New York (CNN) – The now-immortalized final moment of Anthony Weiner's failed New York mayoral campaign was the candidate's middle finger directed at a reporter curbside as his car drove away Tuesday night.
CNN affiliate NY-1 captured Weiner flipping the bird on video as the candidate departed his primary election night party after delivering his concession speech, punctuating the end of his bizarre campaign and an odd evening.
If that wasn't enough drama, Weiner had trouble getting into his event as Sydney Leathers, the woman at the center of the sexting controversy that began the unraveling of his mayoral campaign, had shown up outside in what she admitted was a blatant play for media attention. Weiner's problem was there was only one entrance to Connolly's Pub and Restaurant, the election night headquarters for his campaign.
"I'm here to celebrate. I think he needs some sex therapy," explained Leathers, who is now embracing a career in the porn industry.
In Weiner's final days, more curiosity than serious candidate
Dressed in a skintight, red dress and platform black pumps, Leathers got what she was looking for as some of the press inside headed outside to interview the newly minted porn star. For about 30 minutes, it was a media frenzy outside. Leathers stuck around for several hours hoping Weiner would show up, even heading inside to the bar to drink a glass of white wine with a male friend.
"We went to his campaign headquarters today first, and he decided to rearrange his schedule because apparently he doesn't think he can handle confronting me or me being in his presence so I felt like it was only appropriate to make one last stop," she said.
Sydney Leathers outside New York City mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner's election night Tuesday, September 10, 2013. Photo by Laura Dolan.
She was right that campaign staff didn't want a scene out front as they spent a long time figuring out how to choreograph Weiner's arrival. When the candidate finally showed just before 11 p.m., he quickly bolted into a next door McDonald's restaurant. The press corps and Leathers gave chase – yes, this really happened – security pulled a blocking maneuver as Weiner ducked through a door that connected Connolly's and the Mickey D's.
Despite the antics, Weiner made no mention of the spectacle outside during his concession speech. But his mood may have been reflected by his departing gesture.
- CNN's Laura Dolan, Rosa Flores and Tim McCaughan contributed to this report.
"she admitted was a blatant play for media attention" Duh! This woman showed up on every talk show saying how she was a victim and how Weiner lied to her. Unless she was living under a rock for several years, she knew who Weiner was and knew he was married and had to quit Congress in disgrace. She wasn't "lied to", she knew exactly what she was doing by baiting him and playing on his character flaws. It's like someone handing drinks to a known alcoholic and then acting indignant when that person gets out of control. Yes, the alcoholic is to blame but so is the person knowingly enabling them. In fact, the enabler is the worse of the two because they are intentionally taking advantage of a sick person.
That's Carlos not Weiner
Now Wiener should focus on doing whht he does best. He should upgrade his cell phone with a better camera.
He can now run for president. At least he hasn't raped any women like Clinton did. Or abandon his sick wife like Gingrich did.
I'd bet that Bill and Hillary will find something to do with Huma and A. Weiner in their future plans......
I am a Democrat and I think this is hilarious! He was stupid for doing messing with her in the first place. We all know his wife will eventually divorce him due to the humiliation. LOL!!!
Weiner has completely lost it...
Very entertaining.
Sick wife? Don't u mean John Edwards?
Little creep. I hope this is the last of him.
He has no class. What's funny is they show Sydney Leathers next to the egg white delight Mcmuffin. Should have a arrow pointing down.
Weiner's sexcapades made him a star. He should just go with that and make more bucks.
When did Clinton rape anyone?
LOL ....NY politics is a JOKE!
This woman is a piece of work. She got the publicy she wanted and now she going from Weiner to porn. They both need to go home and never come out. The Clintons will never have anything to do with him especially after his wife finally comes to her sences and leaves his stupid butt.
'Leathers, who is now embracing a career in the porn industry.'
you dont say? well color me surprised.
Hey now.......Emerson says "There's no fun at a Weiner Party without a nice set of buns."
Maybe he can have her charged for stalking or herrassment?. On the other hand. She cant get enough weiner.
"Sexting partner crashes Weiner party"....the headline alone inspired me to click on the story.
I don't condone what Weiner did. However, I find it absolutely mean-spirited at the number of evil people who feel the need to trample a man who is already publicly humiliated. Isn't that punishment enough? Some of you need to find something more constructive to do. Evil only kills itself.
Nope Bob, he means Gingrich plus he forgot to mention McCain.........he did it too.
He flips her the bird, really! Like he did nothing. He is one strange bird, and needs help.
Stay classy, Weiner.
Ms Leathers isn't much to look at but her boyfriend was HOT.
Weiner will probably be seen next on Letterman's hopeless show.