Forsaking the soothing, syrupy strains of Don Henley’s “Forgiveness” tour, S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford unleashed a little “Rage Against The Machine” Thursday – but the notes still came out off-key.
In front of a noisy, heavily-traveled street in Greenville, S.C., Sanford blasted State Sen. David Thomas for running a politically-motivated investigation into his travel expenses. Sanford said Thomas was running an “investigation in search of an agenda, not the truth,” before coyly adding that “some people” in the Upstate view the Senator’s investigation as an effort to build name ID for Thomas’ Congressional campaign.
“Some people?”
Aside from the merits of Sanford’s criticism of Thomas – something we’ve agreed with more than a few times on this website – does any of this change the fact that Sanford broke the law?
Seriously, we get it that Sanford isn’t alone in being a poor steward of taxpayer resources (and we get that Sen. Thomas is a first-class boob), but again – does that change the fact that Mark Sanford is guilty of all the things he’s being accused of?
Sanford also attacked the media for the second consecutive day, reiterating comments made at a contentious Wednesday afternoon “availability” in which he said that the press was picking on him and misrepresenting his record.
“With all due respect to my friends in the media, for some folks, they thought it would help sell papers,” Sanford said of the media focus on his various indiscretions, which (at last count) include having an extramarital affair, lying about his whereabouts, visiting his lover on a taxpayer-funded trip, accepting unauthorized upgrades to first class seats, using the state airplane improperly, failing to report air travel provided by his friends and political allies and using his official staff and security detail for personal and political purposes.
Oh, and being completely out of his fool mind.
Of course, with considerably less “due respect” for the media, Sanford failed to alert the statewide press to the fact that he was holding an “availability” in Greenville until an hour and twenty minutes before it was scheduled, making it impossible for reporters from Columbia and other parts of the state to attend.
Also, for the second consecutive event, Sanford refused to take questions from reporters.
Here’s the video of the Greenville event, courtesy of Media General …
Sanford also dumped off a letter and stacks of documents for Thomas that he says provide context for the allegations that have been leveled against him. The documentation looks quite extensive (you can read it below if you want), and we shudder to think how much taxpayer time and money went into putting it together.
Obviously, that goes to our larger point … whether traveling the state seeking forgiveness from voters, dropping bombs on your political opponents, or forcing your staff to go back twenty years to find other people who also acted irresponsibly, how is any of this in keeping with the responsibilities of a governor?
Is there seriously any rational human being out there who honestly believes that this is serving South Carolina’s interests?
Frankly, this ongoing craziness is why we called on Sanford to resign months ago.
WEB EXTRAS
Pic (and THX): Our Favorite Tarheel Girl
By CNSYD August 27, 2009 at 2:25 pm
and in other news.
By shiya August 27, 2009 at 2:25 pm
He is acting like a juvenile delinquent: he should be impeached simply for reducing the dignity of the governor’s office. This is as stupid as his pork and barrel stunt.
By fitsnews August 27, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Shiya-
Whoa, whoa, whoa … go easy on those little piglets. The difference between then and now (and this and that) is night and day.
Whoever advised Sanford to carry those squealing piglets into the State House was a genius.
Whoever advised this event is a moron. Of course, in fairness to the governor’s staff our guess is that this event is more a result of his FAILURE to take advice than anything.
-FITS
By MKinVA August 27, 2009 at 2:38 pm
You missed a couple of items on your list. Did he illegally use or divert money from campaign funds for personal use? And did any person receive any pecuniary benefit as a result of providing the governor and/or his family with gifts of airplane rides?
By Nunya Bizness August 27, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Fits- Just because you advised it, does that make it genius? As to Mark Sanford v. The World, this is so fantastic. Is anyone who criticizes him going to get a visit to their office by the governor with whatever media can run there at a moment’s notice? Will he be outside Boyd Brown’s dorm room next?
By shiya August 27, 2009 at 2:41 pm
So Will, should I presume you advised the piglet stunt? BTW, since you peg yourself as a news/gossip site, why dont you get some responses from Hodges and Land to see what their explanations are. Or sift through the documents yourselves. The local reporters from “respectable” papers seem incapable of asking any questions.
By Jonny D August 27, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Fits you’re a legend in your own mind, which in it’s own way is kind of funny. But what is not funny is that you are also a traitor. Long after this shit is over, when it’s only you and your thoughts, you are going to have to answer the question to yourself why you stabbed your friend in the back, a guy who by your own admission gave you your first big break, a man you profess to “love”. What will be the reason, a rabid dog who had to be put down, a subconscious passion for the Ice Princess and a desire to avenge her honor, or maybe you just don’t have a conscience. The good news is that your friend seems like a forgiving guy, I’m sure whatever the reason he will understand. But it doesn’t make what you are doing any less disgusting.
By SCCON August 27, 2009 at 3:05 pm
He’s right across from Thomas’s law office in that video. Hrr. Hrr.
By MKinVA August 27, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Jonny D: This is almost too easy: “The good news is that your friend seems like a forgiving guy” He seems only to be forgiving himself, however.
By Big Johnson August 27, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Who in charge in this state is following up with and courting Boeing for the new assembly plant in N Chas? Does the luv gov even know about it? Is someone stepping up to the plate in his self-inflicted absence?
By fitsnews August 27, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Shiya-
It’s hard to ask questions when the governor isn’t taking them.
Jonny D-
“a subconscious passion for the Ice Princess and a desire to avenge her honor …”
Give, dude! Who are you talking about? We have no clue but that is some GREAT stuff! Please keep it coming.
-FITS
P.S. – As for “back-stabbing,” anybody can make a “stupid and tragic mistake.”
By 1+1=3 August 27, 2009 at 3:16 pm
the only thing disgusting here is how the gov of family values threw his family under the Latin Express and now wants all of SC to continuing paying for his affair
By yarrrrr August 27, 2009 at 3:16 pm
Fits, you’re adding onto the craziness… it’s obvious what is going on here…
By MKinVA August 27, 2009 at 3:24 pm
“anybody can make a “stupid and tragic mistake.” I don’t think anything I have done since high school would be classified as “tragic.”
By Jonny D August 27, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Fits, to quote our esteemed Vice President, what am I talking about? But hey, what more do you want, I already admitted that your site was juicy, well produced, knows how to show a nipple, and the bonus of all bonuses does not seem to censor comments. And what’s more, you will realize when Luv Guv leaves office next year at the completion of his term that you were the one playing checkers, and he was playing chess.
By CNSYD August 27, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Jonny D, Sanfraud is playing chess? You sure it is not Russian roulette?
By Doyle August 27, 2009 at 3:56 pm
The only game of chess Sanford is playing is called Fools Mate.
By shiya August 27, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Whoa, Will, you are two steps too slow on this
http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/aug/27/mark-sanford-could-be-gone-years-end/
By Jean August 27, 2009 at 4:28 pm
I mentioned last week on one of my post here that sooner or later, people in SC will begin to sympathize with Mark Sanford. Sure enough it’s begun. His recent revelations of records are totally legitimate and it’s making the people investigating him and calling him to quit seem vengeful and petty. If everyone would just return to minding their own business this next 16 months would be business as usual. In fact I think Sanford is correct in that he has been humbled and his performance would be a benefit to the state.
By Pat McCright August 27, 2009 at 4:56 pm
I only want Sanford TO WORK. I work 50 hours a week and I am just a paralegal ! Can’t our govenor work? I want his ass working 10 hours for the rest of his term. SC is in such bad shape – Sanford could turn this entire situation around if he would just get SC some jobs. I know that is hard because Sanford is not used to working hard.
Come on Sanford – try working hard you might enjoy accomplishments.
By Pat McCright August 27, 2009 at 4:58 pm
opps I meant 10 hours a day – not 10 hours for the rest of his term (although that was a typo – it is kinda funny)
By ethel krabitz August 27, 2009 at 5:01 pm
I will not sympathize with anyone who is on this or that tour of the moment instead of staying his ass in Columbia and doing his job. No sympathy for the perpetually flapping lips. Sanford needs to shut up. HE provided the media and every person who blogs about him with more than enough ammo to bring him down. When you pass out ammunition, don’t whine when it’s used against you.
By MKinVA August 27, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Jean: Step away from the Kool Aid. The Augusta Chronicle has called for his resignation. This is getting worse for him, not better. Perhaps the sympathy you see is the pity in people’s eyes when they finally realize just what a mad hatter Sanford is. It is pathetic to watch. If he resigns, we won’t have to watch anymore.
By CNSYD August 27, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Damn Jean next you will want us to feel sorry for Saddam, Hitler, Stalin, etc.
By As the Smoke Issues Forth from My Nostrils... August 27, 2009 at 5:19 pm
WHY IS EVERYONE, AND I MEAN PRACTICALLY EVERYONE, NOT EMPHASIZING THE FACT THAT HE LEFT SC WITHOUT PROPER LEADERSHIP? It’s the Republicans screaming about terror attacks, what if one had happened, Luv Guv? At least ya did pull up your pants long enough to address the fires in Horry County, I guess.
Thanks to the perpetual assing around in the statehouse by many, I can’t get a job nor afford to return to college. My ex-husband can’t get decent medical care or benefits as a Gulf War veteran because there wasn’t any such thing as Gulf War Syndrome until recently, right? Yall decided yet if it was the bios and chems we sold to Iraq, or the pesticides, or oil fires? Perhaps the experimental drugs to combat Sadam’s SCUDS (we know they weren’t empty). Guess yall are still working on it, huh?
Furthermore, Sanford’s bitching that this is “pure politics” by others in office? That’s like the Pope saying something is “pure religion”, that the Cardinals are disagreeing with him just to further themselves, which I’m sure they do, but hey, if you’re gonna be in the game, don’t gripe about what the game is and what the rules are, especially since you signed up to play in the 1st place.
TO OUR PUBLIC SERVANTS IN COLUMBIA: QUIT F**CKING AROUND, GET RID OF SANFORD, AND GO TO WORK GETTING US SOME DAMN JOBS AND DECENT MEDICAL CARE!!! WHILE YOU’RE AT IT, GET SOMEONE UP HERE TO CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, CLEAN THIS HODGE AND CRONIES AND (SOME ON) CHERAW POLICE DEPT. SH*T UP, LEARN A LESSON FROM THIS, AND DON’T LET IT HAPPEN AGAIN!
THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY FED-UP, SICK OF IT ALL, NAUSEATED HEART.
P.S. DON’T THINK FOR A MOMENT MANY SC CITIZENS AREN’T HEAVILY WEIGHING THE FACT THAT A LOT OF POLITICOS IN COLA TOWN NEED TO BE OUT OF A JOB OR IN PRISON. KEEP ON AND YALL WON’T BE ABLE TO DO YOUR JOBS BECAUSE OF THE MOB ON THE STEPS OF THE STATE HOUSE. BEFORE ANYONE ISSUES THEIR RETORTS, I KNOW I’M DISTURBED, COLORFUL LANGUAGE UNNECCESSARY, FORGIVE HIM HE’S HUMAN, BLAH BLAH…DON’T CARE AT THIS POINT.
By 1+1=3 August 27, 2009 at 5:20 pm
From CNN
Sawyer said his firm — New Level Strategies — will offer public relations advice, message development and crisis communications consulting to companies and Republican political clients.
Hahahahahaha – starting with the one that didn’t listen to him?
By Gillon August 27, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Mark Sanford reminds me of an adolescent schoolboy who always bragged that he was more honest than everyone else, is caught cheating on a test, blames the teacher for picking on him, and gives the excuse that he should not be held responsible and is being singled out for punishment when other students have done the same thing.
By BIN News Editorial Staff August 27, 2009 at 8:55 pm
On his last day as gub’ner (whenever that is) Mark(ie) sanfraud will go to http://www.fitsnews.com and post: “Et tu, Brute?”
This whole thing would make a great play.
Where is the “Bard of Avon” when we need him most?
He could write a new play based on this foolishness.
Mark(ie) sanfraud as the Roman dictator Julius Caesar.
sic(k) willie as Brutus.
Anyone care to cast the rest?
BIN News Editorial Staff
Flair and Balanced
P.S. For sic(k) willie’s readers who must Google “Bard of Avon,” it’s best you just go back to one of sic(k) willie’s soft porn links.
By Interloper August 27, 2009 at 9:13 pm
I suspect there is someone at FITS who is on the Lov Gov’s score-settling list.
And, you might as well come clean about those dirty piglets being your idea.
By madcock August 27, 2009 at 9:50 pm
Who paid for this nut-job governor to go to Greenville and stand on the sidewalk in front of Thomas’s office like one of those Opeation Rescue kooks that march in front of the statehouse all the time shouting at people stuck at red-lights?
The taxpayers of SC no doubt.
Hopefully Sanfraud’s daddy, Howie Rich will spring for one of those sandwich boards with Bible verses, an overcoat, and a naked babydoll splashed with red paint for the luvgov to complete his transformation from “hypocritical spoiled Brahmin” to “dude that people cross the street to avoid walking past.”
By Jean August 27, 2009 at 10:32 pm
This is what I meant when I said that eventually people are going to feel for the underdog.
This from the ABC Columbia:
[But according to Public Relations Strategist, Jacque Riley of Riley Communications, prolonged pressure from Sanford's political foes for him to step down could backfire.
"It's getting to the point where he might start to have the underdog advantage again."
Just this week, three lawmakers, including Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, demanded that Gov. Sanford quit or be removed from office. Riley, though, points out mud-slinging does not bode well with the public.
"People don’t have the patience for self-serving interests and petty accusations. A lot of it is beyond his actions, coming from outside forces, but he ends up being the beneficiary."
For USC student Ralph Diaz, the so-called outside forces have already changed his opinion of Sanford.
"I'm definitely more supportive! The mistake he made didn't affect the state as badly as people are making it out to be."]
By calhoun fawls August 27, 2009 at 10:40 pm
Well, if the Governor shows up at the house, we will find him something to eat and encourage him like a wayward cousin to do the right thing.
By Silence Dogood August 27, 2009 at 11:03 pm
Hey Guvnah? Nice list of ticket prices – were those people flying to see mistresses too, or did you make that part of your resaerch??
Just a thought.
By CNSYD August 27, 2009 at 11:28 pm
Jean, one USC student out of how many thousand? Really sounds like a mandate. I bet I could find one person to support about anything. There is probably a USC student who would try to convince me they will win the BCS national championship this year. Guess what, what we think or do matters not. The power is in the hands of the legislature.
By shiya August 28, 2009 at 12:01 am
Well, regarding the affair, he is definitely continuing it. I would have loved to have heard his response (the bob mclain show). hope others follow-up on it.
“During that conversation on WORD, Bob Mclain asked the Governor if he had spoken to the woman he admitted to having an affair with, since it was announced. The Governor refused to say yes or no. ”
see http://www.wspa.com
By Statesman August 28, 2009 at 8:05 am
The articles of impeachment are coming soon!