CNN

larry craig is gayer then a picnic basket full of rainbows. if it walks and talks like a frog, well just maybe it is a frog.............

And I don't know about you but I definately am not in the habit of picking toilet paper up off the floor of a public restroom! Don't anybody ever shake Craigs hand again!!

As I was reading the transcript of the "interrogation", I think I actually heard the swinging of the big bright light suspended from the ceiling. It did not sound like an interrogation but rather an inquisition. How many of us have been in a crowded, cramped restroom trying to hurry and finish not thinking of how close our foot was to our neighbor? The times I have been rushing to make my flight that has been the farthest thing from my mind. This is actually rather ridiculous and given the deteriorating moral climate of our country our attention needs to be on the real issues. In addition, I think we need to look at the "interrogation" practices that were used in this case.

I'm having a hard time with Mr. Craig's defense that he was entrapped AFTER pleading guilty. Hello, even fly-by-night attorneys tell you to never admit guilt if you plan to fight charges in court! And trying to "expedite" a criminal charge because you "have a plane to catch?" Give me a break. There are other planes to be caught. I know, I'm an admin assistant who often got saddled with rearranging the travel plans of people who "had planes to catch."

On a number of occasions on this blog I have defended CNN from charges of bias. Now, for the first time I’m beginning to doubt CNN’s journalistic integrity.

There are a number of possible explanations for the lack of “comment” links on the Ticker for the last couple of days.

CNN’s refusal to explain this situation as either a technical difficulty or a change of policy is unprofessional and rude.

CNN’s deletion of comments on this policy is cowardice and unethical journalism.

To the person who’s going to delete this: Is this why you went to J-School?

I don't presume to know if Senator Craig is innocent or guilty. Since he thinks this is all a witchhunt, ,maybe now he can relate being gay in America.

Really isn't part of the problem here that Craig was so stupid and inept that he pled guilty even though he says he did nothing wrong? and how did a U.S. senator expect this not to come to light? Honestly the guy was just too dumb to be in office anyway.

As a gay man, it seems he's already "given up his seat". *wink, wink*

Rodney Dallas TX,

"he guy shouldn't have been trying to pick a man up in the public bathroom but being gay shouldn't be a reason for him to give up his seat."

No? So you're saying that ...

1) running on a party platform of christian, conservative moral values

and

2) supporting a federal constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, voting in favor of the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996, opposing the expansion of the federal hate crimes law to cover offenses motivated by anti-gay bias in 1996, and, also in 1996, voting against a bill that would have outlawed employment discrimination based on sexual orientation, which failed by a single vote in the Senate

DOESN'T make him "Hypocrite of the Year" after what happened?

Violating the very principles he ran on and used to bash others makes him an ASSET to his party?

Or is it you just don't like it when we hold republicans to their OWN moral standards?

Don, Bellevue WA,

"I wonder, how is that any more of a hypocrisy than, say, heterosexuals supporting gay rights and marriage?"

Anybody who tries to demean others for what they think is immoral behavior (especially by litigating AGAINST it continuously) and then gets busted for soliciting that same kind of behavior is CLEARLY, by definition, a hypocrite.

And your horrible attempt at a comparison was ...?

Eye Opener,

"This case screams ENTRAPPMENT!"

Did Sean "Let me [only] play you a bit of the tape where the cop gets aggressive" Hannity tell you that?

1) He plead GUILTY;

2) to a lesser charge after getting busted for soliciting sex from a male police officer

3) you don't PLEA down to a lesser charge unless you know you're going to get fried on a more severe one (see Michael Vick);

4) there were WEEKS between the time that the incident occurred and the day he pleaded GUILTY – so he had PLENTY of time to consider his situation, seek legal council, etc;

5) COMMON SENSE says you don't plead guilty to something you didn't do, then try to say you WEREN'T guilty when the story hits the airwaves;

6) he has a history of alleged homosexual escapades – unless you think THAT is all part of a vast liberal conspiracy too;

I have a suggestion, change your name to Republican with Eyes Wide SHUT.

You know I had serious question as to if this was a setup by that cop being over zealous but the reason for that was the news reports conveniently kept leaving out that he waited months before he signed that confession.

My premise was that he was under the bright lights of interrogation and coerced into signing that statement of guilt.

I don't know now.

I don't know what he signed to get out of that police/ security office but it must have been something and I still do not understand what that final document was he submitted months later.

It is possible it was just a situation of mistakes compounding but on the other hand I can't justify in my mind the fact that he so vehemently expressed innocence in the audio tape and then signed off on a lesser accusation to cover it up.

It would have been better if he fought it because any lawyer worth his salt could have tried it or even had it thrown out.

Its a sad situation
but I think it really points to the issue of having privacy when using a public rest room.

We must do away with urinals in mens rooms that is a disgusting practice also privacy in locker rooms should be a must.

I am not a puritanical person but I do not like practices.

As for this whole matter I am seriously confused and cant point fingers in any directions with the amount of info I have at this time.

can't we just go back to covering Lindsey Lohan...

I think everyone is just overreacting. I'm getting the impression (along with the few other people commenting on this post) that the officer was just looking for someone to target, which happened to be Senator Craig. While I don't agree with anything that Senator Craig represents (Idaho, anti-gay, Republican Party, "family values", etc), I do think that he was unfairly targeted.

"Democrats never preach themselves as "Family values" or the sole "moral party" and attract voters by ballot initiatives bashing gays, and banning same sex marriage etc. "

- – - – -

Jessie ~ Washington,

So because a congressman TALKS about family values – that makes it a serious enough offense for the person to resign. The Democrats, because they don't TALK about family values, deserve to get a pass??

And just so you know, Jessie, Hillary Clinton, Obama, Biden – all are opposed to same-sex marriage.

When the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was passed in 1996 (stating marriage = 1 man + 1 woman) 85 Senators voted FOR the passage. 30 Democrats supported the passage – including: Biden, Byrd, Daschle, Dodd, John Glenn, Harkin, Pat Leahy, and Harry Reid.

Clinton, Obama, and Edwards weren't in office – but all have publicly voiced opinions against same-sex marriage.

Are THEY gay-bashers like Republicans?

To Jon of Sacremento:

Democrats never preach themselves as "Family values" or the sole "moral party" and attract voters by ballot initiatives bashing gays, and banning same sex marriage etc. Whereas these hypocrites preach something and practice something. Sen Vitter and Criag has not resigned yet. And prominent republicans ask their resignation not because their duty to reject immorality, but for the fear of loosing election.

THE ONLY FAMILY VALUE'S THAT THE REPUBLICANS CARE ABOUT IS THE PARTY. DO ANYTHING AS LONG AS IT IS FOR THE PARTY. LIE, CHEAT, STEAL,AS LONG AS YOU SUPPORT THE PARTY.

I do not know about Idaho, but in Texas (and perhaps in some other states as well), entrapment is perfectly legal. I served on a jury in which a police officer initated a drug deal, enticed Mexican drug dealers to come to El Paso so he could sell them drugs at below Mexican prices, and arrested them. As the judge told us, entrapment is perfectly legal and should not be discussed in our deliberations.

Although I find Craig's politics to be despicable, I feel a lot of compassion for the man. His future will not be pleasant at all. His friends have deserted him. His wife and family are surely a little cool to him at this point and reconciliation may never take place. His self-image as a MAN among men is shattered. He will either find Jesus or a bottle, but neither will provide any solace.

He has been shot with his own gun. The same intolerance and hatred he preached for most of his life is now being used against him. I wonder what he would have said if another Senator, not him, had been caught doing the same thing.

You know, most of us aren't calling for the Senator to resign because he's gay (or not). Most of us aren't calling for him to resign because of his crime (it was a misdemeanor).
Gays are calling for him to resign because they suspect he is a hypocrite extraordinaire (gay, but overcompensating by acting so anti-gay, and conservatives are calling for him to resign because he's drawing such negative attention to their cause (they suspect or know he is truly gay.
Considering how conservatives went after Clinton, it's refreshing to know they are now willing to stop the tolerance of problems in their own "house".
Can you guys please look into that little Vitter problem next and regain a little more respect?
Thanks!

"Mark Foly, Senator Vitter from Florida, and now Sen. Craig all involved in the sex scandal. What's happening to the "Family Values" republican party? "

- – - – -

Exactly... they're ACTING like Democrats!

I've often wondered why Republicans most often resign from office when things like this happen as opposed to Democrats that just stick it out (Barney Frank, President Clinton, Kennedy boys, Gary Condit, Rostenkowski, etc)

well, i think this guy should resign and live his life freely as a gay or whatever he chooses to be...
These people up in D.C know much more then we do...
when John Mccain said that Craig should resign, well I think Craig should resign because as a U.S senator you shouldn't be caught or being suspected doing some weirdo thing.

Well Mr. Craig, just go back to Idaho and grow more patatoes for the people of America

it is a sad that america has no hero to lead her in our struggle to preserve freedom and justice in the world. is it any wonder that other nations see us as 'infedels' when our leaders conduct themselves like this?

I got the distinct impression that the officer in question was aggressive, irate, over zealous (and newly trained), anxious to trap someone so he could show off some newly acquired job skills.

The issue is credibility. The senator repeatedly asks how to expedite the process because he has a plane to catch. The police give him advice on how he can proceed so he can be let go quickly, but there is no lawyer present. Was a guilty plea the sole option? Senator Craig admits he bumped his foot and picked up paper. So, yes he's guilty of that. Is the act of bumping ones foot against someone in and of itself a crime? The police claim is that he was soliciting. How can they prove intent? Isn't this a case of someone’s word against another’s? Where are the witnesses?

A man’s career and his reputation are at stake. In the meantime, he was deliberately humiliated and embarrassed in public. The police, the courts, the media and much of our society have reached a new low. Something is wrong here. It's appalling, really!

To David.

I agree with you brother 100% what you wrote brother! However, when the Republican Conservative Christians started this "moral assault on America" 20 years ago against Americans who believe in freedom. All Americans must see that what hypocrites the GOP are.
Yes we all sinned at some point, but the difference between us and them is that we don't go out preach, enforce laws, or have the power of the lawmakers about how bad certain people are because they don't like their lifestyle. Americans are so close losing freedoms because people like Craig. Maybe one day Americans will get rid of this practices of hate like we have been through the last 7 years.

Mark Foly, Senator Vitter from Florida, and now Sen. Craig all involved in the sex scandal. What's happening to the "Family Values" republican party? Republicans were rejected in 2006 because of the corrupt congressmen such as Delay, Nay and someone from San Diego. And now it looks like they will be out for sex scandals in the closets.

Only an arrogant, egotistical Senator would even consider making an effort to talk his way out of such a situation. By listening to the tape, one can deduce, in the beginning, he felt that he was so important that he could talk his way out. As the tape progressed, he in turn got trapped, and he very much deserves his punishment. Vitter got away with his behavior for the time being.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with being gay. I don’t approve of solicitation in public restrooms, but it’s no big deal. Neither is visiting a prostitute, sending a flirtatious email, or having an affair with a coworker. I may disapprove of these acts, but I also forgive. I have too many sins of my own to go around casting stones. For the most part I think the private lives of politicians are none of my business.

Let’s try to keep things in perspective.

All the sex scandals in politics don’t add up to the shameful act of misleading the American people into a reckless war that’s cost us thousands of lives, trillions of dollars, and the respect of the rest of the world.

The guy shouldn't have been trying to pick a man up in the public bathroom but being gay shouldn't be a reason for him to give up his seat.

In other scandal-related news, Mary Jo Kopechne was unavailable for comment.

don't let the bathroom stall door hit you in the butt on your way out!

As a citizen of the US and Idaho, I am embarrassed by Sen Craig. His actions only go to show us all that we all need term limits to stop the corruption in Washington.

As for Sen Craig, he is another poor example of our national leadership. He should step down immediately as should anyone who defended him.

I am obviously very saddened by the existing arrogance of our national leadership. We just must initiate term limits & institute election financing reforms.

I just saw a comment on CNN by former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney "...said Thursday Idaho Sen. Larry Craig's alleged behavior was "disgraceful,"
This comment by Mitt Romney is probably more disgraceful and damaging than the 'alleged' behavior he's criticizing.
If Senator Larry Craig actually is guilty (It has yet to be proven) his action affects only himself and one other person, while Mr. Mitt Romney's affects the whole ethical basis of this country, and it impacts on other 'civilized' nations.
How can you call 'alleged anything' disgraceful? Don't we hold by the noble principle: "Innocent until proven guilty?"
By Mr. Mitt Romney making the statement he did, is undermining the whole American system of justice. This is pure hubris. Cut down the next guy to get ahead — disgusting and brutal! Reminiscent of Rome and it's fall.
America is sliding down the tubes with such 'leadership.' Rome fell, Greece, Persia, etc. Are we next?
Leaders be wise and think before you talk. Think deeply and consider. You are supposed to be a living example to your constituents.
All nations should uphold the 7 Noahide Laws if they want a just, peaceful, productive and happy society.
Choose life and not death!

bhoffinger@aol.com
1703 union street, 2B
brooklyn, ny 11213

Lyle Lovett has a very apropos song which laments how "one bad move" can bring your whole world tumbling down. Men with hobbies like Craig's should listen up and ask themselves if it's worth it.

My only question is, what bothers Republicans the most about this? Is it that Craig pled guilty of a crime or that he might be gay?

I strongly suspect it's the latter. Let's face it: Republicans are terrified of homosexuals within their ranks. It would basically discredit half of their social policy platforms.

Yeah those right wing Christian Conservatives Republicans really know what family values means. Such a display of Homosexual activity by the GOP. First you have all those troops sodomizing the POW's at Abu Ghraib. Then you have Mark Foley looking to be asked to the Prom by a young congressional page. Now you got Old Man Craig looking for man-love in restrooms in DC and Minneapolis. At least David Vitter he went to a call girl. Between Bush and his other GOP neo-cons, you going to see a lot of jail cells full of Republicans. When you hear those hypocrites from the right talk about traditional family values, that is code for meet me in the bathroom.

There are so many of our "elected" officails that are felons, have stolen, beaten their wives, DUI's, Drugs, Bankruptcys and more that who cares what Craig does, perhaps he should just move to San Fran and run for Mayor.

I don't see why Craig would need to or be asked to resign. He really didn't "commit" any crime. Maybe the a crime would have been committed had the officer waited. There's more bad apples in Congress then this paticular person. Craig should have had an attorney immediately! No attorney would have let this get to where it has.

This case screams ENTRAPPMENT!

Those same police tapes were a blessing in disguse. After hearing that last night on Nancy Grace. It became clear that:

1- He was a regular commuter.
2 – He was in a hurry to catch a flight
3 – The officer as head of security would have known the identity of a high ranking person like the Senator.
4 – Officer encouraged him to plead guilty and everything would be fine.
5 – Who really remembers what it is you do when your using the bathroom (average person uses a bathroom 5-6 times per day – can you remember what you did last in the loo???).
6 – Airport bathroom was busy at the time and a line had to be formed (ummmmm exactly where would you be able to conduct sex in there??)>
7 – And the senator is clearly aggrevated and in a rush, but yet he took time to correct the officer when the officer was putting words in his mouth and encouraging him to plead guilty...).

SOMETHING DOESN'T ADD UP AND IF BILL CLINTON CAN BE PRESIDENT AND STILL GET CAUGHT IN A SCANDAL LIKE THIS – THEN WHY ARE WE EVEN WASTING TIME ABOUT THIS???????

Republican's watch out – there is clearly something wrong!

Mr. Senator – stay put!!

DUDE YOUR GAY! NOT THAT THERES ANYTHING WRONG WITH THAT...

Enough with the coverage regarding Senator Craig and his solicitation attempt! We are tired having our valuable media sources focusing on step by step details of his behavior in a airport restroom. Yes, there is irony of having a "family values" diciple of God falling from grace right before our eyes, but must we join him in a restroom stall? I can not help but wonder if this would recieve all the attention if he solicited a woman rather than a man? Human behavior includes "soliciting" or flirting, why must it be blown out of proportion? Do I support sex in a public place, no I don't. Do I support a public figure blatantly lying to his constituents, no I don't. I do not support Senator Craig, let alone the entire RRR – Republican righteous right. Despite my affiliation, I do have companssion for any human being...

At this point, let the man seek support from his family and counselors and focus on something else that affects our country. Keep us out of a restroom stall with a Senator!

Where there's smoke, you're fired?

Many have accused Senator Craig of hypocrisy for opposing gay rights and marriage while supposedly soliciting gay sex. I wonder, how is that any more of a hypocrisy than, say, heterosexuals supporting gay rights and marriage?

Like Craig says... 'he's not homosexual'... but that doesn't mean he doesn't like showing his 'little friend' to strangers next to him in airport mens room stalls. He's not gay. Very dissimilar to being honestly gay, he is simply a twisted and perverted old geezer.

Good riddance. No room in this party for the morally corrupt. Try the dems..

Maybe I am kind of crazy for suggesting the following, but . . .

Here we have Larry Craig, who solicited homosexual sex in an airport bathroom.

On the same side of the aisle, we have David Vitter, who has admitted to having paid for sex with a prostitute in D.C., and is alleged to have done the same in New Orleans.

Why is it that Craig is being forced to resign, while Vitter has been all but forgotten about?

I can think of two reasons.

One, we have more of a problem with consensual gay sex than we do sex with heterosexual prostititutes.

Two, not too many – if any – Senators have solicited gay sex in bathrooms, so they have nothing to lose by hanging Craig out to dry, but they don't want to touch Vitter, because he is by far not the only Senator to do what he has done.

Hopefully, the neo-con response will be mindful that the most voicferous calls for his resignation has come from fellow republicans, and therefore, this is not a liberal witch-hunt. He should resign. There's no place in the US Senate for someone who lies by omission about getting arrested and pleading guilty to a crime that carries a prison sentence, albeit. As to the entrapment issue, he's responsible for creating the anti-gay culture that has caused law enforcement agencies to focus their attention and resources on gay sex in public bathrooms, meanwhile, illegal aliens are running in the streets killing innocent lives.

Craig's guilty because he pled guilty of his own free will.there is no doubt nor is there any room for doubt.What should be scrutinized here is the exact words being used by other closet republicans like Ensign who say things like "hopefully" when describing their own chances of not getting caught.Romney's condoning of gay sex with minors is of great concern as well.These radical right-wing sexual deviants have far more to hide than their constituents know.

After hearing the Audio Tape I have changed my opinion on Senator's Craig guilt. And I have to admit I could have jumped to the wrong conclusion too quickly.

The Audio Tape gave me a whole different perspective of the situation. The audio in my opinion seemed to be a forceful interrogation by the officer. And it sounded as if the Officer's mission was to intimidate and force Craig to the point of admitting he was guilty.

However, Craig stood his ground with the officer and continualy denied that he took part in any lewd conduct. I found his statements via the Audio carried credibility. Especially the argument between he and the officer regarding Craig's left hand. I felt Senator Craig won that argument hands down.