CNN

Paul from Kissimmee, the LAST thing this country need is Reagonism: Voodoo Economics, deregulation of the airlines, discarding truth in advertising laws, seizing property of "suspected" drug dealers without judicial warrants (sound familiar?)...Ed Meese, who claimed that no one would be a suspect if they weren't guilty! Well, he said that until HE was a suspect.

Just Say No? That isn't a policy. It's a cliche.

Cutting school funding using deceptive practices, like declaring catsup is a vegetable?

Reagonism? No thanks, Bush was horrible but not as dangerous as Reagon because Reagon was charming and capable of making great speeches.

First of all, the Republican Party is NOT the party of fiscal discipline. They have no credibility in that regard after the past several years.

Also, Gov. Pawlenty only adds to the sad & troubling state of his GOP by denying the good people of MN their second US Senator over Republican games. His obstructive nonsense equates to nothing more than taxation without representation.

GOP damage began when mccain selected palin since then it has been downhill for the GOP. if GOP can't get their act together by EOY 2009, obama wins a second term. governor sanford needs to resign, senator ensign of NV needs to resign and any other GOP politicians that keep screwing up royally. rush needs to shut his pie hole as does newt otherwise the GOP will be down to just the 20 million, or so, palin supporters.

This is not about kicking someone when they are down. This is about right wing zealots who say gays are threatening the institution of marriage while they are out having extramarrital affairs! They are hypocrits and liars!

It's not the cheating(well..., yes it is) it's the hypocrisy, the nerve of these holier-than-thou "family values" statements from these hypocrits that make me grit my teeth. Get off your high-horse GOP & maybe in the next 30 years REAL AMERICANS with REAL lives (not paid for with MY taxes) might-just might start to pay attention to what you have to say. I said might.

The GOP has a lot more to answer for than Sanford.

The last time the Republicand were a fiscally responsible party was the 1950s: Nixon blew the finances apart; Reagan and Bush senior blew the finances apart; and Bush junior was the most financially irresposnsible president in US history. At least Clinton tried to clean the mess up and was more financially reponsible than anyone since Eisenhower. Obama has been left a huge problem by Bush and he has had to salvage the economy before bringing things under control. If the Republiocan's sincerely believe in fiscal responsibiulity they should vote for a 100 billion reduction in defense expenditure. How many would sign their name to that? None.

These Republicans are using taxpayer money to get laid, flying thousands of miles on my dime to get a piece...and you have whimpy turds out there speaking NICELY (like fairies) about them, like they are the best people in church...if this country gets any softer, I am going to try to hump it.

Don't want to hear about hypocracy from any democrat. Especially after u c all the hypocratical promisses made to the voters by the current administration....Just wait and c how many jobs have been created, how many people's taxes are increased,how many businesses are eliminated, higher gas and power bills,lower medical costs,and a safer country. HYPOCRACY will b redefined!.??!!!!

Hey, Tim! Quit jabbering with this bobblehead and sign Al Franken's election certificate already!

Why wait for Republicans to get up before you kick them...do they deserve to get up? What a jellyfish!!!

Get rid of Democrats and Republicans...all are a bunch of fairies.

Pretty obvious Pawlenty is gearing up for a White House bid. Laughable

The GOP and their supporters claim Democrats, liberals, center –left voters, etc...are immoral, yet the GOP has been extraordinarily corrupt (both politically and morally) for the last 20 years...when they get caught they blame democrats or say it’s no big deal...and then they label Democrats as hypocrites!
Anyone who still listens to, or belongs to the Republican Party, has got to be nuts or brainwashed. The GOP is a morally bankrupt party.
Also, why is it that when the news about Sanford’s affair was reported on Fox News, that they listed as a Democrat? They sure as hell knew what party he belonged too when he was fighting in court not to take stimulus funds!

So Gov. Pawlenty thinks that straight couples deserve to have an "elevated status" in our law above gay couples? I guess he missed that old Declaration of Independence thing about everyone being "created equal" and the Constitution's guarantee of "equal protection" for all citizens.

As a conservative Republican, I am embarrassed by the current crop of phony GOP politicians who just pander to bigotry by invoking their hogwash about "family values." All Americans deserve the same standing under the law - there is no privileged class with "elevated status."

Republicans need to return to their traditional support of individual freedom: the right of each American to run his or her own life without Big Brother (or Big Governor Pawlenty) dictating to them.

It still amazes me that some people continue to rant and rave in defense of republicans and their "do as I say, not as I do" way of governing. There is a reason the majority of Americans do not like or respect republicans. We have had this religious dogma shoved down our throats long enough. I believe Republicans will become more and more regional in the next few years. And where is this insane idea that they are going to retake the majority in congress coming from? What a joke.

[...] on CNN’s “State of the Union” Sunday, Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) of Minnesota said Sanford was guilty of serious political mistakes. [...]

@R in Maine: What are you yapping about? I am a proud Republican – fiscally conservative, serious about national defense and patriotic. I don't just love this country when it votes my way, and I have been proud of my country many times in my adult life, and NOT just when it hands me goodies for nothing.

Pawlenty may think we're damaged – but the good, honest, hard-working Americans that make up the Republican Party are alive and well and waiting for a candidate that lives up to our best expectations, instead of down to our worst ones.

No lies there, sparky.

I've tired of Republicans leadership hiding behind Jenny's skirt.

How many of them dodge the question about Sanford resigning as Governor by claiming that the thing they care most about are Sanford fixing his relationship with his wife and kids ... give me a break .... do they actually think we believe this ??? It is the latest empty statement-de-jour.

It ranks right up there with .................. "our children & grandchildren"

Jenn,

I guess you don't pay much attention to current events.

This is just an example of how messed up Christian people really are. Jesus was a liberal. Obama is trying to save our country you ungrateful idiots. It is collapsing because they hold values which do not reflect the reality of modern life. The republicans have destroyed everything America stands for. Who do they think they are fooling.
Go reread your bibles. You people have another think coming when and if judgement day comes. Especially those who use his word to manipulate the less informed.

Clinton and the dems recovered AND so will the republicans!

How much is being spent by the GOP to keep the rightfully elected Senator Al Franken from being seated???

I don't know why the Repukes are concerned. Just have Limbaugh, Hanretty, Cheney, etc. say that it's un American NOT to cheap on your wife, and the sheep will rejoin the flock.

Bev, you need serious help! Are your still drinking the koolaid?

Every time we have republicans in power for any period of time they get us into deep debut and the the democrats have to repair the damage while fighting the republicans lies and more lies. Everytme I have been laid off or lost a job because of bad economy it is alla republican that has been in power and left a mess for someone else to clean up. No more reganimoics or bushisms,enough of the the republican party. The party of no moral values, cut taxes for the rich and the spend, spend ,spend on wars based on lies and more lies, and support corprate welfare, and big goverment. After all it is the republican party that tell everyone what they can and cannot due with there bodies, how to worship , whom they can and cannot married. The democracts are not perfect but at least they try hard to work for the american people and do act like they are hoiler then thou.

How can we go back to Reaganism? We don't have any enemy to stand up to nearly large enough. We'd have to provoke one first.

Of course, that might be the plan.

Well, either way say what you want about Sanford, he needs to resign, period. I said that about Spitzer and he did so. Then Senator Ensign needs to resign also. Let's clean up the Senate, governorships, house, etc., if you cheat or whatever, you need to resign...Dem or Rep. Just get out, get another job, no more lingering on the public dole.

I get the feeling that the country is done with both of these old parties. But the 2 parties don't quite realize it and some Americans don't quite realize it. I believe that for many Americans the problem is what to do about the Democrat and Republican parties.

Next week on CNN: Pawlenty caught in sexual scandal. The past decade has shown us that politicians most vocal and critical of a behavior are the ones who get caught doing it soon afterwards!

"With two prominent Republicans falling prey to sexual scandals"

"Falling prey"? What, are these men victims?! I'm quite sure they all CHOSE to engage in sexual scandals. Let's not make this passive, please. These men knew exactly what they were doing. They were not helpless pawns. They are hypocrites and they deserve what they get for it.

As for Tim Pawlenty, he's just giddy that his potential rivals at the republican primary are being knocked down one by one; it gives him more room for leverage. Look up the man's record people, he's been a terrible governor for us. He just took away money from our schools to cover his butt on the state budget.

I could care less about Sanford's affair – what bothers me is the GOP's use of so-called "family values" as a party platform. They seek a moral high ground but drown in the fetid waters of their own behavior.

I'm tired of moral posturing. I'm tired of the culture wars. I'm tired of the hypocrisy. If the GOP wants to mire themselves in their own regressive culture (Christian fundamentalism, anti-choice activism, anti-gay rights) then they have the right to do so. They just need to stop judging how other folks, with different belief systems, choose to live their lives...

Let us hope that the GOP and the Democrats all learn to now kick each other when they are down. I do suggest that the GOP stop running on the 'family values – high morals' ticket. I am sure that you all have family values, as do Democrats. The problem is that you wrap yourselves so tight in how morally upstanding you are that when one or two of you stumble, and you always do, it looks a hundred times worse than when a liberal stumbles. Next election cycle, how about just sticking to how your party is better able to run America than the Democratic party. Although, in the face of the mess W made, you may have a hard time selling that one too.

Please, enough with praising the wife...rarely is only one partner of a marriage the sole fault, and it's not like we have his side of the story as to why he strayed. Sure, she is the more sympathetic of the two, and spouting how she's focused on the kids and god sounds great to the masses, but remember how she quickly said she didn't really care what happened to his career as governor, so one has to wonder just how supportive she has been to the marriage.

And, as a Republican, I just don't see how various marital issues affect the party. It's not like the Republicans are in touch with the morals of most Americans anyway, and their stunning defeats recently attest to that. But, I will admit that until the GOP figures out how to craft some fiscal and foreign relations policies to match the current environment the party will remain on the outside looking in, and this sort of hyprocisy will remain media fodder.

McCain's selection of Sarah Palin was the death knell of the past election cycle. The fact that many continue to support her as the leader of the party is only perpetuating this 'damage' as Pawlenty describes it. The first course of action in rebuilding the party would be to distance itself from her. She hurts the moderate/centrists of the party every time she opens her mouth. Be done with her.

ONE more case of republican Incompetency. It makes me think of Home Land security under Bush.. Great Job, Brownie.. Right.. New Orleans almost wiped off the earth.. They dont get it. We need eductated, competent people to lead. Not the 'drinking buddies' that the Republicans hand us.
The whole Family Values shtick is now gone from the repertory of faulty political reasonings so common in the republican party.
As far as "spend and tax" demos, thats another lie.. Reagan, the Bushes, and yes, Clinton put us in the mess we're in. Give Obama a chance to bail out the US.. McCain and please no, Sarah Palin wouldn't have known where to begin with the mess G.W. handed us under the name of patriotism

The GOP is not in trouble because they're moral hypocrites. They are in trouble because they are just whiners who never offer any workable alternative plans. They criticized Obama's budget, and yet their own alternative was only a 16 page outline with NO numbers. How can you have a budget with no numbers? They criticized Obama's health care reform for costing too much, and yet their own 'alternative' never made a cost estimate, was only a 3 page outline that borrowed 80% of its content from Obama's health plan.
If they put even half the effort into coming up with real plans that they now put into criticizing Obama, they wouldn't be the laughing stock of the nation!

Reaganism coming back??? Do you mean to say a Republican Administration is going to give us the second largest tax hike in US History – just like Reagan did??????

The damage to the GOP has more to do with the hypocrisy of its bible-thumpers than it does with their marital indiscretions. If they'd quit trying to ram their bible-belt "values" down everyone's throats they'd solve two problems at once.

Thank you Willow for: 'How is forcing one set of religious beliefs on others granting Constitutional freedom for all?
I say to all Religious fanatics: Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu; Islam... all of you... stop corrupting the spiritual work of God by using his name as a shield for your power grabs. God's many messengers were sent to teach love and peace. All the rest of the hateful preaching comes from men who do not know God under any name.

The problem isn't that the guys cheated. The problem is that they, and their party, make private morality into a political weapon. Democrats cheat as well, but there's no relish in it, because they don't make such a big deal about their own holier-than-thou status. Conservative Republicans politicians reap what they sow—they set themselves up as having unique moral authority, and when discovered to be merely humans, everybody and their mother comments on the hypocrisy. Instead of "returning to their values," which is nothing other than a call for more assertion of their moral authority, the Republican Party needs to seriously consider whether moral politics is a good idea in the first place. Does it lead to better political decisions? Does it lead to better politicians?

The comment about bringing back Reagan to this country, Reagan destroyed the EPA by allowing companies to opt out of what they wanted to, he also rose the deficits to record levels and had the largest tax increase in history. He allowed the companies such as Monsanto to manipulate the worlds renewable seeds sources resulting a 90% extinction of the worlds renewable food sources, and yet for some reason he's still a icon for the GOP. Obama's allready a better President, least he's investing in America and given up on "trickle down" economics (which after 30 years obviously didn't work).

Republicans need to stop acting like they own good values – its never going to work because there are good and bad people in each party.

I feel the GOP just need to come down off their high horses, a politician needs to be able to reach people thats not on their level. It seems to me they cannot identify with poor people everyone is not rich like them so they are going to need government help. they are going to need a boost like food stamps, medicaid, uemployement benefits. job training, not just be told to go get a job and get off welfare like they want them to.The same with gay rights, abortion yeah they may want everyone to be straight and not have abortions but everyone is not the same i do not condone this but i feel the GOP just donot know how to handle these issues.

What "values" is he talking about. I personally don't think they had many. They have been toting their "values" all these yrs, and look what has been their record. The only reason they spoke out, is one apparently being "blackmailed" and the other had to explain his "disappearance". They go in public and make apologies, but in the same breath they continue with the "values" thing, give me a break....

The GOP will not have an other chance at the White House with the way they been acting lately. Also with the help of those rightwing nuts going after Obama with every thing he do trust me they don't stand a chance and they are so stupid they thought the American people were not watching.

David E. wrote June 28th, 2009 1:22 pm ET

"I am not taking sides here, but it has been my understanding that liberals are the most compasionate, kind, and understanding people who take the high road.Until you disagree with them."

What do you think about "Rush, Hannity, O'Reily, Ann coulter and the other Rethuglican religious fanatics who preach hate and division. They sound cool , isn’t it !!

When your leaders entertwine religion and politics WATCH OUT.

Jenn,

The point you are missing is that yes Democrat politicians commit the same dishonest hypocrisy, but as individual politicians. The entire Republican party runs on the plat form that they are all moral beacons and therefore put their party, not just individual members, up for scrutiny.

Clinton was wrong and a hypocrite, not his party. Stanford and Ensign were wrong and hypocrites and so is their party because their party runs on a message that "we are holier than thou".

Never mind the affair.. Sanford is just a lousy Governor, esp. for fighting against stimulus money for his state, and disappearing like he did. His political future is dead in the water. He should resign..it might give his party a fighting chance to retain the Gov post in the next election.

The GOP is hurt. Sanford is an issue because you cannot be the party of family values and then look the other way. The GOP will have to decide if it is the party of the far right as in the past or not. To be credible they will have to walk the walk and not just talk the talk.

Here's an idea Tim Pawlenty...why don't YOU do the right thing and certify Al Franken as the winner for the Senate seat and let him go to Washington DC and represent the people of your state. More BS from the Republicans...it is never ending. Bev, you hang right on to your juicy rationalizations to try and justify the horrible mess made by the Republican party on any number of levels. Fix things? I wouldn't let them attempt to fix my wheelbarrow.

Pawlenty is blowing more republican smoke. if he is so moral and just, why dosen't he seat mn.s other senator. why does he keep catering to coleman?. why! because he is a typical republican.

May I say the republican being during it(cheating) from infincy with all the dark wood in the forrest, and holling self righeious. Said enough.

Jenn-

Sorry that you don't seem to get it either.
It is about individuals, very flawed ones. Sanford, Ensign, Vitter, but also Clinton, Spitzer, and Edwards.

The difference is the right claims moral high ground and screams whenever someone on the left does something untoward.
THEY are the hypocrites. Maybe you should pay better attention.

Obama's favorable ratings on his policies are plunging....

He's losing the battle against unemp[loyment....

His outreach to Iran ended in total disaster as Ahmadinejad is telling him to mind his own business....

N. Korea laughs at him and does whataever it wants....

And he's spending us into bankruptcy......

Dems can start packing in 2010.

Unfortunately, infidelity is rampant in our society and NOT just with politicians.... Its sad that those that are in the public eye and admit their wrong doings are made to look like the worst people in the world. It seems like it is the male politicians that admit the sexual misdoings, but what about all the femals politicians that stray? Maybe its because they are more discreet and don't openly admit to the world that they have been unfaithful. What is this world coming to where we have to blame the whole political party to which the wronged politician is associated with just because that person has strayed. Let God be the judge...as he always has been and always will be and let the families try to put their lives and marriages back on track without the public/media trying to interfer.

“And so the words and the actions don’t ring true.”

Sums it up nicely.

A real headshaker.

I would like to point out how funny it is when a Repub gets caught with his "PANTS DOWN" someone has to say "Obama is taking the country in the wrong direction. AT least Obama is taking action and even if things are not moving as fast as everyone would like things are moving in a direction that is positive. I can see by the way some posters here haate Obama so much they would rather see the country fail than to see him succeed. It is clear that as the country recovers the Republicans will look silly for all their POLICIES OF NO. No is not an answer to the questions of today.

Talk about lies and foolishness. Why does't the Governor
sign off on Al Franken. Minn is not composed of all Repubes.
Unless he seats this man , he is toast and who cares what
he has to say about Sanford!!! Birds of a Feather Bed Down
Together!!!!!!!!

Funny how a little sex scandal can shake up the GOP but it stood like stone statues while Bush and Cheney lied and lied and LIED about Iraq, the 9/11 attacks, domestic spying, use of torture, prison camps, etc.

Republican criticizing Republican LOL No wait, according to Faux news Sanford is a Democrat.

The Republicans are certainly in bad shape, who do they have left to represent them now or when they want to run for the presidency in 2012. It is more than the cheating that is the problem, it is their high moral stance that they keep preaching about, and then in secret they are the worse cheaters of all. You just can't trust too many Republicans. Sanford left his state for a week without telling anyone where he was and in his news conference, he made a fool of himself, is that the kind of person we want to take that 3:AM call, I sure wouldn't want the US to be in the hands of a person like him.

I agree with David E.

This behavior has nothing to do with Democrats,or Republicans.It is a betrayal to the sanctidy(sp) of marriage.Before you get married men and women need to really do some soul serching.If you have the urge to jump in bed with every good looking person of the opposite sex at a party;at the beach;or meeting on the sudewalk ,you are destined for trouble after "I DO"

Republicans talk about returning to their values, but from what I see, they are all talk and no action! They preach to the rest of us that we should conduct our lives morally and right, then they get caught cheating on their wives! A note to Republicans.........stop preaching what you are not doing yourselves! Sanford is not the first Republican to cheat on his wife, but it is really ironic that he trashed Bill Clinton so badly for his mistake years ago. The Republicans need to stop acting so high and mighty, and accept the fact that they, or any of us are not perfect. Democrats are not immune to cheating either, but the difference is that the Dems don't put themselves out there as being so pure and perfect.

The probable reason that Mr. Sanford did not transfer power to his Lt. Govenor, Andre Bauer is that the Lt. Govenor is Andre Bauer. That is also the reason few South Carolianians are calling for his resignation. If you want to know more (and get an "I don't believe it" reaction), Google "Andre Bauer" along with any of the following words:
"police officer pulls gun on", "speeding" (3 instances), "airplane crash", "private driver". We don't want or need Andre Bauer. As big a mistake as Sanford is, Bauer is unbelievably less responsible. As for not being in touch, that is what we have come to expect of Sanford: Someone who is really really "out of touch".

Republicans have no one to blame but themselves. They have tried to make family values an issue only to prove that they have NONE. Palin is just as bad as Stanford when she tried to USE her children as ploitical props. Unwed mothers is not the family values I have. DRAGING special needs children around like a badge and getting upset when someone uses a photo against her is not the values I have.

The big difference between the DEMs and REPUBs is the Dems do not try to act like they are better than everyone else when the REPUBS preach their values and then show they do not pratice what they preach deserves contempt.

Send Sanford to Argentina where he belongs and let his wife step into his office. I applaud her ability to show true face and not play the game.

Humans are religious creatures everything we do is shapped by our religion, whether we recognise it or not. Our forefathers didn"t want religion left out of politics (that's impossible), they wanted politics left out of religion. What a politician claims to be his/her religion doen't neccesarily match what they actually believe. Many people claim to be Christians who are not.

The GOP has been going down hill for quite some time. The affairs are one thing , but what they do to our Country is what we have to avoid.Their policies are based on the rich getting richer and not listening or caring about the average middle class citizen.I call it TERRORIZM

To Conservative Jenn:
The prob;em with you conservative Republicans is that you constantly preach family values and moral values, as if every Republican is a saint and that every Democrat is the anti-Christ. That is wht when Sanford and Ensign are caught with their pants down screwing other woman it is the ultimate in hypocrisy. believe me, no Conservatice Republican knows Jesus Christ, they are all a bunch of greedy self righteous idiots. You all should read the New Testament sometimes, when Jesus gace his sermon on the mountain, "blessed are the poor, for theis is the kingdom of God". When Republicans stop wanting to give away tax cuts to their wealthy buddies, when they stop cuting money for educationa for the poor, then maybe, just maybe, they might be able to return to Christ;s flock.

I don't understand why more people don't see the hypocrasy in this situation. While standing there with his moral rightgeousness he has been having this affair for well over a year, yet I've heard people say that at least he didn't lie about it . Gov Sanford has been living a lie for a long time. The hypocrisy is the real problem for the GOP. They try to legislate morality and when one or ten of them slip up, then he's only human. When a democrat slips up he is a godless pervert. There is no compassion. That's why I am hoping the american people keep seeing through the party that refuses to move forward, that refuses to work with a president who has reached out to them and the party that has no new ideas.

The republicans need to get back to our Founding Fathers of small government, strong defense, and individual responsibility. The democratsw are still the party of welfare and big government dependence so you have to vote for them. The special interest of the democrats are just as corrupt as any republican special interest including Halibutton.

If you ask me both parties are damaged and dysfunctional. They both should be disbanded and a people's party for the peple be initiated. We the people are the only ones who can do that. If you are satisfied with this take care of our brother attitude then you keep these political sex fiends, money grabbers and praisers of child molesters in office. Otherwise go to the polls and put them out of office. Lets take back our country. Other countries have the cajales to doo it.

Jenn, you may want to look up the word hypocrite, and then re-think that comment of yours. Just saying.

Jenn– the difference between GOP sex scandals and Democratic sex scandals is that the GOP has positioned itself as the "family values" party, the "defenders of traditonal marriage" and Jesus.

So, when men who have been ranting about how letting gays marry will tear apart the fabric of society and harm the institution of marriage turn around and repeatedly break there own marriage vows, THAT'S news!

Democrats, on the other hand, are the party of "live and let live"– what people do privately doesn't effect or harm others, so let's just be tolerant. "Judge not...", if you will.

When you don't CLAIM to be "holier than thou" you don't have to BE holier than thou, see how that works??

Where is Gov. Palin?

Gov. Palin is in Germany thanking our wounded warriors.

I have to agree with Pawlenty on all the points, especially the one where Jenny Sanford wasn't standing next to her husband at the press conference. Why do these wives feel the need to do this? It's baffling and insulting. And though my politics differ, as a woman, my heart and prayers go out to her and her sons. To have to do this publicly is a horror.

I am sure that their political base will be right behind them in support.
They will say that we are all human and make mistakes.........

It is about total lack of -JUDGEMENT- which is what we hold to be the foundation of leadership!

At what point does it stop hurting the party? The gop is already so diminished, on the fringes of irrelevancy (only 21% will own up to being republican) – at what point do you say that it really just doesn't matter?

Right now the republicans are obstacles instead of advocates. They've opposite public opinion on many of the issues like health care. They're not listening – and as a result, I'd venture a guess and say that the majority of the country isn't listening to them either. The country voted for change, and the republicans are living in the past – lead follow or get out of the way.

This incident just reinforces the notion that the republican party just really doesn't have any principles – none that can't be bought, sold, or ignored completely.

The Grand Old Party of Hypocrites, I think now America should have enough of them.

GOP think that they are the only one that know about God. The rest of the people who did not believe in their ideology is either consider non American or else. At times I listen to some of the conservatives, the way they talk and behavior I wonder what part of the bible they read. I think it is conservative bible invented by them.

Please give me a break, the president Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky cigar smoking techniques out trump anyone, Republican or Democrat cheating on their wives. I mean think about it, Commander in Chief in the Oval Office. Not only the infidelity aspect but what about the sexual harassment aspect of sex in the work place, even if conscentual, sex in the workplace is not acceptable. I do not particularly care for infidelity in our elected officials but does it matter where they get their private jollies? What I really dislike is preferential treatment for tax cheats, for fraud and for stuffing their pockets with our tax dollars. Funny how the Dems wont investigate ACORN isn't it? Oh, and Truth sayer, if the economy doesn't turn soon, I would predict a Democrat will never have to be worried about being elected in our lifetime or our childrens lifetime, as they will be too busy working and paying taxes to pay off this Administrations debt!

People on the right and the left see what they want to see, screen out what they don't want to see. Did you notice in these comments how many conservatives accuse the media, or the Democrats of ignoring the transgressions of Democrats, how many liberals accuse the media or Republicans of ignoring or excusing the transgressions of Republicans?
People tend to see everything through their own filters. We all do it. But let's make an effort to wake up, question our own filters. We don't have to excuse bad behavior, but if we are aware of our own filters (not to mention our own foibles) we might be just a tad bit kinder and more civil to each other. Having genuine differences is not bad. But demonizing each other doesn't get us past the deadlock we are stuck in.

How come we haven't heard from Shara Palin. She is on the air condemning every little Bs thing that happens is happening but a scandal in her own party and she clams up.

I spent my life(65 years) as a republican but in 08 it was President Obama ALL the way and I am soooo glad I did!!! The republican party has become the party of rich, spoiled, selfish individuals who care NOTHING about the life of middle class America and it has been that way since Reagen. He destroyed the unions and the being of the end of the American auto industry with pushing BIG, oversized autos so the oil companies could make more money. He also took down the solar panels on the white house Carter put up and thus driving us into another 30 years of selfdestruction. Brazil changed and they are sooo much farther ahead of us. I'm now a democrate and the republicans are selfdestructing with their riches and big egos!!!

Okay, I've read all of the comments so far, and the only thing I can say is this: Most things political in this country break along a percentage line of approximately 66 to 34, Dem to Rep, or Lib to Con. That's probably oversimplifying things a bit, but its not far off the mark.

After eight years of wandering in the wilderness, the planets are once again in their proper orbits. There is indeed hope for the future.

Republicans are just hypocrites like Democrats. The Republicans need to stand up for small government, more freedom, less taxes, and get rid of corruption in DC. Stay out of the private lives of people.

I am no supporter of Republicans whom I consider repugnant and hypocritical...however, I praise Jenny Sanford for her dignity and her strength. Since she is the brain behind the man, I think that she should run for his office.

He will not be faithful to you. He's got Maria under his skin...cut him loose and hold your head high, Jenny!

Poor Pawlenty. Apologizing for those hypocrits.

Also Bev, you must have had the sound turned down if you didn't hear FIX News lambasting first John Edwards and then his wife for writing a book about it. Also, you must have been suffering the after affects of dipping into Rush's oxycontin is you didn't hear him rail on and on about the Edwards affair.

The Great Obstructionist Party rarely stays out of anything – unless it is a popularity poll.

Paul from Kissimmee said: "The way Obama's taking this country right now, I believe people will wake up. Just remember, Carter's disastrous term brought on Reagonism, which this country will need once again."

Paul, you ignorant dolt. Sorry - it's the only words that come to mind when some lame-head Repuke tries to say we're ready for MORE Reaganism.

Let's see if we can start a brain cell or two firing for you: Reaganism run rampant is what got this country in such terrible shape Obama was elected to FIX it. Your party of choice has been destroying the country little by little since Ronnie was the puppet and now you complain that Obama's taking the country in a "dangerous" direction.

Too bad the vast majority of Americans finally woke up from your evil crap.

Too bad the media doesn' give a proportionate amount of attention to politicians who are faithful to their spouses and families as has been Rep. Ron Paul, who has been married to his wife Carol for over 50 years.

Republicans are the biggest hypocrites!!! They preach family values but don't follow what they preach. It is the do as I say, not as I do party!!!! They need to not be so judgemental and embrace diversity for we all do not fit into their little boxes that only the republicans can fit into!

Pawlenty is a disaster for Minnesota. He insists on not raising taxes, But at the same time, it cutting funding to everything that makes Minnesota operate. From health care, public schools, transportation. etc... The latest choice he made was blocking the stimulus money meant for the states school system. He is keeping it to help pay off the debt Minnesota is getting into, because of his no new taxes policy. Also, when he first ran for election against a popular Dem. it was projected the Dem would win, since everyone liked him, but convienetly for Pawlenty , he died in a suspicious plane crash. The rep. party blocked all the money raised, and only allowed $1K for the replacement Dem, candidate to use for his election bid. Pawlenty is a crook.

Obama will be much more damaged by his failure to stem the rising tide of unemployment and by his pathetic, dismal failure with Iran, N. Korea and Israel.

Unfortunately this party of backward-looking non-thinkers has not been mortally wounded.

Has anyone else noticed that noe ONE

Get real. I'm a lifelong Democrat, although I was raised in a Republican household.

The bottomw line is that you have a moral responsibility to be who you say you are.

I voted for Bill Clinton, but I lost respect for him and for Hillary. She should have kicked his butt out.

My husband knows that if he pulled this kind of stunt on me, he'd be doing his news conference from the curb, while I'd be in the background helping the locksmith.

Kudos to Mrs. Sanford for saying that his political career is HIS problem.

Bev...you need some serious help! You still seem to be drinking the koolaid!

John King and Dana Bash and their continuous attempt to restore the GOP...

same song–second verse-another rep right winger shouts condemnation
to those evil people not upholding family values–while cheating on their marriage –and gets caught with his/her pants down–what is so apparent is that the right wing evangelicals do not really care what their members do as long as they sit in their pew and yell amen on demand–condemn abortion–hate gays–and hate the evils of stem cell research–
when will they learn that when the bible states , "thou shall not judge" that includes them!!!"
now there are so many of them they do their "sorry about getting caught and refuse to resign–
is this is the best of the rep the dems are in great shape!!

Jenn's contempt needs to be tempered by the fact Republicans sell themselves as being next to God. They talk about moral values, the sanctity of marriage, right to life, etc. etc. ad nauseum. Their religious arrogance out for all to see. Then they fall. When they do, all arrogance and hypocrisy comes rolling back at them tenfold. Not that amoral behavior is right for anyone, Dem or Rep., but if you're going to act as if you are holier than everyone else then be holier than everyone else, or pay the price.

This from a guy who cracked that his wife would rather go fishing than have sex! Seriously, I join those praising Jenny Sanford's behavior. A real "class act" which is a lot more than I can say for "Amore Marco".

Governor: It's easy to get back.....quit pontificating about the Republicans being the only ones who are in favor of family values and quit projecting this image of moral superiority. Simple as that.

Those darn Republican hypocrites...

Dick Cheney (torture & outing CIA agent), Rumsfield (rebuilding Iraq), Bush (Just plain dumber than a bag of hammers), Gonzales (intellectually in over his head), Newt (asking for divorce from his wife while she is in the hospital, very ill), The hammer (as crooked as a side winder), Rush (a fat blob of drug addiction and stupity thrives), Idaho toe tapper, the governor who loves banging his married support staff, the argentinian love monger, ORielly and his attempt at infomercial aka news program. Palin (oh my god!), Hasselback (the view of what?) The blond idiot the notion that blondes do not have a clue what is going on! Republicans dead in the water? What an understatement! And this rant does not even cover 1/100th of the misery the republicans have racked on America. I say good riddence and so long to the republican party. The biggest threat to American freedom and success the republican party.

You said it, Mike! The holier than thou value thing is a huge scam to getr votes. Wake up, Republicans, Karl Rove is using religion for the GOP!!
I hope this country has enough intelligence to keep the GOP out of control!!!!!

Sanford should quit, but he won't. Fortunately, he is a lame duck.

He won't have a chance at the presidency because our young people (like me at age 67) are too sav vy to let it happen.

We need MATURE people in government.

It doesn't really what party anyone belongs to every one is human and subject not to be perfect and make mistakes that can and will hurt their political carrier. However the problem for the GOP is this they are always preaching about family values and how morally corrupt the left is. Maybe if the pot stopped calling the kettle black more republican humans would be less vulnerable to such human scrutiny.

Oh, please, Jenn – "absolute purity"? Republicans condemn Democrats every day for not believing as the Right does. Because I choose not to use my religious beliefs to justify my political beliefs I am judged as immoral. When the Right gets the religion out of their political spiel, maybe the personal failings of very human individuals will cease to be relevant to political discouse.

The Right needs to stay out of people's personal lives and contribute to fixing the mess this country is in. Don't pontificate about correct moral behaviour and no one will be laughing at the hypocrisy of Republican elected officials.

Sanford's affair should be between him and his wife. Leaving the state he was elected to govern without a way to be reached or delegating to the lt-governaor is another issue and must be dealt with by the voters of S.C.

The comments on here are so hilarious. When democrats cheat, you never hear the end of it. When republicans cheat it is always a family issue that should be kept in the family. It's a great age we live in when we can keep the past sound bites from all the republican hate talkers and how they rail against the democrats that cheat but say nothing about republicans.

You know those cheaters like

Newt , Bob livingston, Sanford, Mark Foley, Ensign, Henry Hyde, Bob Barr,John Mccain. Should I stop?

He's just glad competition was removed...

Sanford wanted Clinton impeached for his indiscretion...but he was so full of moral virtue that he had an affair for a year ( unlike Clinton) ...and now does not believe he should resign his post... so much for conservative values

Yeah, Bev... the last Republican administration did such a good job with the economy... And I don't know what you were watching during the Edwards affair (no pun intended), but it was all OVER the press, including the "liberal" media which ostensibly favors Democrats over Republicans. We heard about it ad nauseum, on Rush, on Fox; in fact, YOU'RE STILL TALKING ABOUT IT.

John King the Repubicans chairman. I never watch his show just come to comment. JOHN KING REPUBLICANS SHOW!

"Republicans need to return to their values."

Like suppression of free thinking, promotion of dogma, fear mongering, dividing the country, acting righteous, and being hypocritical.

Those who make the shallow argument, "Gee when the Dems do it, it's no big thing. But if a GOP'er does it, everybody goes nuts!" The substantial difference is, Newt Gingrich and the entire Republican Party spent BILLIONS of taxpayer dollars and YEARS diverting money and energy in an attemot to bring Clinton down for an affair because the GOP is the Party of Family Values and courts all the 'good Christian' suckers out there who fall for their crap in excahnge for a vote. The Dems seem to understand that issues like infidelity, while tragic on a personal level, are NOT political issues. SO, in light of the GOP making such issues political, campaigning on them, you better believe we take pleasure in seeing the TRUTH come out about these so-call 'good Christian' GOP 'leaders'.

Gov. Pawlenty has not done "damage" to the Republican party by his comments. The Republican party themselves have done the "damage" by their "do as I say, not as I do" attitude.

Their religious right, always right, leaning to the right, and right, right, right attitude has kept them in trouble.

They need to look at themselves in the mirror.

And this is news because someone finally figured out that the Repubs are toast????

I'd rather have a tax-and-spend President than someone who merely spends the country into oblivion! The only way OUT of the inherited deficit will be taxes, people. That doesn't make Obama anything but wise. The country can't declare bankruptcy and start over as citizens can. We have to tighten our belts and pay down the deficit left by your revered war-monger, pay-my-friends-not-to-honor-their-war-contracts Bush.

And to those who think we need Reagan back...he was the first to call for nuclear disarmament. And I guarantee, if a Republican is somehow elected in 2012, he/she will not leave with a balanced budget.

what do you expect when there is whole bunch of people like John Boehner who do not talk any sense nor do have any brain.....It is a way these brainless people represent GOP...........and its demise.....period..

The Republicans have no values.

Jenn, Tim Pawlenty is a Republican talking about the damage Sanford has done, not so liberal freakazoid. We know not to kick someone when they are down, as the GOP clearly is right now.

Once again it appears that power corrupts, and absolute power, corrupts absolutely. This is true regardless of your political party affiliation. It is up to the people for whom this government was created and who exercise their right to vote to get engaged in the political process and demand better candidates for public office. Until this happens, both parties will feel free to continue with "business as usual."

"Republicans need to return to their values."

It's too late. A majority of Americans now realize those "values" are just designed to get votes. Once in office they do the opposite.

How strange that when a Republican strays from the path of absolute purity, the entire party must be said to have done so. But when a Democrat strays, it is only the one person and he is usually just patted on the head and we are told that "boys will be boys". I say the hypocrites are on the left and they are so totally incapable of seeing the faults in their own people and party that all they are capable of doing is screaming "foul" when other people. The double standard leaves me with only contempt.

I think Bev is either dillutional or is denying the truth. When John Edwards sex scandal came to light, during the DEM Primaries, the press was all over it from MSNBC to CNN to Fox. It was on for about 10 days. When Elliot Spitzer cheated on his wife both the Dems and Reps called on him to resign and he did so, The media covered it for days even sought for the girl in question for interview. But here we are a GOP Governor doing to same thing, and what do I hear from the two GOP interviewed today, "IF HE CAN RECONCILE WITH HIS FAMILY, THE PEOPLE OF S.C. WOULD LOOK AT WHAT HE HAS DONE AND HE SHOULD SERVEOUT HIS REMAINING 18 MONTHS". I call this hypocrisy. The media owe us viewers a duty to call this elected officials out.
Look at it besides the extramarital affiars, he abandoned his duty post and went to out of the country on tax payers dime to frolic about. He comes back and says, "I have been crying for five days in Argentina". Who buys that crap? only the media and gullible people. What would happen if a military personnel goes AWOL? He would be courtmatialed and thrown out of the military with a dishonorable discharge.
As most GOP stalwart have said on cable and elsewhere, this will blow over and life will go on.
What has GodFather Rush L. said about it? Or Micheal Steele. I have heard their voices. They have suddenly gone quiet. If it were a DEM Governor, they would be on the air saying all sorts.

The way Obama's taking this country right now, I believe people will wake up. Just remember, Carter's disastrous term brought on Reagonism, which this country will need once again.

Asked about the GOP’s relationship with its socially and fiscally conservative base, Pawlenty said Republicans need to return to their values.

just what values are they to return to: in Bush we had more government, more intrusion into privacy, more spending,. family values give me a break. Defense of marriage another joke. harming the traditional family now that is true.

typical repuke hypocrisy ... let them all burn ... cheney, in hell ...

Well said, Claudia in Houston!! Our forefathers knew what they were doing when they wanted religion left out of politics!!

"Asked about the GOP’s relationship with its socially and fiscally conservative base, Pawlenty said Republicans need to return to their values."

Values don't come on and off like a piece of clothing. You live your values. The notion that one can return to your values is hilarious.

How many politicians do we need to see cheat on their spouses, taxes, or communities in general before we realize how corrupt our government institutions have become. Just like big business, we the people need to insist on sharper penalties for wayward politicians.

Clearly they aren't getting the message.

They have not been damaged. They are the same lying people that everyone knew about all along. Their lies are nothing new, and making it public is what they deserve.

I am not taking sides here, but it has been my understanding that liberals are the most compasionate, kind, and understanding people who take the high road.

Until you disagree with them.

The GOP has damaged themselves with their religious moral righteousness packed with lies. It's always dangerous when religion is used to justify anything because there is a time and place for everything. Politics and religion just don't mix.

Ther best bet is to cut out the tumor,which is their base.

The GOP can't afford more damage, yet it is once again at their own hands. There are new reports today of Sanford having had 2-3 more affairs.

State of the Union with John King is a misnomer. It is biased heavily to the right.

It's true the GOp has been damaged! The problem is the GOP in it's current form has not been true to conservative priciples! The GOP spends like the demcrats spend! Upon first glance, there appears to be no difference! The solution is easy. Return to conservative principles! This TARP mess was started by Bush! Piled on by Obama!

The GOP is not being damaged, they are being exposed.

The reason the so called LEFT goes wild is because the GOP thinks they
are GOD'S Party....they treat Democrats like they are immoral. The GOP, made up of many Southern Baptists believe their way is the only way. So.;..when a Republican messes up, they deserve to be targeted because of their holier than thou attitude. I am a Democrat, and have been a Presbyterian all my life.....but the GOP thinks I am part of an immoral party. The GOP deserves what they get!

why is pawlenty attacking republicans?

Bev, John Edwards did not go to Argentina, did not lie to his staff about his whereabouts, did not just disappear for 5 days! It's the hyprocisy to say nothing of not transferring power to his Lt. Govenor. What's worse is his family did not know where he was – nice way to spend Father's Day – In Argentina with your mistress!!!!!
BTW, the Republicans got us into this mess. Perhaps you are one of the wealthy that always benefits when a republican is in office! Class is not the word that comes to mind when describing conservatives!

dearest Bev.......cheating is disgusting. edwards is disgusting for cheating. but, when edwards cheated, he was not an elected offical....thats why there was no need to make a big deal about it..though i think a big deal was made out of it and he paid the priceas he should have.

Gov. Sanford isn't merely a liar and a cheat, he is incompetant and derelict in his duty as a governor. He should be impeached, not for his infidelity or even for lying, but for leaving his post without making sure the proper chain of command was in place during his absence.

What is up with these corrupted, asleep at the job Republicans? They make the Clinton scandals look tame by comparison.

Between incompetant elected offcials and the insanity of Newt and Rush, you can bet the Republican Party is in trouble, and the nation as a result.

We need more like Pawlenty, Ridge, Crist, Jindall, Schwarzennegger and others for the Republican party to rebuild itself. Even the barely competant Palin looks good by comparison.

The GOP was damaged long before Sanford and Ensign. Don't forget Bush, Cheney, McCain et al.......

"....falling prey to sexual scandals...."

The disclosure of these two recent affairs are NOT sexual, the affairs are moral scandals, which encompasses much more than sexual acts.

The GOP have shoved their "moral" values, based upon their religious beliefs, upon the rest of the nation for years. How is forcing one set of religious beliefs on others granting Constitutional freedom for all? It isn't and the rest of the nation is fed up with GOP "faux" Christian values and these two "moral" scandals only demonstrate how vulnerable to republicans can be.

My elder taught me, "Be careful where you point your finger, there will be three pointing back". So to the GOP, there are two and counting....

When John Edwards cheated, the media had a field day with it. There was no particular need for right or left wing folks to drive the criticism machine, it was naturally in full force. Additionally we must remember, Edwards' issue was a private one as it really had no effect on his job performance, solely a family issue.

In this case of Sanford, let's not get cheeky and forget that cheating is only a small part of the issue here. This guy, actually left his post. He left his state with no one in charge and no way to contact him for like a week to go get some in Argentina. I personally do not care about what others do with their messed up family lives, that is their business. However, leading a state is a rather serious job, so those who are so irresponsible have no business holding that job.

While it's possible to be true to the principal of fiscal discipline – as Pawlenty has done with MN – it also takes true character to see through the repurcussions of your decisions. This interview just reinforces the idea that Pawlenty is focused on his next step in his political career while leaving a HUGE mess in the state of MN for his successor.

His unilateral budget balancing moves have hamstrung any number of state and local organizations, educational institutions, and the spirit and soul of what it means to be a Minnesotan. What he's done may look popular on the national stage, but he still wouldn't win MN in a general election, especially once we start living with the outcomes of his short-sighted slashing.

Here's why the GOP still does not get it. It's not that Obama is spending; rather, he has to deal with a budget deficit of $1.7 trillion as part of his program going forward. His issues such as health care, climate change and so forth are budget neutral in that he funds them. What Obama has yet to do is raise taxes and cut spending to deal with the $1.7 existing budget that he inherited. To glossy over this point, as Pawlenty does and tries to tie it to Obama, ensures the GOP will continue to suffer defeat in the years ahead.

Damaged!?....thats an understatement. The GOP wont smell the White House for at least the next 20 years. Even if John King keeps giving them a platform

When it means saving the country from tax-and-spend Democrats and a President who runs down America, the American voters will easily tolerate a few insignificant flings. 2010 cannot get here fast enough.

Damaged is putting it mildly. It would not have been as important if these two men had not been so hypocritical in calling for others to resign that had made "mistakes", touting family values and hiding behind their bibles.
I give as much credibility to Palenty and the republican party as I do John King, who is one of the most biased commentators we have.
And, CNN appears to be determined to report complete interview
with this insignificant, hypocritical, hot aired politician and the undying support of King.

When John Edwards cheated on his wife the GOP stayed out of it...you hardly heard anything about it. Not on radio and not on Fox. But of course since it's a GOP the left goes wild....which is stupid. There's cheaters everywhere, all ideologies. But that just shows the class of conservatives and the impulsive left. People know this...it's what separates the two. And people also know that the Democrats don't know the Democrats are spending too much and running the deficits up and inflation is sure to follow. And they know that it takes a Republican to fix it.