Fenced in on all sides and clearly feeling the pressure of two months worth of intense media scrutiny, S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford’s frustration boiled over at a Wednesday afternoon press conference in Columbia, with the scandal-tattered chief executive lashing out at his detractors.
“I’m not going to be railroaded out of this office by political opponents or people who were not fans of mine in the first place,” a visibly agitated Sanford told a roomful of reporters in his office. “A lot of what’s going on right now is pure politics.”
Sanford then proceeded to bash the media, accusing them of ignoring broader travel issues to focus on a few of his indiscretions.
Starting off in a calm, measured voice, Sanford’s pitch and intensity gradually rose during the press conference as he blamed his current situation on political adversaries seeking to “rewrite history.”
Sanford vowed “not to let them do that,” saying that the people he has spoken to on his “Forgivness Tour” have all “moved on.”
In fact, from start to finish the entire press conference seemed to be a calculated effort to pit ordinary South Carolinians against Columbia “insiders” (i.e. media and lawmakers) which obviously ignores the fact that an overwhelming majority of Palmetto State residents (and FITS readers) want Sanford to step down.
Obviously, he has no intention of doing so, however.
Also, for one of the first times in his political career, Sanford refused to take questions from members of the media at the conclusion of his remarks – which only added to the bitter, caustic atmosphere that his words created.
The governor scheduled the “media availability” to respond to a press conference held earlier in the day by S.C. Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer. At that event, Bauer called on Sanford to step down and volunteered (for the next month anyway) to forego his own gubernatorial ambitions should Sanford resign.
Yesterday, two of the governor’s top House allies asked him to step down, and today the grassroots group that has been most responsible for pushing the school choice component of his agenda formally demanded his resignation.
“On behalf of the SCRG Board of Directors, and our supporters across the Palmetto State, I am asking the Governor to step down immediately,” said the group’s Chairman Randy Page. “The real policy challenges of staggering unemployment, tightening budgets, and faltering public schools can no longer be overshadowed by personal and political distractions that erode the reputation of our state and the integrity of the governor’s office.”
By Toyota Kawaski August 26, 2009 at 4:07 pm
did he speak in a Cartman voice
By Check the List August 26, 2009 at 4:11 pm
Let’s check the list of who we know have asked the Governor to resign:
Davis, Grooms, Simrill, Ballentine …just to name a few.
Does that sound like a “Railroad” gang to you?
By PasserBy August 26, 2009 at 4:13 pm
Doesn’t ‘railroading’ suggest that he’s being targeted for something he didn’t do? I’ve never heard him dispute (nor in his statement today) the numbers relating to travel, trips, etc…
By Jonny D August 26, 2009 at 4:18 pm
He’s a lover AND a fighter! His response was so good it’s worth repeating.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inTRblYTevk
By Liberty For Me August 26, 2009 at 4:19 pm
I agree with him…with all of the problems we have.How much time are people waisting with this shit.Ok..he cheated on his wife…Now he looks like a bad guy..But nobody knows his relationship and its none of our business…Now lets fix some real problems you the state you dumbasses
By Oscar August 26, 2009 at 4:20 pm
The Governor showed he is back on his game. He was animated, energetic and in control.
I think today will be seen as the turning point…I hope so. Bauer was awful this morning, transparent, greedy, and seedy, and we don’t need any of that. We already have our share.
By CNSYD August 26, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Liberty for me and Oscar, can I get some of that stuff that y’all are smoking?
By anonymous August 26, 2009 at 4:36 pm
This IS Freaking Amazing!
RAW: Gov. Mark Sanford’s response to Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer
VIDEO:
http://www.wistv.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?ClipID1=4075550&h1=RAW%3A%20Gov.%20Mark%20Sanford%27s%20response%20to%20Lt.%20Gov.%20Andre%20Bauer&vt1=v&at1=Political&d1=603033&LaunchPageAdTag=Political&activePane=info&rnd=17160119
By Joe Blow August 26, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Oscar, in the words of Barney Frank, “What planet have you been living on?” It was a turning point all right. Marshal Sanford is a goner. He looked like Nixon in the waning days of Watergate, including the sweat, bizarre rantings, pathetic justifications and five o’clock shadow. And like Nixon, he’ll soon be gone.
And for the first time, Bauer looked like a statesman and not like some kid who stumbled into office.
By Tiny Elvis August 26, 2009 at 4:46 pm
With apologies to Tom Petty: Sanford says he Won’t Back Down, but I am afraid he is Free Fallin’.
By Cheraw Citizen August 26, 2009 at 4:51 pm
He needs to resign because he left his post, lied to staff, and has been basically ineffectual.
By anonymous August 26, 2009 at 4:55 pm
RAW: Bauer calls for Sanford to resign
VIDEO:
http://www.wistv.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?ClipID1=4075104&h1=RAW%3A%20Bauer%20calls%20for%20Sanford%20to%20resign&vt1=v&at1=Political&d1=693000&LaunchPageAdTag=Political&activePane=info&rnd=33017915
By TAXPAYER August 26, 2009 at 5:09 pm
WE HAVE GOOD LAWMAKERS THAT CAN TAKE CARE OF THIS STATE MUCH BETTER THAN A LOVERBOY WHO NEEDS TO TAKE CARE OF HIS OWN FAMILY FIREST. HE NEEDS TO GO.
By Jeffy August 26, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Oscar…..you work for the Gov uh?
By Oscar August 26, 2009 at 5:26 pm
I just watched the video again. I think it will be received well by the normal people of this state, and they are the important ones he was trying to reach.
It will not be received by those that inhabit the four blocks around the state house, nor those that feed at the trough. He is not, nor has never been, interested in them.
By Southman3 August 26, 2009 at 5:30 pm
He’s suffering from some sort of psychosis. He’s absolutly lost touch with reality.
By BOYSMOM August 26, 2009 at 5:34 pm
What has Sanford done for this state except give us trashy publicity and rambling babble about forgiveness….since his trip to Argentia? He has been ineffective as governor or on vacation…OH, I forgot he had a wonderful weekend in Panama City and parts unknown for 5 days. We need a governor even if he is one-half a governor.
With Sanford, we have no governor. In name only….
By nate August 26, 2009 at 5:58 pm
Methinks Marshall is underestimating how angry the average S. Carolinian is with him. Lashing out at the media and pol foes is the WORST move he could make… If he knew he wasn’t going to answer questions, he would’ve been better off skipping the presser and just releasing the statement.
This is beyond his control now, even his allies sense his impending epic FAIL.
By by annie August 26, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Is this guy mentally ill – sure seems so – is he still in this relationship with Argentia – can’t anyone find out
By shiya August 26, 2009 at 6:19 pm
Oscar,
Its not the “normal ” people who are going to decide his fate.
I dont think anyone is beholden to Sanford so much that they will turn against the person who impeaches him. The converse may not be true…
By southernmapart August 26, 2009 at 6:19 pm
You go gov! If SC2 wants someone to resign, then leadfoot should resign.
By the end of August ….
By Not Sayin', Just Sayin' August 26, 2009 at 6:23 pm
The fool keeps yammering about how little he’s flown on state planes compared to previous administrations. That’s not the issue with his flights. It’s the fact that he apparently did so illegally at times. The fact that he apparently violated ethics laws by failing to report private flights given to him is another reason. The fact that he apparently engaged in travel practices (first class seats, etc.) that contradicted the frugal travel practices he preached (double-bunking, etc.) is troubling but not necessarily illegal, and should also be scrutinized.
By Oscar August 26, 2009 at 6:25 pm
OK…so Andre has his staffers blogging away today. Big deal. He must not pay much as he is not getting much… but high school comments with no substance. In the real world, their little pissy comments don’t matter.
Was a good day for Sanford, and a bad one for Bauer.
By ryan August 26, 2009 at 6:26 pm
I think this attack on Sanford is all political. Andre Bauer, wasn’t he in trouble for driving at an extremely high rate of speed, has a lot of room to throw stones. This is absurd.
By CNSYD August 26, 2009 at 6:50 pm
Oscar does not work for Sanford. He is Sanford. How else can you explain how stupid he is. BTW when I was a child and tried to use the “everybody does it” argument with my parents I would get my ass beat worse than if I had just plead guilty. Apparently Sanford never got those lessons.
By southernmapart August 26, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Will someone please explain what McMaster’s chief prosecutor was investigating connected to the lt. governor’s office when the prosecutor became dead and the gov traveled to “Argentina” over the same weekend.
Is there an explanation for Jim Miles sudden departure as SC2′s chief of staff?
Surely, the stuff floating around Columbia has stringers attached and there are people, other than just Sanford, who should be giving explanations.
By Bee August 26, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Sanford has balls bigger than the Gaffney Peachoid. He didn’t give in to the pot-clangers led by Bobby Harrell and playboy Andre Bauer, and, in the process, Sanford earned my respect.
By MKinVA August 26, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Bee, what show are you watching? “the pot-clangers led by Bobby Harrell”?? The Speaker isn’t even in the kitchen!
By CNSYD August 26, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Bee, apparently you have confused big balls with psychosis.
By old bike dude August 26, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Did someone call Sanford a “Gov in name only”. That would make hima GINO. Good thing he’s not the gov of Va.
By ethel krabitz August 26, 2009 at 7:20 pm
“Heaven on earth” ……well, Life is so short, Mark, DON”T DEPRIVE YOURSELF! Go on and indulge yourself….again.
his press conference was another rambling, disconnected barrage of verbal diahhrea. He has become so completely pathetic that even I feel guilty about mocking him.
By anonymous August 26, 2009 at 7:25 pm
Mr. Sanford,
Sir, Lt. Gov. just held a press conference and has publicly asked you to resign, how do you feel about that sir? well, I very much appreciate the offer…
Sir, why do you appreciate the offer so much? it’s almost a representation of something close to heaven on Earth …
Sir, I don’t understand this at all? …in a lot of ways it would represent heaven on Earth of him taking my spot here, but, you know, as much as I might like to do that, as much as I want to do that, I really believe it would be wrong and I want to go down these different reasons …uh uh uh….Let me back up a little before I explain…
Sir, why do you want to backup? …I was unfaithful to my wife. You all know that …I think the whole world knows that…
Sir, so what’s the problem sir? …y’all in the media, pundits, every body else analyzed it, dissected it, focused on it, reported on it, analyzed it, reported on it, focused on it some more, analyzed it, focused on it, reported on it some more and then analyzed it, focused on it and reported on it some more and then more …uh uh uh …
Sir? Mr. Sanford breathe …breathe, take a deep breath? …you all in the press are very much still focused on this and some political circles are still focused on this and Bauer wants my job, you know it’s payback time and in the world of politics and he figures it’s payback time…
Sir, calm down sir? No, live by the sword, die by the sword, you know, when it’s your time…
Sir?, Governor relax, relax sir? NO! I’m not going to be railroaded out of this office by political opponents that were never fans of mine in the first place, it’s pure politics plain and simple…
Sir, what are you going to do now? I’m not hanging up as comfortable as that may be, as much as I’d like to do it, it is wrong! it is wrong! …don’t go rewriting history, leave history alone …the history is just fine…everything is fine …
What about all this factual information that has been reported about the misuse of state funds? …in the world of politics, as in every other area of life, is based on facts, not reports …for instance, how many first-class tickets have I bought?…and the answer is ZERO!
Sir, why do you think Bauer is asking you to resign? …he’s only talking about this because he wants the next spot on the ladder…
Sir, why are you so negative? What is unequivocally clear is that my political career is over…
Sir, is that why are you so negative? …that is what I want to aim at …that’s what I am going to be aimed at …
Sir, are you going to answer any questions? I just wanted to say that and leave it with y’all.
Sir, are you going to answer any questions?Ben, would you hand these things out?
Sir, are you going to answer any questions?
Thank you all.
Sir, are you going to answer any questions? …I just want to leave it with y’all …wait, let me finish uh uh uh…
By CNSYD August 26, 2009 at 7:39 pm
old bike dude, you sure it is not gyno?
By Larry August 26, 2009 at 7:47 pm
I have believed Sanford should resign since the beginning. That he has not shows a real lack of character on Sanford’s part. However, do I really want to live in a state with Andre Bauer as governor? No, I don’t. Bauer is a greedy opportunist with no scruples other than advancing himself politically. He has no love nor loyalty toward the people of South Carolina. Rather Sanford remain as a lame duck than face the gruesome possibility of Andre Bauer as governor.
By shiya August 26, 2009 at 8:17 pm
was there a threat in his letter? it seemed like he was saying he would expose others in the general assembly.
By 1+1=3 August 26, 2009 at 8:46 pm
this from a guy who didn’t mind railroading his wife and sons to divorce court – hypocritical bastard
By tamu88 August 26, 2009 at 8:47 pm
Jonny D: you are a man after my own heart.
The Gov did not sound like same person as I heard on 6/24/09.
By LUVGUV August 26, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Didn’t other conservative lawmakers fly first class to China with Sanford? Are they going to resign or face ethics investigations? What is good for the goose is good for the gander.
By Bee August 26, 2009 at 9:24 pm
For all you morality police out there, I advise taking a closer look at Andre Bauer. That t-shirt printing, tail-chasing, law-disregarding clown is on the brink of becoming our next governor.
How is that “better” than Sanford? Please explain…
By southernmapart August 26, 2009 at 9:37 pm
The lt gov really should resign. I missed the May fitsnews on his shenanigans and those of slime Jim.
“http://www.fitsnews.com/2009/05/04/bauers-office-reverses-course-on-senior-shield/
Andre thinks his office can support this kind of scam:
“For a fee of $175 per year, or $15 per month with a 12-month minimum, Senior Shield will certify a business as “senior friendly.”
“There’s the problem,” Landess says, “if you don’t write a check, by inference, you are not senior friendly.”
http://free-times.com/index.php?cat=1992912064227409&ShowArticle_ID=11010605093177787
I am so behind the times and how soon do some forget:
“As the head of South Carolina’s “Office on Aging,” Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer has a task force to investigate “Senior Fraud.”
Maybe he needs to investigate his own office.
That’s because new details are emerging about the Senior Scam that has Bauer, his chief-of-staff Jim Miles and Spartanburg businesswoman Karen Floyd scrambling to justify how taxpayer resources keep going to support a money-making scheme that exploits the very senior citizens Bauer’s “Office on Aging” is sworn to protect.
Last November, the Charleston (S.C.) Post and Courier first exposed the “Senior Shield” scam when it revealed that $85,000 in public money was funneled through the Office on Aging to “Senior Shield LLC,” a for-profit corporation established by Bauer’s chief-of-staff Jim Miles. ”
http://www.fitsnews.com/2009/04/15/more-senior-scamming-from-sc-lt-governors-office/
Andre “out” by the end of August. Scum Bag. Where the heck is Miles?
By Zach August 26, 2009 at 9:40 pm
If the luv-guv was truly interested in being a real Governor, he would not have been whereever he was last weekend. Whether he was holed up at the Argentian Polo Club in Aiken or surfing at Sullivan’s Island, he should have been in Columbia working to make up for all the down time he has taken the past two months. Why didn’t he just have a bunch of legislators over to the poolhouse at Mansion to drink a beer and talk some of this out? Obama set a good, well, maybe, fair precedent with that tactic after his snafu.
By MKinVA August 26, 2009 at 9:46 pm
Thanks, old bike dude, but we have a VAGINO of our own!!
By Whitley Hodges August 26, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Mr. Sanford needs to step down or be impeached.
It’s time we had a real man as our Governor. Dwight Drake is a Viet Nam veterans, attorney, family man, and businessman with an excellent record in the real world. I encourage you to look at him and his qualifications. He’s the kind of man we need after Sanford.
By SC Moderate August 26, 2009 at 10:36 pm
Why does Sanford not understand- That people do not want him to resign because of an affair. Even in the beginning when the Scandal broke- the true outrage (to the extent of calls for resignation) was due to the dishonesty regarding his whereabouts and not being able to get in touch with the Governor- even 13 calls from his senior staff. People may have been mad if it was a simply an affair, but they would have quickly moved on.
The further outrage and calls for resignation have come from realizing just how deep of a hypocrite Sanford is- in all aspects of his persona.
It drives me nuts to see Sanford continue to frame the issue by saying that he admitted his affair and now its time to move on… and never addresses the fact that he was irresponsible for abandoning the state with no communication for 6 days… or let the state pick up the bill for past visits to Maria. (not to mention all of the other admissions he leaves out regarding his hypocritical deeds that are contrary to the political mantra he has portrayed over the years, his above the rules street mentality, or even his loss of ability to lead. But for arguments sake I realized, at least, most of these aspects are harder to quantify).
I wish at the next press conference, reporters would ask questions like… “Do you understand that people in SC, calling for your resignation, have already forgiven you for your affair- but they are increasingly frustrated by your ongoing hypocrisy.” ….. “Your once were quoted as saying Bill Clinton’s real crime was breaking his oath to his wife. Whereas most would say Mark Sanford’s real crime was breaking his oath to the people of South Carolina.”
Or that the media would run a story with the headlines… “SANFORD STILL THINKS ITS ABOUT THE AFFAIR” … “IT’S NOT THE AFFAIR, IT’S THE HYPOCRISY STUPID!”
By Huhhh??? August 26, 2009 at 10:39 pm
ain’t he fool?
By Folly Beach Bum August 26, 2009 at 10:55 pm
What Bauer did today will go down as one of the most admirable political moves in recent SC politics. He put the people above personal politics. He was obviously a front runner in the 2010 race and sacrificed his own future to pull our state out of this stump. Obviously, he can’t raise all of Henry’s trial lawyer money and political suck ups within the state party, but he had the name ID and accomplishments to put him over the edge. Maybe the RQA clients should stand up and be true leaders like Bauer. Harrell is a two face that obviously hates Sanford but hides in the corner and goes silent when he has the chance to end all of this. The House will definitely make Cato the new speaker because Bobby is a COWARD!! Knee-Jerk McMaster is a joke anyway and knows he would never stand a chance against Bauer were he to become an incumbent. McConnell has failed to take a notable stand on this matter either. Hopefully the true leaders in the State House will call for Harrell to man up this weekend in Myrtle Beach, or either step down his post as their leader. Speaking of Myrtle Beach, McMaster ally Rep. Tracy Edge released a statement today in the Fun News that he still has a man crush on Sanford and is just a puppet for our new GOP candidate for “Gubnah”. Just as ordered, he is not calling for Sanford to resign. What a bunch of self centered out of touch nobodies. I hope they all get booted out of office next time when the constituents realize how politically self centered this group is. Thank goodness to Bauer for putting service before self.
By Brian August 27, 2009 at 12:22 am
Somebody in this thread called Andre Bauer a playboy. I had to laugh. I’ve seen the chicks on his arm, too… but really? I think you know…
By BOYSMOM August 27, 2009 at 1:36 am
I think Sanford and many of his “buddies” probably “blow off steam crowd” are filling the airways and comment section of newspapers trying to blame everyone else for his problems. Wake up and smell the roses before it is too late…Does he have the goods on you all that you are afraid he will spill…Let the dam flow…
By anonymous August 27, 2009 at 4:19 am
“Mark Sanford boned me”
http://www.rapideyereality.com/archives/2009/08/26/mark-sanford-boned-me/
By RichmondVA August 27, 2009 at 4:24 am
…self-followup…apologies.
Imagine if only the people supported him. We know he has almost no friends on either side. Let’s see him confess all of the crimes of which he partook, witnessed or knew.
His career is over. With a real public airing, not the limited to a specific topic, he would turn from buffoon into just a tragedy and would leave a more noble legacy than what is destined now.
By RichmondVA August 27, 2009 at 4:29 am
It would be great to be a reporter in SC while Sanford self-destructs. I can’t imagine all of the juicy leaks he would be generating as he fought off his enemies all around. Scams, scandals, indiscretions, revelations galore.
This would be a great time for him to convert into a populist, anti-corruption governor. Everyone already knows his crimes. Others are airing them, trying to pressure him. Both sides. If impeached, I think he should start letting all of the cats out of the bags.
Imagine if only the people supported him. We know he has almost no friends on either side. Let’s see him confess all of the crimes of which he partook, witnessed or knew.
His career is over. With a real public airing, not the limited to a specific topic, he would turn from buffoon into just a tragedy and would leave a more noble legacy than what is destined now.
The People would love it. Politicians and special interests would not.
By PapaSwamp August 27, 2009 at 6:30 am
My opinion probably doesn’t count (I’m in FL), but I could careless that he has a mistress, but he did abandon his job (post) and lie to his staff and the people of SC on where he was. If he used any state funds for his little forays then he should be impeached. At the very least he should have resigned for abandoning the state….it would have shown he possessed a little class….now it’s just a circus side show.
By Benji August 27, 2009 at 8:08 am
Dwight Drake is a heartless, special interest lobbyist who has represented big oil, big tobacco, payday lending, video poker….he is not what we need as governor.
By southernmapart August 27, 2009 at 8:25 am
In the Upstate we’ve heard that
“Andre Bauer a playboy. I had to laugh. I’ve seen the chicks on his arm, too… but really? I think you know…”
In the Upstate, we’ve heard that Bauer is a poser when it comes to chicks.
By Jeffy01 August 27, 2009 at 8:32 am
SC Moderate, you are right on. Sanford thinks this is about his soul mate. He has no ability to see that its about everything else, but not that.
Benji….dude, wrong story. try decaf.
By Island Girl August 27, 2009 at 8:35 am
Game On! Finally, Sanford has stood up to the Columbia political self interest scum. He did lie to the citizens of this state, his staff and his wife … and as a result he has lost EVERYTHING! His family and his career in politics. He has nothing left to loose. He NEVER abandoned his desire for our state to have a free market economy and less government control over our individual freedoms and fought ever battle in the State House to control spending while trying to reduce the tax burden on working South Carolina families. At the end of the day, this state is controlled by the legislature his hands have been tied since his inauguration. Yesterday, Sanford remembered his fight, a fight for our freedoms. Now that he has nothing left to loose maybe we will see the scum exposed for who they really are and how and where they spend our hard earned dollars. The freedom of information act is a beautiful document … let the information flow!
By Libb August 27, 2009 at 9:46 am
Island Girl,
Which one of Jenny’s friends are you? Pretty obvious that SC’s quirky, scary version of Bill & Hillary are moving their agenda to the national level. This pair doesn’t give a rat’s patootie about us and this state.
Think Fox talk show host, book deal, or heaven forbid(forgive the indulgence in C Street speak) Jenny becomes the “candidate”.
By anonymous August 27, 2009 at 10:09 am
Sanford should resign
Governor should think about others before himself
Several things have become sadly clear in the weeks since South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford’s shocking confession to an affair with an Argentinian woman.
One is that he wasn’t what he purported to be in his professional life either. News reports allege his travel spending at state expense was excessive and that he was negligent in reporting private travel as required by ethics laws.
Another is that he can’t apologize his way out of the mess he created.
Yet another is that the scandal is never going to recede while he’s in office — and that the state’s vital business will suffer as a result.
Indeed, even his Republican friends are telling him the state legislature may be caught up in impeachment proceedings next year. And a Republican House caucus this weekend is expected to focus on Sanford’s scandal rather than the other pressing issues of the day.
The long and short of it is that Sanford’s attempt to cling to power is failing to help him and is only damaging the state he’s made his home.
It’s time for him to resign.
Even as a friend and supporter, we’re not sure why Mr. Sanford feels that forgiveness should, or even can, come while he hangs onto power for dear life.
In his earlier actions, Mr. Sanford was undoubtedly thinking primarily of himself. Yet, he seems not to have learned a thing from his comeuppance, for he is still out for himself alone. Why else would he put the state through this continued drip, drip, drip?
His attempt at personal and professional redemption is beginning to cost the state dearly.
And that’s another thing. When did we get the idea that we can seek forgiveness and redemption without paying the price for them?
If redemption is to come in any form, it will likely only arrive after Mr. Sanford thinks about others before himself.
It’s time he does that.
http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/2009/08/27/edi_545931.shtml
By MKinVA August 27, 2009 at 10:38 am
Gov, you have no right to be angry. Instead of wandering off for long weekends, trips out of state and out of the country, you and your staff should have gotten in front of this story. It wouldn’t take more than a few days to get the info together and make your case or as you say tell “an incredibly great story…with regard to watching out for taxpayers on airplane use.” You say you decide on something on the facts, well so do the rest of us. Put the facts out there. Ticket upgrades, use of state plane for personal/family convenience, use of staff for inappropriate activities, diversion of campaign moneys for personal use. No one is fooled into thinking this is about your affair. I mean really, once it was revealed that it was a babe and not a boy, many of us were so relieved we were almost proud. I, for one, always thought you played for the other team.
By VS August 27, 2009 at 10:46 am
When I was a boy and broke the rules I would sometimes try to get out of punishment by telling my parents that other kids also broke the rules. My parents punished me anyway.
Also, yes Mark has enemies that are politically motivated to get rid of him but not every call for his resignation is “purely politics.” Pure politics would be a call for resignation without factual justification.
Pure politics is saying you ought to vote for W because John McCain has a illegitimate black daughter. Saying Mark Sanford had unethical spending habits is fact. Fact IS more akin to history than it is to politics. Yes, without the governor’s preexisting enemies perhaps we wouldn’t have the “witch hunt” we see today but the fact still remains: Mark you broke the rules, the fact that others did it too is irelevant. The fact that you are being scrutinized more than your predecessors is irrelevant. The fact that you believe God has told you that you are King David is irrelevant. The fact that you were in love is irrelevant. The fact that Andre is a douche is irrelevant.
It is unfortunate that those who will impeach you might do it for the wrong reasons but that does not change the fact that you broke the rules. YOU armed your enemies. Don’t blame the media for that.
By shiya August 27, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Island Girl
“Yesterday, Sanford remembered his fight, a fight for our freedoms.” Freedoms? wait, didnt Maria use similar words to justify her affair with Sanford?
So, Island Girl, are you Maria?
In any case, Sanford’s actions are probably going to polarize an electorate that is tired of this. Clinton “lied” under oath in a silly lawsuit that was part of a witchhunt. But he paid his dues. He was impeached, and his legacy tarnished. not only that, Al Gore paid a price too. He has paid any sort of price here..which is why he continues to remain arrogant. He is still in office; skips work under the pretext of seeking forgiveness, and has gotten rid of a wife and family that was cramping his style. Does anyone really think Sanford is sad because he “lost” his family? As he himself admitted, he knew the costs but still chose to go to Argentina. He looks a lot more relaxed ever since his family moved out….he is just bidding his time till he gets the divorce after a one-year wait, and then joins Maria who will have two sons off to college by then. And he will have his pension to fuel his love. This is his plan all along.
By Frank August 27, 2009 at 10:11 pm
I still support Governor Sanford and as in the movie Rocky Balboa, Rocky states “It’s not how hard you get hit, but it’s how hard you can get hit and still keep moving forward”. So keep your head up Governor and keep moving forward!
By Dave T. August 28, 2009 at 8:14 am
Frank wrote:
“…as in the movie Rocky Balboa, Rocky states “It’s not how hard you get hit, but it’s how hard you can get hit and still keep moving forward”. So keep your head up Governor and keep moving forward!”
Of all the comments on this, yours qualifies as the gayest.