didn’t selfishly betray a reform movement that absolutely, positively must succeed if South Carolina is to ever lift itself up from these same old, status quo bootstraps that have held the state back for decades.
Mark Sanford, on the other hand, is not “alright.”
He’s hating life on all of those fronts, as a matter of fact.
Sure, he’s the first guy to ever – and I mean ever – pull back the festering scab of South Carolina’s corrupt, wasteful, backwards government and let the disinfecting sunlight of common sense come shining in.
Say what you want about his strategic shortcomings – and we’ve said plenty – but as governor, Mark Sanford has used the only power available to him under our state’s antiquated Constitution (the “bully pulpit”) to fight for South Carolina taxpayers with an intelligence, earnestness and consistency that may never be duplicated in our state’s history.
Ever.
That’s why it’s so sad that he’s now “throwing it all away,” as Phil Collins would say.
On a personal level, Mark Sanford is the guy who gave me my big break in politics. He’s someone whose brutal, demanding management style instilled a work ethic in me that’s directly responsible for all the success I’ve had in this venture and all of my other professional endeavors.
Or at least half-responsible …
As it happened, there was another person in the basement of Sanford’s Sullivans’ Island home seven years ago who was every bit as influential in my development, and she just happens to be the woman who Mark Sanford so thoughtlessly betrayed and publicly humiliated in this depressing soap opera now unfolding before us.
Mark Sanford would have never been elected to anything without his wife, Jenny, which above and beyond all the “cheating on Father’s Day” window dressing remains the central irony in all of this.
More than perhaps any wife who’s ever been cheated on, Jenny Sanford didn’t deserve this.
Now don’t get me wrong, the governor owned his actions yesterday.
It wasn’t pretty, advisable, or particularly eloquent – but it was also probably one of the most authentic things you’ll ever see in American politics. Sanford deserves credit for that, not scorn.
And yet not surprisingly, Sanford’s forthright confession is being rebuked by all the Washington D.C. talking heads, who apparently believe that cookie cutter evasion is the “smart” way to handle such a scandal.
Maybe in this sanitized, predictable process it is … but that’s a process story. The real story is pretty simple: What’s next for Mark Sanford?
The governor said yesterday that he wants to spend his remaining months in office winning people’s trust back.
Obviously, I can understand how he feels that need for redemption very strongly on a personal level, but that is precisely the basis for my advice to him – that he should, in fact, resign.
Sorry, Mark, but spending the next eighteen months winning people’s trust back is just not a good enough reason for you to stick around.
Believe me, I hate saying that.
It’s not just because I wouldn’t trust Andre Bauer with the loose change in my pocket – let alone any part of state government – but I hate what that means for the state I’m trying to fix for my kids and, “quite frankly, a lot of other kids and grandkids that are out there.”
Remember that?
Those were the days, weren’t they?
Make no mistake, Bauer is a disaster waiting to happen. In fact, my baby daughter is a few days away from being born, and she’s already more mature than Andre Bauer ever was or ever will be at any point in his life.
On top of that, Bauer has never done anything but pay lip service to the taxpayers of this state.
Forget exposing waste, corruption and inefficiency, Bauer is more likely to dive into all of the above with both feet.
But just as Republicans’ fiscal recklessness at the national level turned America over to the “Obama wave,” the consequences of Sanford’s personally imprudent actions in this case would seem to dictate another unfortunate trajectory for the cause of common sense government – and the very fiscal conservatism that Sanford has devoted his political career to advancing.
So forget legality and sympathy.
Forget the fact that Sanford’s “waste of taxpayer resources” related to this affair is infinitesimally small compared to the billions blown on failed government each year in this state.
Forget the fact that Sanford appears to have been deliberately exposed for political reasons – perhaps chief among them the fact that his oft-discussed presidential ambitions would have cost South Carolina’s political class tens of millions of dollars by effectively causing the 2012 GOP presidential primary to bypass the Palmetto State.
“At the end of the day,” none of that matters.
By his own conduct, the governor has given his enemies just enough rope to hang him – which is why it’s time to cop a plea before the deafening drumbeat for a public, political execution begins.
No man is bigger than a movement, and as much as it pains me to say it the best thing Mark Sanford can do for the reform movement in South Carolina right now is to step down.
I love my friend. I feel for him. I feel for his wife and his four amazing boys.
But ultimately, that’s where I come down on it …
Will Folks is the founding editor of FITSNews.com. He served as Gov. Sanford’s spokesman from 2001-05.
Comments
By baked on June 25th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
well said. one word that strikes me so very strongly when it comes to the governor is “authentic.” that’s why i supported him and why he has won despite the fact that he can’t seem to get along with anyone who doesn’t have a hispanic accent. that authenticity may allow him to, at some point, resurrect his political career if he doesn’t decide on spending his life following the rolex sailing series and sunning himself on the beaches of south america.
but he’s got to go now…there are way, way, way to many enemies on both sides of whatever aisle there is in our statehouse who will be glad to dig another knife in his corpse if he doesn’t pull the plug himself.
By Jim on June 25th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Will,
Thank you for that incredibly honest take on this situation. That’s what makes your site so much better than the others.
By Seth on June 25th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
I agree, thanks Will for your heart felt words.
Sanford must resign for abandoning his post and to avoid putting this state through endless political turmoil. Remaining on the job will only cause more harm and waste untold amounts of tax-payer money. If he remains, we will have 18 months of a figure head, when we need a leader to see us through these dark times.
Thanks Will for being the voice of reason and asking for his resignation.
By carly on June 25th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Yes the Party of Family Values does not practice what it preaches. There is a related post at http://iamsoannoyed.com/?p=1945
By Anon2 on June 25th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
If he doesn’t resign, the message he will be sending to his wife and sons is that being Governor is more important to him than they are. It’s that simple.
Go home, Mark. Your political career is over. Live up to the fundamental aspect of libertarianism – personal responsibility. Be thankful that you are in a financial situation where you don’t have to do anything BUT earn your family’s trust over however long it takes.
A couple years of Bauer/Harrell/Leatherman might be what this state needs to finally see the light.
By Woodrow on June 25th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
I would have to say that was probably not easy to write but I wholeheartedly agree that he needs to resign. “Crash” Bauer scares the hell out of me but it might all be worth it in the end. If the people of SC see how stupid Bauer is over the next 18 months maybe we can avoid a mistake I was very afraid we would make by electing him to a 4 year term. Everyone in this state should have their antennas up on Andre Bauer because he will beg, borrow, steal or manipulate any situation to his own personal and financial benefit.
By Ron on June 25th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
The problem with Sanford resigning or being impeached is that Republican Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer is also a right-wing whack job. Since being in office, Bauer was pulled on an interstate highway driving over 100 mph, and didn’t get a ticket because of who he was. He was also speeding through downtown Columbia, and when pulled over by a city cop he jumped out of his car and went running towards the police car. The cop, not knowing who Bauer was nor what he was doing, pulled his gun on him. Again, no ticket for Bauer. Bauer also has other problems with his driving.
http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?s=4692514
Then there was the time Bauer was piloting a small aircraft and crashed it. He and his “co-pilot” were injured.
http://www.gaffneyledger.com/news/2007/0103/front_page/001.html
And in another incident Bauer received $130,000 from the SCDOT for a portion of a property that cost him $53,000 a few years earlier. It was on a road being widened and was “just compensation” for the eminent-domain taking of the property. Of course, it was much more than what the property was worth.
http://www.thecolumbiastar.net/news/2005/0729/Front_Page/004.html
Furthermore, Bauer was one of the leading demagogues for the “I Believe” license plate, a clear violation of the 1st amendment. The state later lost a lawsuit and could not distribute the plates.
http://www.rightwingwatch.org/category/individuals/andre-bauer
And last but not least, Bauer was recently “outed” by a SC Democrat. We sure don’t need a self-loathing, closeted gay Republican in the Governor’s mansion. We’ve had enough of that from the Republicans with Larry Craig and others.
http://www.free-times.com/index.php?cat=1992912064017974&ShowArticle_ID=11011606092285941
So maybe it’s best the nut Sanford just stay in the governor’s office for another year and a half. Andre Bauer could prove to be an even worse governor.
By Philip Branton on June 25th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Wil,
I would hope he would NOT resign for the simple reason is at least we know a profound investigation into the BREACH of Sensitive DATA would hopefully be honorably ….EXPOSED. For all to see…..
Wil….you know this is NOT the real STORY…!!! The real story is WHO knew WHAT ….when ?? Was the FBI brought in…?? Who monitors network traffic….??
CERTAIN Legislators have a LOT of explaining to do……..!!!!!!
Was the Leadership AWARD for Gilda Cobb Hunter at Furman…..a PAYOFF..???
If these emails can be leaked for a TERM LIMIT Governor….then WHAT is being held against BOBBY HARRELL, Glenn McConnell, RObert ford, Andre Bauer, Henry McMaster, Harvey Peeler, Jake Knotts, Mike Fair, Tom Davis………….and WHO else…!?!
Where there is SMOKE…..there is FIRE….!!!!!!!!! We have a number of ARSONISTS in the statehouse that need to be SMOKED….!!!!!
I think Mark would organize the investigation to ensure ALL information comes OUT about EVERY ONE….!!!!
The reason Legislators will try to hang him is to SAVE their own corrupt HIDE……!!!!!!!!
Come on ….MARK…..!!!!
SMOKE these pimps…..OUT into public view and reveal the truth.!!!!
By Pete on June 25th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
I disagree. Sanford screwed up, in a big way. Turning the state over to Bauer compounds that screw up.
18 months of do nothing Sanford is better than Bauer and his cronies.
By Shawn on June 25th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
But as governor, Mark Sanford has used the only power available to him under our state’s antiquated Constitution (the “bully pulpit”) to fight for South Carolina taxpayers with an intelligence, earnestness and consistency that may never be duplicated in our state’s history.
Fits what are you smoking? The key word here is deceit. DECEIT. This comment you wrote is the funniest I have read in a long time. This is the bible belt right? Believe me those of us who don’t attend church weekly are reminded of this daily. This goes to show you that any man can sin. The conservatives in this state are so quick to wave the moral finger. Don’t even get me started on the upstate with it’s blue laws still. Everyone down South loves to tell people how to live there lives or give their opinions when it is not needed. We are very outspoken people. Repubs these are tuff times for you. I feel for the wife and children. I will not support this weak minded man though. He needs to resign. After a year of reading this website from time to time, me and Fits finally agree on something. If it wasn’t for Bad news South Carolina would have no news at all.
By John on June 25th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
Well said. I don’t think it gets more painfully simple than that.
By SC Southpaw on June 25th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
I agree. Hopefully he will save his family, his self, and the entire population of the state the indignity of watching his enemies draw his final pints of blood.
By baked on June 25th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
phillip: bravo once again. please enlighten us with your theories.
By MB on June 25th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
I agree with Philip Branton “SMOKE these pimps…..OUT”!
By Just the Facts Ma'am on June 25th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Come on you guys — how can you say he shouldn’t resign? What do you think this man would do to any agency head – cabinet or non-cabinet, that was accused of abandoning his/her post for days without telling anyone and then learn that it was because of an affair? I could care less about his affair, other than feeling sorry for his wife. But this man has consistently demanded accountability. How can you be principled and not follow your own standards? I agree with Will — he can no longer lead. He can only take the high road and resign thereby showing the ultimate belief in accountability.
By Kirbs on June 25th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
Well said; painful, but true.
By FWFIV on June 25th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
In these situations it is not the act, but the lies to cover it up that get people in trouble. Bill Clinton was impeached not for what the did with Monica, but for lying about it.
While in the House of Representatives Mark Sanford voted for impeachment of Clinton (3 of the four articles). Why has nobody brought this up. If Sanford remains in office the hypocrisy will be monumental.
By Barney Fife on June 25th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
As painful as it is for me to say this, I think he should resign. There is no way he can reconcile with his wife and family with the pressure of being governor. Even our weak Executive branch state, he has pressure.
Pressure will only be greater with this over his head, and the prospect that he may have used public funds, at some point, to have this affair.
It scares the crap out of me to think that Andre Bauer will be Governor. It even scares me more that he will be the incumbent when the primary is held next year.
But we need to thank God, that MIKE CAMPBELL was not elected as Lt. Governor. Oh my goodness. Can you imagine. Let’s not.
By Cooter Brown on June 25th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
I am going to drop the dialect for a moment here– Will, this article is the best one I have read in a long time.
I cannot tell you how disappointed I am in Governor Sanford. He is the best Governor we have had in my lifetime
He had the ability and balls to say “No!” to the Bush White House AND the Obama White House and there’s not any other candidate out there (at least so far), who will stand up for foreign (Washington) and domestic (SC General Assembly) enemies of personal liberty and fiscal responsibility. He no longer has the moral authority to stand up against these enemies effectively. For this reason, he must resign–there is too much to be lost by him staying and this loss is more valuable than the money that will surely be lost with Bauer rubber-stamping all the spending that will surely be coming his way once the penny-pinching governor is out of their way.
I am sorry for Gov. Sanford. My thought and prayers are with his family. I wish them all the best, but we have a lot of work to do and we cannot afford any dead weight…
An’ dat’s how Ol’ Cooter a sees it! Lawrd hab mercie on us folks!
Keep up da good werk dare Mista Willie and I’ll be seein’ ye in da funnie papas!
Cooter Brown
By Garnet Spy on June 25th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Hear! Hear!
By madcock on June 25th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
I wouldn’t give two cents for Loverboy Sanford or Bauer. But, I love how the GOP spinmeisters never stop spinning.
Yesterday’s edition of Mystery Science Theatre 3000 authentic? Hysterical! He was coming back to Columbia with the intent of continuing Joel Sawyer’s lies that he was just unwinding in Buenos Aires. Ony when The State confronted him with the news that they were going to publish the e-mails did he spill the beans.
He is exactly like Slick Willie was with his carousing. Deny, deny, deny as long as possible. Leave friends like in Clinton’s case Dick Riley and Leon Panetta, in Loverboy’s case Sawywer and Will, hung out to dry defending you. And then, only when confronted with physical evidence, in Clinton’s case the stained blue dress, in Loverboy’s case the e-mails,let the lower lip quiver and apologize.
I’m of the opinion that what consenting adults do is their own business. But I’m also a big believer in being hoisted by your own petard. Sanford should be judged by the standards he judged Clinton and Bob Livingston and forced to resign. Sanford should face the same ridiculous legal constrictions he imposes on gays who wish to marry. Is it absurd that its
a criminal act to commit adultery in SC. Of course it is. Just as absurd as Sanford’s idea that the state can tell two consenting adults they can’t marry because of one of their gender.
Judge Mark Sanford by Mark Sanford’s standards.
Now to the stuff that really matters. Was he really out of touch for days? If so how can he be allowed to remain in office? Did he use any taxpayer dollars in his trysts with his Maria, she of the wonderful tan lines?
Finally, what does this say about Libertarianism? An idealology based so much on the worhsip of the individual. Ayn Rand, the Jesus of the modern Libertarian movement took great pride in her many sexual trysts outside of wedlock and regarded holding one’s self to a standard in that area other than “do what or whomever you want” as naively quaint. Sanford has shown himself to be a faithful follower of Rand in this area.
How hysterical it is to read his fellower travelers in Rand’s orbit proclaiming great surprise in his faithful upholding of his philosophy’s founder’s “standards.”
By Jay Wiley on June 25th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
well said, Will. But is leaving Bauer in charge really moving the ball forward?
By Linda Halket on June 25th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Amen!!!!!
By MB on June 25th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
We will never have a politician who doesn’t fails his own principles and standards. They do not exist. I’am willing to bet all of us have failed our own principles and standards. Did Mark get a little crazy? Yes. What Mark did effects is family, not us. I hope Mark can make amends to his family. If Mark and his family decides he needs to step down, then so be it.
But I would rather have Mark Sanford as Governor, than Andre Bauer. I voted for a politician who would be a fiscal conservative. And I got that and more. South Carolina needs a lot more Mark Sanfords. If they happen to fail personally, then so be it. I will make that deal any day of the week rather than have Bauer and his ilk.
By Austin Bradley on June 25th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
I agree with FitsNews, why put yourself through 18 months of turmoil when it will only rob you of energy and time away from your family. Spend the time rebuilding your relationship with wife and kids…at the end of the day they are what matters most.
By Ben on June 25th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
If Sanford does not resign I believe it makes it more likely that SC will elect a democratic governor the next go around. Sanford has found his success in the general libertarianism of the people. Those people are loyal voters and also are generally very concerned about family values. If he stays around he might spoil the support of these people for the next Republican candidate — a backlash like we saw from the Bush administration. Of course, its not like Sanford cares about the exisiting Republican caucus or the announced candidates anyway. Nevertheless, Sanford needs to think about cutting his losses for the sake of the party and state. Bauer isn’t that much better but maybe he can at least hold the reigns long enough to allow SC’s general tendency to vote Republican prevail. Even though mostof the Republican powerbrokers are Rinos even a Rino may be the lesser of evils. We are never going to get back on track if we aren’t given the opportunity to get out of the growing hole Sanford has dug. I fear that hole will get deeper and deeper unless this issue is nipped in the bud — and the only way to do that is have Sanford resign. Gosh, it hurts but now we’ve got to just let the ship sink and salvage as much as we can. If Sanford doesn’t resign, the ideals he once stood for (though apparently didn’t practice)may drown. We can’t let that happen. You are in my prayers Jenny!
By Huh? on June 25th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Please do NOT resign. We do NOT need Bauer as the Governor of this great state. Despite Sanford’s human flaws, he is still a step up from the menace we call a Lt. Governor. We’re not talking about that much time left before we are deeply embroiled in the battle to find a new governor. Why give Bauer a leg up as the incumbant…… Just the thought of that gives me cold chills.
By Not Sayin', Just Sayin' on June 25th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
FITSy, I know that was difficult to write, but it is important for the sake of reform in this state that you did. Thanks. Among the disapointments I’ve experienced this week, I am amazed to think the notion of Sanford stepping down wouldn’t be one of them, but instead would be a relief compared to what politics in this state will be like if he insists on a long, painful goodbye.
NSJS
By 4LeafClover on June 25th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
If a single-mother or father went missing for 6 days without making arrangements for the welfare of their children, the state would take away the children, and probably prosecute them. I don’t know about prosecution (yet) but the same should happen to Sanford. He should resign.
By Leigh on June 25th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Awesome Will! Well said.
By MB on June 25th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
“If a single-mother or father went missing for 6 days without making arrangements for the welfare of their children” They were with Jenny. 4LeafClover wise up.
By Fashizzle on June 25th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
If it’s shown Sanford used tax dollars to fund his trips he should absolutely resign. But at this point the only proven fact is he took a state car 5 miles to the nearest airport. He didn’t even drive to Charlotte or Atlanta.
He made a terrible mistake, but half of Americans admit making the same mistake at some point in their lives. Sanford is not a bible thumper, nor has he moralized on how the rest of us should live.
Many people calling for his head now are cheaters or support a lawmaker who is. These people are hypocrites. Mark Sanford is not. He should stay.
By kbfenner on June 25th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Y’all elected Sanford and y’all elected Bauer. I voted differently. I have to say that Andre’s Aging Office people impressed me mightily at the Katrina Shelter in Columbia and many times since then. Henry McMaster has impressed me greatly since ascending to the AGs office. Who knows what Andre is capable of? We know Sanford deliberately deceived us. He was sorry he got caught. He didn’t come clean until faced with no alternative. Jenny, a fine candidate y’all might consider, gave him two weeks to get his head straight, and what did he do?
Adultery is a crime in South Carolina. If we don’t like that law, let’s change it, but it’s the law and he acknowledges breaking it.
By Jeffy on June 25th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Will….that was a very well thought out statement on your part. I think most of SC agrees with you. The apolgists can whine about Andre driving too fast all day, but in the end your take on this is right.
This is all getting to serious, Hey, where’s the porn?
By Pat Hendrix on June 25th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Aside from sticking the tax payers with the bill, I can’t see why the guy would resign. He was rotten to his family and a liar to his staff, but that’s not grounds for resignation. If he’s smart, he will hold on and let it blow over. He shouldn’t overreact, the media will find a new bone soon enough.
By T. R. Ucknuttz on June 25th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
What I don’t understand is why his wife made statements, during his disappearance, to the effect that she hadn’t heard from him and didn’t know where he was, instead of admitting that she had asked him to leave the house. Did she even have the right to know where he was, if she had demanded an immediate separation?
It is amazing to me to come here and see people state affirmatively that Mark Sanford is not a hypocrite. Good times, people, good times.
For the record, check Sanford’s statements on Clinton’s behavior during the impeachment proceedings and tell me if you still think he’s no hypocrite.
By anonymous on June 25th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
BINGO!
http://newsbizarre.com/2009/06/maria-belen-chapur-photo-mark-stanford.html
By Ben on June 25th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Fashizzle, Mark Sanford is not a hypocrite? How do you suppose that is true? He committed the same act he said was the basis for why Clinton should resign years ago and he did it on the taxpayer’s bill, which is contrary to ethe general principals he has supposedly stood for throughout his career. So, even if those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones, doesn’t take away the fact that MArk’s house is now shattered, and rightfully so. We should be measured not only by a general sense of decency but the standards we preach. Mark did not practice what he preached. Although, adultery isn’t that reprehensible by today’s standards, Sanford should be held to a higher standard, not necessarily because he is the governor, but because he was a strong voice against this type of behavior and ironically called for the resignation and impeachment of Clinton for this type of behavior. It was Sanford that threw the first stone and now it is HIS glass house that is shattered. That’s what makes him a hypocrite. The fact that those that are calling for Sanford’s head may be bad people does not change what Sanford actually did. Their day will come. Sanford’s day is now. RESIGN before you cause any more damage to the SCGOP!
By 4LeafClover on June 25th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
The people of SC “kinda” are the children of the Govenor’s, and our welfare should be his highest duty… I’m just saying. Who was in charge for 6 days??? I just don’t think we should take this lightly regardless of the “stinky” alternative! Sanford seems unstable and reckless. He should go home and mend things with his family and if Jenny and the kids can lift him up to public life again,,, but only then.
By Hmmmmm on June 25th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
“Hell hath no fury than that of a woman scorned” – need a source of the emails???
Crash Bauer is NOT what this state needs at this time. Sure he won the race for Lt Gov BUT No one would have EVER though we would have needed him. Hell thats like saying someone ACTUALLY thought Biden MIGHT could possibly become President and STILL vote for Obama…. Almost everyone voted for Obama and Sanford based on themselves and not their successors… maybe in SPITE of their successors….
PLEASE dont let Crash Bauer take over.
By Jeffy on June 25th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
If he used state funds to hook up he has to go. Right? Even the apologists and forgivers realize that right?
By Ed on June 25th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Sanford’s comments in the 90’s regarding cheating and lying.. ouch..
“The bottom line, though, is I am sure there will be a lot of legalistic explanations pointing out that the president lied under oath. His situation was not under oath. The bottom line, though, is he still lied. He lied under a different oath, and that is the oath to his wife. So it’s got to be taken very, very seriously.” [Sanford on Livingston, CNN, 12/18/98]
“I think it would be much better for the country and for him personally (to resign). I come from the business side. If you had a chairman or president in the business world facing these allegations, he’d be gone.” [Sanford on Clinton, The Post and Courier, 9/12/98]
“The issue of lying is probably the biggest harm, if you will, to the system of Democratic government, representatives government, because it undermines trust. And if you undermine trust in our system, you undermine everything.” [Sanford on Clinton, CNN, 2/16/99]
By Hmmmmm on June 25th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Very few Dems called for Clinton to resign – wonder why they NOW call for Sanford to resign?? It suits their needs…..
By Ben on June 25th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
I believe those that call for Sanford’s resignation fall on both sides of the fence. I’m a Republican and former Sanfordnite, and so is Will, sort of.
By Bob on June 25th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
I have been a strong supporter of Sanford and have come to the point that I agree with you, Will. It is tough to say. I hate what this will do to the conservative movement in the state but I hope that the movement is bigger than one individual.
Thanks for your frank words.
By Sally Calder on June 25th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
well written, will. i sure will hate to see bauer in office, but i bet that is where it’s headed. how in the world can we get those bunch of losers out of the state house?
By SCCON on June 25th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
My sister-in-law cried yesterday when she heard. We are all torn up about Gov’s family and the way he has basically torched the reform movement here in SC. And we’re even sorry for what Mark Sanford has done to his own future.
But for all of those reasons, to preserve what is left of reform, he should display his authenticity one more time — by resigning.
By Ellie on June 25th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
In my humble opinion, everyone needs to chill. The political classes are chattering, but most people don’t expect much from those guys at the state house.
If he sits tight, he will ride this out.
By Phil on June 25th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
Honestly, if this were one of you, a State employee, one that had misappropriated State funds, (even though “he” promises to reimburse the State). Then, using the State e-mail server for his childish e-mail dialogue. Not showing up for work for seven days. I have a strong suspicion if you were an employee you’d be terminated. I know you would be in the private sector. Sanford needs to resign. Then begs the question of his replacement, the ever more irresponsible and closeted gay, Andre Bauer. An opportunist, who now is more than likely burning candles and incense praying he can be appointed Governor out of default. Possibly the only way we’ll he will ever hold the office.
So, do we want the philandering liar or the secretive gay guy? Not much of a choice. But, this is South Carolina. You people worry more about flags, trailer parks and cheezy church commercials than educating your children. I say let the gay guy have it, at least he might add some flair to already drab Statehouse colors! Just think South Carolinians, you could then fly the Rainbow flag below the Argentinian flag, all below the Confederate flag. LMAO.
By baker on June 25th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
A few random thoughts:
1. I don’t really have strong feelings on whether Mark Sanford resigns or not. But I think it’s funny now that so many folks are wringing their hands over the thought of Andre Bauer as Governor. You know, in my opinion, Robert Barber was a mature, grounded fellow — not to mention owner of one of the coolest restaurants around — and would have made a fine a Lt. Gov….and a reasonable placeholder for the Gov. spot. But, no, he was a Democrat and people just can’t have that. So, in a one-party state, the voters get what they get (and, indeed, I figure most would still rather have Bauer stepping in as Gov. than ANY Democrat).
2. I admire Will’s compassion for his friend, Mark Sanford, and for Sanford’s family. I also admire Will’s ability to step up and speak his mind about this situation. I’m sure it is not easy.
Nonetheless, I have never bought the picture Will and some others have painted of Sanford has such a true and courageous and honorable reformer, a guy out there fighting for all the very best reasons and all the best ideas. Oh, of course…it’s fine that he gave Will his start, and it’s fine that Will agrees with Sanford’s philosophy about government. But I think he still lays it on a bit thick.
I’d argue that Sanford has proposed some sensible solutions to fixing government — in terms of restructuring and streamlining. Even Will’s enemies at The State supported Sanford on that.
But I also think Sanford has been such a rigid ideologue that he doesn’t get (and maybe doesn’t CARE about) realistic consequences of his philosophy. Nothing demonstrates this better than his so-called “Put Parents in Charge” proposal. Had Sanford proposed a more sensible private school choice plan, it might have gotten somewhere. But PPIC was truly a bad, bad plan, one that I believe was thoroughly out of touch with reality.
But I think that’s just the way it was with Mark Sanford. I heard him speak during the Republican primary when he ran the first time for governor. He said that, regarding education, people should be more concerned about the results than about supporting the institution (meaning the public schools). Well, this sounded great. This sounded common-sense and child-focused. Of course people should focus on getting kids educated instead of school buildings, administrator salaries, etc.! But I suspected right away that this rhetoric barely masked a real disconnect on Sanford’s part. That is to say, sure, we should be focused on results rather than institutions. HOWEVER, healthy and well-supported institutions have a better chance of producing success. Community institutions are also important to people for a variety of other reasons, and that includes public schools maybe more than anything else.
People take pride in their local football team and marching band; they enjoy seeing each other at the game on Friday night. They’re proud of the connection between their school and their community’s history. They may have their gripes with teachers and administrators at times, but they don’t generally see all school administrators as “educrats” bent on subjecting their children to failure. They may not like all their school board representatives, but those people are elected by the voters. And on election day, many people vote at their local schools. They have community meetings in their public schools and understandably want to have nice school facilities for the kids and for other community purposes.
I think Mark Sanford was really out of touch with this reality. Whether it was because of his private school upbringing and his wealth, or because of his natural disposition, or because of political ideology he learned out of books, I do not know….but I think the notion that people could really, really care about community institutions and that those institutions can help communities AND individuals thrive was just not understood by Sanford. I don’t see anything so great about that.
Finally, it was Mark Sanford, far as I can tell, that invited all the Howard Rich money and influence into our state. And that has yielded a ton of dirty-tricks politicking and dishonest rhetoric. It pretty much all started right after Sanford became governor. I’d argue that this has surely not made the system any less corrupt, and that it also undercuts much of Sanford’s supposed “earnestness.”
3. Good luck to Will and his wife on the birth of their child. I hope all goes extremely well for them and the baby!
By MB on June 25th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
Baker “And that has yielded a ton of dirty-tricks politicking and dishonest rhetoric. It pretty much all started right after Sanford became governor.” Where the hell have you been? Argentina
By baker on June 25th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Hi MB:
Just referring to the SCRG, Howard Rich wave and its connection to Mark Sanford…I understand that dirty politics in SC have been around a while.
By Matt on June 25th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Will–Wanted to add my two cents:
You said: “Sorry, Mark, but spending the next eighteen months winning people’s trust back is just not a good enough reason for you to stick around.”
I could not have said it better myself. This has been my exact thought for the past two days, and it pretty much sums it all up.
You’ve shown with this emotional column here that you are indeed a class-act, as is the website that you have built. Thanks, and we’ll keep reading!
By newzjunkie on June 25th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
I hear there’s a cabinet meeting tomorrow. Will he resign afterwards? My guess is yes!
By Rob Taylor on June 25th, 2009 at 11:04 pm
“You’ve shown with this emotional column here that you are indeed a class-act, as is the website that you have built. Thanks, and we’ll keep reading!”
Oh. I thought it reeked of the kind of hypocrisy Internet smear merchants delve into when they finally have some scrap thrown to them that allows them to drag down their former friends. I wonder how many “emotional columns” the Governor wrote about you after you roughed up your old lady?
By fitsnews on June 25th, 2009 at 11:18 pm
Rob-
You nailed us.
-FITS
By Mab on June 25th, 2009 at 11:59 pm
Well-said, Will.
By calhoun fawls on June 26th, 2009 at 6:20 am
Good for you Sic Willie. Sanford is done. He seems to me like the husband and father who apologizes after the wife catches him. What is it Eddie Murphy said, “Yes, I was f$$ing her, but I make love to you, are you going to believe me or your lying eyes.”
Mark Sanford was not really sorry for doing someone “exotic” but was damn sure sorry he got caught. Goodbye, Mark Sanford. Go away. We are, forgive me Willie, sick of you. Conservatives can kick Andre’s ass soon enough if n4eed be, but you, Governor, need to just go.
By tc on June 26th, 2009 at 10:07 am
“Alright?” Try “all right.”
By dc on June 26th, 2009 at 10:37 am
Will’s fine piece draws the right conclusion: Sanford should resign. But it’s not quite right to suggest that his reform agenda would go down the drain along with him: It went down the drain long ago. I may be wrong, but I think Sanford’s biggest weakness as a politician was his inability or unwillingness to advance his agenda by refusing to allow the perfect to be the enemy of the good. As professor Edgar as USC noted in his marvelous history of S.C., past successful reformist governors (Campbell, Hollings, Thurmond and many others) used the bully pulpit to drive reforms, then settled with the legislature to advance the state toward better government. Sanford has proven incapable of doing that.
As for Andre Bauer, Will, perhaps an 18-month stint in the top job would expose him for the goober he is. Or would the voters just not notice? I am not an S.C. native but one of those dreaded Yankee transplants who loves, really, loves the place. Corroption and inefficiency are not endemic to S.C. alone but just as rampant in some states up north: Pa., N.Y., Ohio, Ill., for example. Here, as in those places, corruption and waste persist because the voters keep on allowing it. The voters put Sanford in power in ‘02 on the power of his reform agenda (he ran one of the most honest, explicit campaigns I have ever seen that year); but the voters didn’t bother to back him up with enough legislators to make his agenda a lock — and, as I’ve said, he lacked the temperament and political skills to finagle the reforms that matter most to him and us.
Now he cracks under the strain of failure while proving that he has a heart vulnerable to the same forces that drive the rest of us, on occasion, to do foolish things — not only to cheat on his good wife but also to lie to the public while abusing public resources. Sad.
dc
By scooter on June 26th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Will, glass houses, man. Let us not pretend we are above misbehavior. Whatever happens, and I hope sanford resigns, I will vote for Andre if he runs. People need to get over the speeding ticket etc: How long has that been? And the lady who outed several Republicans later said she knew absolutely nothing about these people and their personal lives.
By Checking In on June 26th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Phillip Branton again proving his lunacy… FBI? email trackers? um, how about an pissed off wife, or scorned ex husband….those thoughts ever croo your mind moron
BTW…Well written Will.
By Jim H on June 29th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
I can’t argue with the analysis, Wil, but in the end I have to say that it doesn’t rise to a level that makes me say he has to resign. That’s a personal decision, but I can’t see anything here that’s egregious in terms of what matters to South Carolina.
Complaints about him leaving his post are contradicted by the claim that his only power is a “bully pulpit.” With the legislative session adjourned until next January, there was nothing going on that needed his attention. No hurricanes heading for the coast. The only reason anyone noticed that he was missing was because they had e-mails that strongly suggested WHY he was absent. Otherwise: yawn.
As for travel that combined personal matters with government business, that happens all the time. It happens in the private and public sector. The State Bar has its annual meeting at a resort, so that a little business can get conducted to justify what is actually a vacation (albeit with hordes of lawyers).
And I don’t really care about his personal life dramas. I’m a “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” person. If you’re doing your job, then get on with it. What’s standing in Sanford’s way is not Sanford but people who are exploiting a personal indiscretion and trying to stymie progress. I’d rather tell THEM to stop gumming up the works, than tell Sanford to step down for this. In fact, I think it is bizarre that a week spent with a woman he is ga-ga over is in some way MORE offensive to many of his critics than other hard-nosed decisions he made that actually impact South Carolinians.
If he wants to resign for personal reasons, that’s his business. But I see nothing here to justify having him step down in the manner of NJ Governor Jim McGreevey (made his lover the head of NJ’s homeland security apparatus; failed to disclose the relationship as required by law) or NY Governor Eliot Spitzer (high-end hooker, broke law) and I see even less culpability than Spitzer’s successor David Patterson who had one of several affairs with a state employee. I think much of the outrage here is either feigned or rooted in other grievances that people have with Sanford.
And then, when you throw in Andre Bauer, the whole Calculus of this gets real simple, real fast.
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