Dems Should Toss Weiner Out Now

Now that Anthony Weiner has admitted to Tweeting sleazy crotch shots to young coeds and porn stars, he is still being defended not only by NewYorkGritty commenters and letters to the NY Times from progressives but by both New York Senators.

Weiner mentor Charles Schumer says although he is “deeply saddened” by Weiner’s actions, the Congressman still “remains a talented and committed public servant.” Meanwhile, fellow NY Senator Kirsten Gillibrand says whether Weiner resigns or not is “a decision for him alone to make.”

Wrong Kirsten. Weiner should be pushed out the door–before he drags the entire Democratic Party down with him.

Until “Weinergate,” the Democrats were riding high. President Obama made a gutsy call and finally put an end to Osama Bin Laden, while the American public was reacting with scorn to the Republican plan to cripple Medicare with a voucher plan meant to enrich insurance companies at the expense of older Americans. The Republicans were clearly on the defensive.

Now along comes Weiner with his sexting and lies, and that momentum has quickly disappeared. Republicans gleefully bash the Congressman, with even bottom of the barrel sleazebag Republican operative Andrew Breitbart claiming the moral high ground, saying he was right all along and has graphic nude photos of Weiner that were sent to these women which he will release unless Weiner apologizes to him. The sad part is, I now believe Breitbart over Weiner, and am afraid the worst is yet to come.

Yes I know, my progressive friends: it wasn’t a crime, he didn’t even touch the women let alone have sex with them, we all make mistakes, Republicans have done much worse–I get it.  But “they do it too” is a lame argument, and there is too much at stake here to continue to defend this liar.

This isn’t your  ordinary “private matter” or isolated mistake, but rather a series of maddening, arrogant and sleazy actions that have not only jeopardized Weiner’s own career and marriage but his political party as well.

The time has come for the Democratic leaders to unite, Obama and Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi and yes, Schumer and Gillibrand, and forcefully demand that Weiner resign immediately, to show that they are different from the Republicans who tolerate a David Vitter continuing to hold office or sleazebag Newt Gingrich running for President. It’s their chance to get ahead of the story for once and make a tough stand, regaining the family values mantle they deserve. (Whatever you think of President Obama, you must admit he exemplifies the family values that Republicans always trumpet but rarely live).

As much as I may like the positions Weiner has taken in Congress, it is time for him to go. His continued presence will continue to energize the Republican base and most likely affect next year’s elections. This shows no signs of ending, but in fact seems to be getting worse and worse, and there are too many issues on the table vital to the American people (Medicare reform, unemployment, etc) to allow this to remain a distraction.

Weiner likes to talk about how tough New Yorkers are. You’re right Anthony, we are tough–and you betrayed us. Now get the hell out before you drag the rest of us down with you.