HOW EMPATHY FOR SILDA RUINED AN OTHERWISE GLORIOUS POLITICAL SCANDAL

When the Eliot Spitzer story broke, someone sent me a link; at first, I thought it was a joke. When I realized it was true, I was incredulous. Why do things like this happen? It’s incomprehensible.

I will admit right up front, like many are ashamed to do, that I LOVE nothing more than a good political scandal. I mean, it’s beyond shocking to see brilliant people who have dedicated their lives to attaining high political offices only to be toppled by—let’s face it—it’s always sex. And with Spitzer, not only prostitute sex, but he brazenly flouted a slew of other laws as well.

That said, to see those with such great hubris get up and lamely apologize—I’m sorry, it just doesn’t get any better. So I hear about last week’s 11:30 resignation press conference and actually timed my day around this event. I planned to be at the gym on the treadmill a bit before, during the conference, and afterward to hear the reaction.

OF course, he was late so I can thank Eliot for making me run 4 instead of my usual 3.5 miles but I was aquiver—energized—with anticipation. The car chase a la OJ, the helicopters, the entourage, the ride of shame; manna for a political scandal junkie.

So he steps up to the podium, poor Silda at his side. I’m riveted; I can’t believe what I’m hearing as he speaks. Again, I am floored: the hubris, the disingenuous apology, the unmitigated gall to talk about his future working for the good of humankind. Good God, fabulous stuff.

But there by his side, putting a major damper on my excitement, stands poor Silda. Now, I am a woman, and I was surprised when Hillary stood by Bill after his unforgivable and…well, just completely tacky… affairs. But there was no doubt she was accustomed to these types of escapades (Gennifer Flowers—actually made a friend buy Penthouse; Paula Jones—loved that one; even Kathleen Wilkie.) But somehow you know Hillary would kick his ass in the long run, so I didn’t feel empathy toward her.

But Silda! Standing there looking truly stricken. Unsure of what to do. She gave that sort of pathetic, enigmatic smile before her scoundrel husband began his speech. I found myself feeling sad. The thrill of the scandal is now gone. I can’t enjoy it. Here I am running on the treadmill, honest to God, feeling like I was going to cry.

People discuss Silda and many condemn her behavior. But who can judge (obviously just about everyone.) It’s such a tragedy (well, except that she’s gorgeous, has a Harvard Law Degree, and will likely whip him to pieces in the divorce); but for the meantime, she’s the mother of three girls with a cheating husband who not only betrayed her and her family but publicly humiliated them in the worst way.

So, while I was not happy that the whole Silda factor lessened my enjoyment of this otherwise deliciously disastrous affair (Lov Gov, Up Spitz’s Creek—perfect), I realized this is not only a tragedy to amuse those of us who somehow revel in the misery of others, but is, at its core, a family torn apart.

Eliot Spitzer had such great potential, I admired him greatly and had a friend who worked closely with him; she was devastated. So many people were let down by his asinine, risky, and completely outrageous behavior.

I actually think this has ruined my love of political scandals altogether. What will amuse me now? Conspiracy theories? Britney Spears? Brangelina? Geez!