CNN

The only difference here is when Stanford goes out he doesn't take ABC, NBC, ABC,MSNBC with him to drool over his every move, Had Stanford asked Obama if he could borrow the state owned liberal media this would not have been an issue.

This is not passing the common sense test.... Come on- an undisclosed, secret hiking trip??? Why on earth would he disappear right before Father's Day weekend and not even tell his family his wherabouts? What wife goes for days without talking to her husband while he's out of town? What is so important that he would miss the all important family day that represents traditional, patriarch family values around our great nation? His PR folks had several hours to come up with a story on his wherabouts and this is the best they could do?

Why does it matter anyways, the people of South Carolina know how it's going to go: shoot down funding for education (the state is nearly last in SAT scores), watch fox news all day long, fall in love with Rush (again) and vote for that idiot Mike Huckabee. Oh yeh and still lovin Strom Thurmond- a segregationist with a black child, gotta love the south!

Read through all of these and think on how foolish most of them sound!

Let's see...a man takes a weekend off and goes on a hike somewhere on the Appalachian Trail. When asked, his wife and kids say they aren't sure where he is...technically true – especially since a rabid press can't leave politicians alone. (maybe they could take a picture of him in his swimsuit) On fathers day of all things...let's see, one of the better gifts my family could give me would be a weekend away.

Come on people, please get a life!

@ dominican mama 4 Obama

Thanks for clarifying that to Fair is Fair.

If he has national aspirations, this will come back to haunt him. Cheney could be out of the public eye for weeks, but not the President.

Boy I wish I could walk away from my job and sulk and then be bale to come back with a bogus excuse like the GOV. And this all on the heals of a possible run for the oval office in 2012. Good luck, I doubt you could win the state let alone the white house

Hey Mark did you find any spines for your state democrats?

Mr. family values, where were you on Father's Day?

This governor's pay should be docked for the number of days he was AWOL (absent without leave).

He is an ELECTED official; not a civilian; he is accountable to his constituents and most of all to his family. Disappearing on Father's Day weekend is bad enough, but to do it on the literally poor State of South Carolina's dime?

His behavior cannot be excused. Privately, he owes his wife and children an apology; publically the citizens of South Carolina.

IndianaJim June 23rd, 2009 11:09 am ET

After reading the hateful spiteful comments from democrats regarding this story and others on CNN, I have to wonder where is that "tolerance" and "diversity" that is preached by the left? A governor goes missing and all I see is hate. Disagree with the man's ideas and politics all you want, but what is with this unbridled hatefulness? How close are we to the same kind of bloodshed after our elections just as is happening in Iran? Think about it please.

======================================================

Sorry Jimmy, your phoney outrage won't fly here. We on the "left" hear more hate from your sick following when our guy goes down the street for a burger or ice cream with his kids. It's called "hypocrisy", and the right-wingers are the kings of it, that's why we hate you, and your questionably elected GOP officials so much. Your party is spearheding the decline of democracy as we know it, and we're done letting you.

This is clearly a cover up for ANOTHER Mental Mealtdown for this psychotic man. If it was just a hiking trip, he would have told his wife, staff and security, and would not have abandoned his his family for what will be 6 days, including Father's Day.

Remember, the lie his wife told was that he was going to write something and to get away from the children....on Father's Day. Now it's a hiking trip. They need to get their stories straight.

There should be an investigation to where he goes when he is MIA. He is clearly a security risk to the state of South Carolina. His MIA trips get longer and longer.

I give up – the problem here is that Sanford did NOT have everything in place when he left. He informed no one – not his staff, not his family. They have admitted publicly that they did not know where he was. He is the governor and has responsibility for millions of people. To leave like he did was beyond irresponsible. What if an emergency had come up with either family or state? Luckily for him nothing did. If you are the head of a state or country, you are not entitled to just pick up and leave without letting anyone know where you will be and how to reach you.

There's quite a difference between a wife not knowing where her husband is and refusing to discuss private matters with the press. Sorry, but when you choose elective office as a career, your whereabouts becomes everyone's business.

Poor Gov. Sandford....shame when the man can't even go on a solitude hike by himself.....part of the problem with this nation...never take any down time. For his sake, I'm glad he got away and did it privately....

There is no love lost on this guy coming from me; although one gives up a great deal of the possibility for a true private life when you ascend to a position such as his, he still deserves a true private life. You're just being ridiculous if you think that this will hurt (or help) his possible 2012 presidential candidacy.

Who really cares...but I'm just not buying it. So a governor goes away for days in the wilderness and stays in a tent or sleeping bag by himself?
Doesn't even tell his own wife? At least Obama BRINGS his wife or kids when goes out and about.

Let me see, this is the party of personal responsibility... of family values, it was father's day and he left his wife with their four sons and didn't tell her where he was going...And for the governor to not let people know where he is in case of an emergency? Another Republican whacko...LOL

I just want to know who he went with. I bet some hot secretary I am sure.

Whoever is comparing this episode to President Obama's date with his wife, etc., is missing the point. Every step the President takes is chronicled – and a bit too much I might add. This is called TRANSPARENCY. What the governor allegedly did was OBSCURE. By the way, I actually like to see a man take HIS WIFE out. What a refreshing breath of air.

@ Big Ed

Somehow, I think the PRESIDENT going missing would be a far bigger deal. Apples and Oranges dude.

Pass the pipe.

libs making somthing out of nothing. unlike obama he does not announce his plans to the world, when he visits the toilet. sanford would have all things in place before he left. get a grip.

What kind of a relationship do you have when your wife and family have no idea where you are???? Kiss 2012 good by!!

@ Mississippi Mike, who said "Sanford goes hiking, Obama goes out for a cheeseburger, who really cares?"

I'll throw you a bone: ultimately, I've got to agree with you there...see, we can find common ground! haha

@Fair is Fair June 23rd, 2009 11:52 am ET

Dutch said "This incident shoudl disqualify him for running for POTUS."
_______________________

We'll get to work on ammending the constitution right away, Dutch.
-------------------

I think Dutch was referring to the Gov. being "disqualified " in the eye of the general public, not to being "disqualified" as per the Constitution Fair is Fair. But I bet you already knew that and couldn't resist!

Deiter the lib,

Who says his wife didn't know? If you were his wife, would you tell the liberal press? I wouldn't. See, we have some rights to privacy over here, but being european, that's an alien concept to you.

In the interest of fairness, the next time the One goes on vacation, we wlll have to trash him for it. First the libs trash him for going away without getting their permission first, then they trash him simply for having gone away. Well, it seems we will never agree on anything again, or even to be civil. You want to take all I have earned and gag me for complaining, and I want you to get a job, or at least get your hands out of my pockets. High time we got off these boards and have it out IRL, for good and all. Time for another Greensboro.

Happy Fathers day Sanford! Hope you got your little writing in.

Sanford leaving in a government vehicle makes this trip a concern for the people of South Carolina. Can any one just request a government vehicle and just go without someone knowing? Who is he meeting with David Dukes, we can come up with any scenario we want to because he is a governer of a state. He didn't bother to tell the people he was borrowing our vehicle.(tax payers) Or should we look for some information coming out like came out on Thomas Ravenel??? People lets be serious this is not a Dem or GOP issue, this is a serious issue for the people of SC when our governor can disappear in a government vehicle and the people does not know why?? Is this transparency of the government. Maybe this is why SC has such large deficit>>>>>>

The guy goes for a hike...big deal. If I'm not mistaken, Jackie Kennedy and Hillary Clinton didn't always know where there husbands were either....

Most companies have a provision in their handbooks that state if an employee fails to report for work for some period of time, often three days, without notifying his/her supervisor of the reason for the absence, they are considered to have abandoned their jobs and it is treated as a resignation.

Congratulations, Lt. Governor on your promotion.

Let me ask you barbara; would you go on vacation on mother's day and leave behind your husband and kids because you wanted some alone time?

Go ahead and say yes and read it back to yourself. Then you can see how selfish that looks.

What "family values" man would just leave and not even let his wife know about it much less the people of an entire state who are paying his salary? Weird, odd, and slightly creepy.

`
I sure hope they are docking his pay.

`

WHO CARES? He dosent care about the people in SC!

Nana5,

Your cute! You should go on youtube and cry into the camera and keep saying "Leave Sanford alone! Leave him ALONE!!!".

Then we don't have to see any more of your posts defending your son.

IS anyone failing for the obvious LIE? What husband would go off hiking, without telling HIS WIFE, where he was going?

GOP=Lies, hate, fear and division.

Nana5 – this has nothing to do with the stimulus money. It has to do with responsibility. The Governor's staff and spouse did NOT no where he was, they admitted that publicly. When you are the governor of a state, whether Democrat or Republic, you do not leave the state without letting someone know where you are and how to be reached. Would you still be employed if you took off from your job without letting you employer know? I don't think so.

Also, if he is like most governors, they have a security detail. Even they did not know where he was. Sanford's behavior was unacceptable on every level.

It takes time to bury all that bag money from big pharma and others.

There is no excuse for Governor Sanford's behavior. It was irresponsible and juvenile. Granted people like to get away from it all and just relax, but when you are the head of a state, you have a responsibility to millions of other people. If you want to take a trip, take one but make sure you are reachable. Governor Sanford should resign if he doesn't want to do his job. He is no different from anyone else. If I didn't show up and my employer could not reach me – I would be fired. It's time for South Carolina to fire their governor.

It's ok to take a few days off but this moron left and from my understanding didn't tell anyone. So I guess if this idiot ends up in the white house ( which i seriously doubt) he would just take off and no one will know where he is? clown

A Republican politician who is out to lunch. This is news?

Maybe he was captured by hillbillies, like in the movie Deliverance.

I think its great! I mean, how many of us have ever wanted to just take off for a few days to "get away from it all?" I think that if you say the thought has never crossed your mind then you are a lier.

I would love to be able to just get up and hit the AT for a few days to just clear my mind and then be ready to get back to the world after a brief trip into nature.

I don't think its self centered, I think it takes guts to get away for a mental health day or days.

Good for you Gov! Wish I could have joined you!

Perhaps he was up there burying all the Obama ballots that didn't get counted down here.

Matt,

Calling someone names is simply unjustified. O.K., well what is "libatard"? How is that justified? Can't have it both ways!

Everyone knows where President Obama is when he is out of the White House. He doesn't shirk his responsibilities to run off ito the hills, by himslf (dumb move) and not tell anyone (dumber move).

Matt, put down the pipe!

Jefferson from GA June 23rd, 2009 11:09 am ET

Who cares about this when you have Obama in DC wrecking the economy and crashing trains into each other.

Are you serious???!!!! Do you really believe that the crash of two commuter trains in DC is somehow Obama's fault??!!!! If so, you are unbelievably STUPID!!! And, by the way, incredibly inhumane to bring use this tragedy (9 people DIED, moron!) in your stupid comment!

Probably wasn't the best thing to leave without telling anyone, but the governor probably wanted to get away. The state is running a deficit and his decision about the stimulus money was overturned by teh court. I'd want to take a get away too

Not condoning what he did or how he did, but it's time to remember when public life ends and personal life begins. .

Is there any evidence that this nutcase has been sober anytime in the last several weeks? Is there any evidence that he cares about his people? The state has gotten exactly what it deserves.

The latest spin of Gov. Sanford's weird behavior is that he was hiking in the wilderness for several days, without having told his wife where he was going and without advising the Lt. Governor of his departure. Why? Because he didn't want to be disturbed while working on some writing. While hiking. But now we hear his wife allegedly knew where he was all along.

And it took his staff four days to come up with this excuse for his unnannounced absence. That's their (latest) story and they're sticking to it.

We wouldn't care, except that Sanford is on the very, very short list of possible Republican presidential candidates for 2012. A guy who wanders off under stress. This makes Gov. Palin look good.

I find it total hypocracy for all the NeoCons on here to say this is no big deal... Really?

Do you really expect us to belive that if say Ted Kennnedy just disappeared for a week, that you all wouldn't be on here coming up with crazy consperacy stories on what happened to him? That Rush and the others wouldn't accuse him of being involved with some shady stuff while he "disappeared"?

There is more here that the media is reporting or have found out yet!

I've got nothing against a guy taking a few days off to recharge the batteries. We all need that sometimes. It was, however, pretty irresponsible to not tell anyone where he was going. Have a nice day!

It sounds like he was pulling an Elliot Spitzer.

Dutch said "This incident shoudl disqualify him for running for POTUS."
_______________________

We'll get to work on ammending the constitution right away, Dutch.

Rob June 23rd, 2009 11:07 am ET

Quit trying to make this into a big deal. His staff knew where he was the whole time. There was no issues going on so why does it matter. Typical libs making a big deal out of nothing. Go ahead spew your hate like you usually do.

___

You're wrong Rob. Neither his staff nor his wife knew of his whereabouts – she publicly admitted as much. Now you're just making stuff up.

Instead of assailing "libs" who have nothing to do with this, why aren't you supporting this fine display of responsibility and family values? Hate, nope, we just expect a level of responsibility from our governors – and running away without anyone knowing where you're going just isn't acceptable in that type of position.

He was probably going up to the mountaintop to receive instructions from God to tell the the rest of us how to live our lives.

It was a senator from SC that is NOT a fan of the governor that got this ball rolling.. Sanford had been in contact with people – staff and spouse. That is why THEY were not raising a red flag. If you read his wife's very casual replies to questions about him – it's pretty clear there was no cause for major concern.

There are some crazy assumptions going on now – I guess everyone needs a hobbie.

For those of you who do not find this strange must be extremely self centered as Sanford is noted to be. Anyone who is not where they are suppose to be , is a cause of concern to family , friends and co workers. But throw in being a Governor make it more so . Not only is it very selfish but shows a personality trait I would not want in a leader.

You're right, Barbara, Sanford does represent the average man and woman in America. Why, my neighbor and I are taking off a week without telling our employers and going for a hike. I know that's what the average man and woman in America is doing right now. Insightful of you to point that out!

This incident shoudl disqualify him for running for POTUS. As much as I despised Bush and his numerous vacations, at least the people knew he was going to Crawford. How do miss FATHER'S DAY. Bad example to be setting if you want to running for the ighest office in the land.

If I take vacation, I have to provide who is my backup and phone in case of emergency to my manager. It is irresponsible for a Governor of a state to disappear like this. What if our President decides to take a "hike" like Govn of SC?

I don't know why SC people tolerate this irresponsible Governor? that is a big question mark? ???

Well, I know right off the bat that CNN WILL NOT HAVE POST THIS, but here goes. What is the problem with you dems????? Scared of a real politician????? Gov. Sanford has always looked after the people of SC. Just because he did not want this funny money – or so called stimulus – you all want to make him a bad guy. He probably needed a break to consider how to deal with all the idiot reps and senators who MADE him take this worthless money. Hope you dems really enjoy paying back all this "stimulus" money in a couple of years. Your taxes will be so high – he will be taxing tax money. Just wait and see. Then I'll be glad to pass the salt to go with your crow. Oh, nevermind – you all would NEVER ADMIT THAT YOU ARE WRONG, DEAD WRONG.

JUST leave Sanford alone. I guarantee you that his wife and the necessary people knew full well where he was. If they had told the media, they would have been tagging along trying to find something wrong with every step he took. Well, done, Governor, you deserved the break and thank you for TRYING to help the people in SC who don't really understand the strings attached to the stimulus (or funny money). You tried – all those who went against you WILL BE VOTED OUT NEXT TIME. Got nerve to post to truth CNN??????

Love all these posters who don't think that this is a big deal and yet, when the POTUS takes his wife on a date or has a mini-vacation with his family or goes out for a burger wtih the V.P. raise holy hell! How many ways can you spell h-y-p-o-c-r-a-c-y, folks??

Gov. Sanford's actions were selfish and disrespectful to the citizens and legal residents of South Carolina. Most average Americans can't just pick up and leave for four days without telling anyone. So, certainly a U.S. governor should not be allowed to do so. His reason is utterly ridiculous and I don't believe a word of it. I think he was up to something else.

Boy what an alternate universe these politicians live in.

I am a middle manager and to leave town for a few days requires notification of my staff and supervisors, contact information and messages on my phone and email. Missing any of these is grounds for diciplinary action.

For the governor of a state to leave without notifying his family or lieutenant governor is irresponsible and negligent. No one is begruding him hard earned time off, but geez come on!

I hope he gave his presidential aspirations a kiss good bye when he fled. Running away without keeping in touch is something that a 19 year old fry cook at Dennys would do, but a governor? It's unacceptable. Would he as president, when the going gets tough, run away again? Immaturity, incompetence and irresponsibility were on display with his escape.

I don't understand the comments that this isn't a big deal.

He's an elected official. If he can't handle the job he shouldn't have it.

And he decided to return to work, not because it's his job but "given the circumstances and the attention this has garnered." What?

It boggles my mind that this isn't getting more news coverage. Who cares who brought this to the media's attention? Who cares if he is a Republican or a Democrat? The bottom-line is that this is an elected official disappearing from his job and family! His wife didn't know where he was and he missed Father's Day with his four sons. This is news because this is a guy people keep talking about as a potential candidate for President. It makes me wonder if he gets stressed as President if he will just ditch us and not tell anyone again.

If he had gone and let people know who was in charge and how he can be reache than that is perfectly acceptable. He deserve some vacation and privacy. He just has to be responsible about how things operate while he is gone and communicate with all parties.

Looking at the picture, even Gov. Patterson is looking/listening at Gov. Sanford as if he doesn't have all his marbles.

I don't fault the guy for wanting time to himself, but I think its odd that his office claimed to know where he was when his wife claimed she didn't. What's up with that?

I hope he wasn't seriously considering the presidency.

To barbara who said:
barbara June 23rd, 2009 11:31 am ET

Why is this considered strange? I would challenge everyone to dare say that they have never done this or even considered doing this
________________________________________

People call in sick, or take vacation time. But no Barbara no one I know can just up and walk away from their job for days at a time without informing someone first. It just isn't done Barb, unless, possibly, if you own the shop. Does he own the state?

I wasn't going to address your comment, but then you went into the whole republiklan-democratic thing, and next thing I knew.....

He goes where he pleases and do not bother to tell his wife when to expect him, that is weird. Probably that is his form of being dominant over his wife and hiding (affair) something that is.

I guess none of the negative posters here have never taken a vacation. At least he didn't take a million dollar date to Broadway at the taxpayers expense!

First, it's great he is safe.
Second, it really was so stupid for an experienced politician to leave without telling anyone that it borders on the unbelievable.
Third, In fact, it is unbelievable. Does anyone leave for four days without telling their spouse? Does anyone take several days off from work without telling your boss or co-workers? Does any experienced high profile politician do this kind of thing? The answer to each is "No".
So, what was he doing that we weren't supposed to see? If he were a democrat, Fox would be offering dozens of lurid explanations by now, ranging from KKK meetings to secret liasons with Sasquatchs.

His wife and Lt Gov. don't even know where he goes or when he is coming back? Claims to be a family man and doesn't even spend time with his four sons on Father's Day, worse they don't even know where he is?!
The Repubs can try to rationalize and justify this, but every one knows this is more than weird. The RNC better be careful promoting this guy.

I would need to take a mental break as well after dealing with all the bull crap that is going on with our government.

"what is the big deal? the guy took some days off"

Really? Tell me what other job lets you just disappear for a week without notice.

Geez people..give it a break will you..ther are far more serious problems going on in the world than this..you people take yourselves far too serious..what happened..oprah cancel her show today??..or did you run out of bon bons??..

This is very strange behavior, it makes you wonder way is he in office.

He went for voodoo exorcism so he can get re-elected after the miscaculaion of the stimulus money. He learned this from Sarah Palin.

Sanford goes hiking, Obama goes out for a cheeseburger, who really cares?

A governor that does not think he owes his constituents an accounting of his whereabouts while in office? Really? Can you say "arrogance", "bubble", and "self-absorption"? And his wife and children accept his MIA pattern? And some people don't think this is unacceptable behavior?

What country am I living in?

Why is this considered strange? I would challenge everyone to dare say that they have never done this or even considered doing this. Please peole, get a life. Its apparent that the Govenor wanted or needed to take a relaxing few days off. Who doesnt wish they could? As far as the attention goes, I ask, who brought this to the attention of the media in the first place? Was it OPPOSITION? Was it Democrats? Someone who wants to make the Govenor look likes hes "incapable"? Why oh let me guess. PERHAPS it is because the OPPOSITION consider him to be threat to THEIR carear. It is so obvious that the dems are afraid of people like sanford and palin. Why? Because THEY REALLY DO represent the average man and woman in America. Try to make the people think that sanford is "losing it" and maybe he wont stand a chance at a presidential bid? figures that the dems and libs would do this. nasty nasty people.

This inept, poor-excuse for a governor has again demonstrated to everyone why he should not be in office. First, he wants to deny his state badly needed stimulus funds, and now this childish act. His wife said he wanted to get away from his sons. How appropriate to pull such a stunt on Father's Day. I hope they remember "Dad" when they get older.

It makes one wonder if one of his young female staff members was also suddenly unaccounted for? Of course a loyal security detail wouldn't have said anything about that, so why ditch them too? Perhaps not a female?

what is the big deal? the guy took some days off

The govenor's family and the media where the only ones interested in his whereabouts. It's another prime example of the media creating news. The rest of us would have waited a bit...

Love the commenters who don't think it's a big deal the leader of one of the fifty states goes missing (his staff didn't know where he was!! that's what goes missing means!).

It is nice to take time out to refresh... whatever. Even a democrat agrees! But to go missing?

How is a governor who went hiking for a weekend without telling some of his operatives news?

Than again..if Obama going for ice cream with his kids makes the "CNN political ticker" anything goes...

I guess he works three days and take a four day weekend while the rest of us work from Mon-Fri . He is such a joke!!

if the media provided the American people with what REALLY was news, ( like, where is the financial report from Freddie Mac ), instead of these third grade limp stories about a third rate politician, perhaps the American people would have a better handle on whats' of interest to all, instead of a few..

Everyone is entitled to some down time, but there are rules. Assuming that the story was reported accurately, a person who deliberately deserts their job for several days and doesn't tell anyone back at the office, can be fired with just cause. A Governorship is a position of great responsibility and maturity and like it or not, there has to be accountability.
This guy could be president? What's he going to do if he's faced with an international crisis..run away and hide.... to go fishing?

After months of making the rounds of all the political talkshows and op eds in all the papers, he thinks he can just disappear and no one would notice...or that his adversaries wouldn't jump on the opportunity to show how unstable he is? Just shows you how out of touch he is. He's an embarassment to our state. Unfortunately, all you have to do is put a (R) behind your name in this state and you're elected.

There is no excuse for not telling the second in charge that he would be leaving for several DAYS; Governor; you are running a State, not a kool aid stand. My God!

Maybe him and Rush were having a toe wrestling contest at the airport.Rush did have a long weekend too.

I really do not know why this is a big deal? I am a dem, BTW. Can't the man take a little r&r getaway to relieve some stress? Who cares?

Hillbilly knows the backwoods. I wonder what he was doing during that time "alone' in the woods?

Glad he's back. I haven't had a Republican to laugh at for about 12 hours!

Where's McCain?

This smells fishy. If he wanted to take a few days off and disappear, why would he not take 15 minutes to prepare his staff for any questions – and why would a competent chief of staff not insist on doing this?....Sanford is far from a political novice, he knows how things work and that something like this could easily get blown out of proportion. He would know to be proactive and prepare some kind of statement for the press. The fact that he (and his staff) did not do so, followed by the bizarre response from his wife for why he chose to "take some time away from the kids to get some work done" on FATHER'S DAY does not make sense. It indicates that this happened in an unusually abrupt and unplanned way that would often be consistent with a personal crisis of some kind. Not saying anything sinister is going on here, but I doubt we are getting the whole story. Stay tuned, bet there's more to come.

WOW He didn't tell his wife and kids where he is going? And disappeared for fathers day? Iam confused i thought the GOP was all about family values, or is that what they say only around election time

Hope no one forgets this in 2012. A CEO simply does not go off the radar without delegating authority. The guy is irresponsible.

Not interested in his "trip"...interested in his disappearance which is exactly what it is when a public servant, especially a governor "disappears" whithout a trace. If he does not understand his responsiblities to the people of S.C maybe he should resign. He's governor, not king of S.C. Can't help but wonder what he was really doing.

Sanford: Take a hike, but for good!!!!!!!

Good grief, the guy went hiking. What is the big deal???? And why is the Lt. Gov. whining about what would happen if there was a state emergency of some kind? Isn't that the Lt. Gov's job - to take over in an emergency if the governor is not available? Did no one explain this to him when he took office? The media needs to just simmer down over this one.

What, back so soon. How about taking off the rest of his term?

I was hoping he and his "YaYa Sister" Lindsey Graham had gone to Iran to show how Americans ought to be involved in the protest.

This story is nothing more than an attempt by the liberal media to discredit a conservative Governor and a potential opponent to Obama in 2012.

We are all human and some people need to get away from it all at some point. However when you are a politicl representative, you should delegate your work to someone else while you take time out. The very fact that he figures that his disappearance was no big deal shows that he is in need of care ASAP. Obviously SC survived without him, so what does that tell you?

You better believe this isn't the end of this story. Sanford's going to have to come clean about his whereabouts because someone will expose the truth.

"Huh? I was only gone a few days, including Father's Day! What's the big deal that I didn't tell anyone, including my wife? Sheesh you guys!Can't a Governor go on a long walk without telling everybody?"

This dude is clueless.

After reading the hateful spiteful comments from democrats regarding this story and others on CNN, I have to wonder where is that "tolerance" and "diversity" that is preached by the left? A governor goes missing and all I see is hate. Disagree with the man's ideas and politics all you want, but what is with this unbridled hatefulness? How close are we to the same kind of bloodshed after our elections just as is happening in Iran? Think about it please.

Another great example of "Family Values" from Conservatives.

Nothing says love of family more than "needing" to be away from the kids on FATHER'S DAY!!.

I wish I could call him up and tell him to 'take another hike.'

Quit trying to make this into a big deal. His staff knew where he was the whole time. There was no issues going on so why does it matter. Typical libs making a big deal out of nothing. Go ahead spew your hate like you usually do.

Finally some semblance of sense has dawned on Sanford. Our assumption was that he was abducted by the extreme right wing gang, for a preliminary brain wash.

The whole thing seems fishy. How can you be a governor and suddenly disappear for a few days leaving no one to deputize especially during these trying times? How come his wife is also in the dark (so she says)? As an elected official it is incumbent upon one to disclose whereabouts while in office. He needs a complete medical check up (including pscychiatric evaluation).

hmmm...I wonder if he's hiking the same wilderness trail that Elliot Spitzer enjoyed last year.

White people are the only ones I know who get depressed and drop out of site when they are forced to take billions of government money. Score another one for Big Daddy O! This guy is toast. How can he ever run for POTUS if he has a tendency to just up and drop out of town? He does not have the temperment to to be anything other then a governor of a dirty little backwards state. Sorry SC.

Look at all the libtards freaking out about Sanford taking a break from his job. Obama jets off to New York for a date night and flies the family to Paris for vacation and all the libs jump and say, "Good for you Mr. President" and "You deserve it." But a republican takes a vacation and the libtards spew their hate and venom.

Sure, the circumstances were weird. I'll be the first one to jump up and say this smells fishy. But to cast shame upon the man (Dutch), call him names (CHUCK, mw, A. Goodwin), is simply unjustified.

Looks like the voters will have him checking out of the governorship as well as the 2012 presidential race soon. Then he can travel all he wants on the trail that got part of the evil stimulus money to maintain it.

Very inappropriate not telling even his family where he is. There's more to this story. Just a matter of time before it comes out.

Anytime a head of state leave his position without informing the next in charge or his staff as the governor of a state; Should be terminated on he spot period !!!!. No excute.

SOP for all heads of state requires 24/7 communication and/or initiating a change of leadership in emergency situations. Whatever his rational for not taking the bailout money is his decision. Not providing the 2nd in charge with his 24/7 whereabouts is a State Security Issue that needs to be dealt with by the state legis. In my opinion, he made a big error in judgement and should be held accountable. SC is still behind the times it seems, and I'm a Dam Yankee in SC.

Glad to see that he is fine. A national hero that stood up against the Fed needs to stick around. We need many more like him.

Those on the "Right" are so obtuse...they pretend as if we the citizens of the USA are stupid. Stanford & Rush is a true dangers and the leaders on the right and left understand the same... the return of Hitler in America. Remember...Stanford & Rush doesn't care if America fails..they've already received glory here on earth through unjust deeds...just like that devil from hell (Hitler).

Hey, leave the guy alone! He is great at sequestering Hedgehogs; only problem is that he did not know they are prickly little critters.

The guy just needed to do like Rush and Hannity and snort little cocaine to get his mind right. He's just being a typical Republican... what's wrong with that?

I hope he's not looking to get paid for those days.

ummmmm who's footing the bill for his little private get-a-way????

I think Sanford is returning to get his share of the man-love that Lindsey Graham showered on John Ensign when he returned to the Senate yesterday. The GOP is a godless bunch that so transparently wrap themselves in the shroud of decency, when in fact they are the purveyors of sin and all things unholy and unethical. Righteous right-wing hypocrits will have the best seats in Hell.

And this clown wants to be President?

If he cannot take the heat as a governor without having to take a week off to "decompress", he is certainly NOT up to the task of being President.

It's amazing to me how some of you tools come on here and support this blatantly irresponsible man's actions, but if it had been Obama who had disappeared without telling anyone where he was, either as the President or as Senator, you would accuse him of all sorts of shenanigans.

That's why you will remain in the 20% catagory or Repugs who think Rush is a genius and that Sister Sarah is filled with the Holy Ghost.

Now I ask you......................who really cares at all about this "NO" sayer ???? No telepromter for Michelle is actual MORE important to me than ANYTHING about South Carolina and its Governor. Sanford is as thoughtless as he is careless about the people of his state. and what is best for them.

I showed him all my hiding places in dem der hills.

what's the big deal? SLM? i will remember that next time i don't tell my boss and leave for 3 or 4 days. i am sure they would love that.

ps he has a boss, it's the people of SC

He was going to be a Republican candidate for President in 2012-I don't think so.

Please, some of us may have be born at night but it wasn't last night. He is going off his rocker, who in their RIGHT mind hikes the trail without anyone knowing he is there? Anything can happen and has happened on that trail. He is lying and is poor office staff is swearing by it. Good ole boy, good GOP family values (missing Father's day, leaving and not telling the wife where he would be) and leaving his state out to dry. What a winner the GOP has......

Just so you know...That "path" he was walking was one that got money from the government.

So looks like he took some time out to walk upon a socialist walking path that is there because of Gov't money.

This stuff just writes itself.

Well Gov., it's likely people will remember this when you seek their support in the future.

As a lifelong Democrat and former Elector, I must say that I am smiling. Seems to me that the Republicans are increasingly likely to nominate Sarah next time as her potential competitors pour gasoline on themselves.

Can anyone else say 450 electoral votes?

when he takes a break he tries to get out of the spotlight....unlike our egotistical, attention loving prez...... It wasn't even half a day before he made contact with his staff.....how many of you out of work dems skipped work in your life....probably why you slackers got laid off in the first place

There's more to this story than they are letting on, What kind of decent Father would leave town with out telling anyone, especially his family (On Father's Day) and abandon his wife and 4 sons........and take a government security vehicle with out telling even his attorney general (who paid for him taking that vehicle anyway? Stimulas money?) Is this the republican men we have running for office of the Presidency of this country? Losers..............

usually responsible people plan ahead, and tell the office prior to taking a trip, not after taking a trip.

Taken a back? What.., he doesn't realize that CNN has to report on something other than Obama's complete lack of leadership to keep pushing that best team in politics crap??

On his way back to the office, is he planning on stopping by to say hi to his wife?

What an arrogant, self-absorbed meathead! If what was in print is true, that his wife did not know where he was, he really is a knucklehead! By the way, bring the state owned – taxpayer purchased car back...with a full tank paid for from your wallet

He has been MIA since he took office about 8 years ago. He is a horrible gov. and would be an even worse President. He thinks that all children should go to private religious schools. He is completely against public schools. He sticks it to us anyway he can. I speak from experience. He is completely out of touch with average Americans. I am glad his wife is at their vacation home. How many Americans have vacation homes?

What kind of modelling this man is showing to his kids, his staff and people related to him!!!!! Hard to believe it!

It neverf ceases to amaze me how something so trivial can get some of the haters to make comments.

This is why the GOP can not draw Indy's and Dems, becasue they talk out of both sides of there mouth all the time, family first – right!!! Then where were you on Fathers Day?? With your 4 kids no they had no idea where you were at!! Also if he ran for higher office does he think if he does not get his way he can just get mad and leave. I did not see Regan, Bush or Clinton do that, Bush 2 is another story but at least we knew where he was at!!!

I was about to say this was much ado about nothing, but the fact that his STAFF and his FAMILY didn't know where he was either stopped me.

If you're GOVERNOR of a state, it's your JOB for people to know where you are. You MUST inform your staff. If some type of disaster happened, natural or man-made, the confusion of his absence would have caused a loss of life, and that's unacceptable.

Even as a normal Joe, you never, NEVER just walk into the woods and not let people know where you're going, and when to expect you back. That's how people DIE, pinned under a fallen tree or in a ditch with a broken leg, with no hope of rescue because no one knows you're there. That's Outdoors 101, which this guy obviously never attended.

So, he's not a good governor OR a good woodsman... time to find something ELSE to do!

Leave Gov Sanford alone. He was just taken a few days off, but seems that all the liberal media is after him. CNN has made 3 posting about the Gov. Sanford in the last two days, and I think there are more important issues we should be talking about. No wonder why CNN ratings have been plunged along with MSNBC. If you want to bring up your ratings, then please talk about real issues that affect the lives of average Americans.

It neverf ceases to amaze me how something so trivial can get some of the haters to make comments. People who call the man a jerk and say that he has ckecked out mentally need to come to grips with themselves.

Sounds like nothing more than a stunt to get some air time. Move on – don't give it any more notice.

I don't understand what the big deal is... the Governor is a human, just like the rest of us. The legislative session was over and he decided to take a long weekend to go hiking, after leaving his staff with instructions on how to reach him in event of an emergency.

These republican politicians care for no one but themselves. the gop should be outraged by this circus stanford has created.

Hiking? Yeah right. His name will show up on a hotel registration or video camera before this is all over.

I am occasionally embarrassed to admit that I am a resident of South Carolina. And you wonder why our state is in such a mess!

He is upset because the senate & him do not agree on anything- anymore. I think he knows that he has upset the majority of SC and he is just waiting for his term in office to be over. But I don't get why hsi wife didn't know and didn't seem to be concerned??? Odd.

"B-b-b-but – I'm just following directions.

The state legislature told me to take a hike, so I did."

Here's the inescapable basic issue – The guy has 4 sons and bailed on his family over Father's Day!?!? What kind of man, Father, Husband, let alone GOVERNOR, would ditch his wife and kids on FATHER'S DAY without telling them where he was!?! Whatever he was doing, I'm sure the one thing he WASN'T doing was being honest.

Sanford cause a country wide manhunt to find his butt because he didn't tell anyone where he was going, not even his wife. He needs to face charges.

Are governor's allowed to go walkabout?

Everyone else was taken aback by the fact Sanford was supposedly so fiscally conservative that he didn't want taxpayer money for SC, but found no problem whatsoever in using taxpayer money and a state vehicle to go on his tantrum. Time to investigate and impeach the loon, folks. Just another power-hungry hypocritical right-winger that cares about absolutely nothing but his own self interests. These are the types of sub-humans that are destroying our democracy from within.

I'm not a fan of this guy, but even I'm amazed at the over-reaction this has garnered. The man took a long weekend. Sheesh.

Only in the South. This guy is a joke everywhere else.

Why would he leave on Father's Day. He has four sons. That's just weird. I can't believe his wife didn't even know how to reach him. What if something happened to his kids and they needed him home asap. What if something happended to him, how could anyone help him if they didn't have a way to find him. No it's not weird, it's scary.

Chuck,

Yea, the only thing worse is if he were to use public funds to take his wife to dinner in NY, or send a personal aircraft on a photo op at taxpayer expenses, or propose these massive spending packages that everyone knows doesn't work, or propose to spend a bunch on a health care plan when his own staff shows that it doesn't work either, or going around to other leaders and apologizing for the past, or putting himself above his constitution, etc.

Very strange. His wife and 4 children didn't know where he was on Father's day and it was no big deal? Something stinks here.

When a "FAMILY" man goes missing over Father's Day, (his sons didn't even know where he was), now that's a problem!! I smell a "rat"!!

WHAT!!?!! He was on a secret hike that was to secret to tell his family, lmao. I guess fox (news) accepted this excuse because he is part of the right wing fringe group,but I have a couple of questions.

Running away and not telling anyone – walk or affair. This isn't normal and this isn't someone who is capable of running a state let alone a country.

This so called man is a disgrace, father's day he choose to be away from his family!

I find it hilarious how some people on here leaving comments like "thank god he's ok" on here...i mean, you act like he's your family member or something. I for one could care less if he was ok or not, I have family members with bigger issues than to worry about some idiot governor who took oath to hold a job that he obviously has too much trouble handling cuz he has to "get away"....what a joke! Unemployment is up guv...i'm sure there's plenty of people in your state that would love to take your job!

Sad, this guy has no concept of leadership! It's one thing to disappear, but when you are the top elected official in your state, that's just plain stupid. And worse, he set a bad example on Father's Day!! I thought the Republican's were the party of "family values".... so now we have the former senator from Idaho playing in the bathroom, the junior senator from Nevada having an affair, and this governor choosing to disappear for days and ignore his kids on Father's Day..... yea, those guys are real family value types!!!

They "say" he contacted them. Who knows... We'll see on Wednesday. maybe.

[...] Sanford is reportedly "taken aback" by all the attention being paid to his disappearing act.  Gee.  Why would anyone WONDER why the [...]

If I take a vacation at work I have to notify everyone I will be leaving well in advance and I own my own company. "Taken aback"!!!! Seriously?? Like, if no one noticed he was just going to stay on his unannounced surprise vacation that, according to his staffers, is "not unusual". If I were in SC I'd be screaming for an investigation. Maybe even for a new law that prevents this type of casual play in their government. How can this guy now be surprised at all the fuss? Imagine if Obama disappeared for 5 days. The GOP would be screaming like I just said. And its not like he's some sort of City Councilman or something. He's basically the President of South Carolina. There goes his chances at winning the Presidency. Clueless idiot!

Who wants to bet he'll be joining the ranks of Edwards and Ensign soon? I smell mistress.

Sooo:

1. Governor

2. Disappears

3. Takes public vehicle

4. Doesn't even tell family he'll be gone or where he's going

And he's suprised that it garnered media attention? Is he more of a dullard than he's previously proven with his stance on the stimulus money? Seriously...someone get this guy a psych eval, stat.

Well, the entire situation was not made any clearer or less controversial when his wife publicly commented that she hadn't seen him since last Thursday, she didn't know where he was, and that she wasn't concerned about it.

Soooo, not that anyone really gives a flying, but where was he??? And how come not even his wife knew of his whereabouts?? I was not aware that gov't employees could take off like that on a whim, whereabouts unknown,and undisclosed!

This man should be fired from his govenor seat. This is terrible that someone running a state can disappear for days on end with no connection to his job. If I did that with my job, I'd be fired by now. This is such a sad day for this man. He should be fired immediately; he is obviously not fit to be govenor.

He'll still have to take a lot more vacation time to equal the days Bush was absent from the job during that 8 year nighmare.

Republicans are worthless sacs of pus.

The Appalachian trail is beautiful. I have hiked as well, and done some camping back in the days when you could cook on the open fire. I believe that you need to carry your own gas stove nowadays as open fire cooking is prohibited (clarification-?). Gas camping stoves are very heavy and kind of takes away a lot of the charm of communing with nature as I am sure Sanford is enjoying right now. I wish I was instead of planning on a 8 hr layover in Heathrow....in a few hours!

Governor Sanford does not realize it but if he had told people what he was going to do things would have been just fine. There are so many people wanting him to take a hike. He only had to say that was his intention and people would not have bothered to know where he was. This shows just how "Out of Touch" he is with the people of his state.

Does this behavior seem a little strange for someone responsible for his state? Refusing to accept stimulus money, taking SLED cars in the night and no one knowing his whereabys.....I would not want him to have my best interest in mind. It's time for the Lt. Governor to step up.

Maybe his conscience finally got to him about the abysmal conditions of the schools in S.C. Let's see if he is more reasonable when he gets back.

Any man lacking the decency to even let his wife and children know where he went is not a true man.

What if there were a FAMILY emergency?

What if there were a STATE emergency?

This guy doesn't deserve to be a husband, father or governor.

Joel Sawyer, Sanford's communication's director, also said in a statement Tuesday the governor called his chief of staff Tuesday morning and was "somewhat taken aback by all of the interest this trip has gotten."
________________________________________

WHAT!?! He is the governor! He is taken back by the interest that he took off and didn't even tell his family? lmao...is this guy for real. Well thank god he is alright, where did he go again?

I guess he was burying all that big pharma and foreign car money he has taken so he wont be taxed.

Apparently SC survived.

Govenor Sanford is fairly inept if he does not understand that leaving his post without telling anyone, including his wife and the leiutenant govenor, would be a problem. Surely this man belongs in the woods. He should have gone there a few months ago when he shamefully decided to try to not take stimulus money despite the fact his state is in financial ruin.

This man should not run for president – ever.

Strange......... very, very, strange.

What a wierdo....At least it is visible now.

What's the big deal and who started all this big uproar over his whereabouts? Sounds like much to do about nothing.

Shame on you governor. Next time, inform your staff that you'll be M.I.A.

A governor is out and no one knows where he is or who is in charge of the state. Sounds like another arrogant, self-centered repug doing his own thing. To hell with his family, staff, and state. What constituant is dumb enough to vote for him again. Arrogant rush, ann, laura, lindsey, sean, newt, and boner are the only people he probably feels he needs to please.

Glad to see the man take some time for himself. Hopefully he will come back to work refreshed and ready to go.

WHAT A "SICKO". THIS GUY IS A COMPLETE JERK.

Who cares? The guy has already checked out...mentally that is.