In light of the recent alleged scandal involving New York Governor Spitzer and a prostitution ring (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080312/ap_on_re_us/spitzer_prostitution), as well as Hillary Clinton’s candidacy, I want to explore the role of political spouses, historically and theoretically.
Does it make any other women a little angry to see Gov. Spitzer’s wife standing next to him? How about remembering Hillary Clinton standing in solidarity with Former President Bill Clinton during the Monica Lewinsky affair? I can’t help but wonder what I would do. I certainly hope that I wouldn’t stand there with my husband. I obviously will more than likely never know what these women go through, but it is hard for me to imagine disrespecting myself to that extent.
I know many support Silda Spitzer; I am not hesitant at all to empathize with her situation. But in reality, I can’t help but despise her for standing there. She shouldn’t have to support her husband in this situation. Many have said that she is standing there for the sake of her family. Haven’t women advanced in society a little further than that? Would he have stood there for her, for the sake of their family? Should she have to deal with the public humiliation of staying with her husband after he blatantly disrespected her?
I know it sounds like I’m asking questions instead of answering them, but this is my thought process.
I am constantly reminded in this situation of Hillary’s determination to stay with her husband after his sexual affair. It is certainly a moral dilemma, but I can’t imagine such tolerance for behavior like this.
This is just one aspect of how marriage plays into politics, obviously inspired by recent events.
TO BE CONTINUED
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
I can say with 99% confidence that if I were Silda Spitzer I would have done the same thing. She may be staying by him for other reasons, but I would stay by my husband in such a case because I've made a commitment. This is the crux of the matter. If she's commited, she'll stay. If she's not, she won't. I leave the 1% becuase I'm human and don't no for sure what I would do in the most extreme of circumstances. This case doesn't seem that extreme to me, it's just getting a lot of press. I give Silda kudos for doing what she thinks is right.
www.progressiveu.org/blog/americangirlinchina
I recognize that she made a commitment, but so didn't he? He made the commitment to be loyal to his wife, and he obviously didn't hold up his end of the deal. He left her alone to be with a prostitute, why should she have to stand by his side, be there for him, when he has not been there for her?
I do understand where you are coming from, though. Marriage isn't a casual relationship to walk in and out of. I think she did was she felt was best, but I would not have done the same.
Annalyce
What I'm really trying to say is that it is up to them. Only they know how strong their marriage is and if it can survive such a crisis. She would be totally justified in getting a divorce, but I admire those that stick it out anyway and grow even stronger in the process.
www.progressiveu.org/blog/americangirlinchina