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The Vitter End

Posted: Monday, July 09, 2007 11:42 PM by Countdown

 

The AP reports that Sen. David Vitter (R, LA) has apologized for his name showing up the infamous DC Madame's phone records (read: list of 'johns').  The report says that the liaison occurred before he was a senator, and that his wife knew about it before his public apology.

"This was a very serious sin in my past for which I am, of course, completely responsible," Vitter said in the statement. "Several years ago, I asked for and received forgiveness from God and my wife in confession and marriage counseling. Out of respect for my family, I will keep my discussion of the matter there — with God and them. But I certainly offer my deep and sincere apologies to all I have disappointed and let down in any way."

He says his family and God knew about whatever infractions occurred...we just wonder if Rudy Giuliani or a certain Christian-right non-profit think tank and lobbying firm knew about it.

From TPM Cafe a few months ago...

Rudy Giuliani has picked up his first endorsement from a current GOP Senator — and he's a major Southern conservative from Louisiana, no less. Rudy's campaign announced today that Rudy's earned the backing of Senator David Vitter, who will server as regional chair for the Giuliani campaign in the South — exactly the region where he needs the support of people like Vitter.

You'll also recall that Giuliani's campaign director in South Carolina was caught allegedly dealing crack...and now this.  Oopsie.

And...from Sen. David Vitter's website:

For his work in Congress, David has received numerous awards from leading organizations such as Americans for Tax Reform, the 60 + Association, and the Family Research Council.

Mr. Vitter has some 'splainin to do.

 

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Comments

Makes you wonder what sort of "research" the Family Research Council accepts.

With friends like Vitter and Ravenel, Rudy really impresses as a judge of character, eh?

Niels, down on Bayou DeGradeabelle, Post-Katrina MS (Sent Monday, July 09, 2007 11:56 PM)

"...I asked for and received forgiveness from God and my wife..."

And received?

Ok, he can ask for forgiveness. His wife may even say she forgives him.  But he can't know whether God forgave him or not, and neither can we.

For all we know, his soul may be the dirty, dirty, filthy-dirty Vetter-pit that it was when he was whoring around with DC Madame in all those dirty sexual positions.  And God may see that, and not forgive him.

Until I hear otherwise from God, I don't believe that Vetter has been forgiven by the Almighty.

Blatherskite, downstate NY (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 12:36 AM)

And don't forget Bernie Karik.

Linda, Pittsburgh (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 12:46 AM)

Another example of the Family Values Party ..... oops, your hypocracy is showing.

Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 12:48 AM)

Where's Steve Turner from Cedar Ridge Iowa - haven't seen him in a few days.  I'm missing his biting satire and humor.  Anybody know?

Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 1:08 AM)

Pam Bignardi; WOW! It occurred before he was a senator, and his wife already knew about it! i quess that makes it OK! He found God, & the moral high ground, since he was elected i quess. President Clinton is looking more & more like a saint everyday compared to this morals & values crowd!

Don Oubre, Paulina, Louisiana (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 1:10 AM)

I'm going out on a limb here, but people, get over it.  It's not YOUR business nor is it MY business.  It wasn't anybody elses business with President Clinton anymore than it is now in this case.

There is no defense of Bill Clinton if you all are going to pull anything here, anymore than people should slam Bill Clinton.  

Let it go folks.  He's not the first and I doubt he will be the last.  We certainly have bigger fish to fry than adultery, and quite frankly, I don't give a crap.

PEACE!

Jamie, Chula Vista, CA (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 1:20 AM)

Every clients' name on that DC madame's list should be made public, every one!  Probably see a few presidential candidates drop out then, HA!

Someone at ABC do us all a favor, and start leaking!!

R. Northern California (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 1:28 AM)

  Why was the first name in the book was scribbled over, lets see, it looks like it says...Slick Willie. Ya that's it...Slick Willie.

  AKA (the best option for smacking liberalism back into the stone age where it belongs)

Adam Andrews (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 1:43 AM)

That old "odor of sanctity" sure doesn't smell like it used to . . .

Niels, staying upwind in Post-Katrina MS (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 2:04 AM)

Are we constituents or confessors? why is it that public figures do a quick mea culpa and expect instant exoneration?

Judith LaRochell Juneau Alaska (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 2:50 AM)

46 pounds of phone records covering 13 years, and only Republicans are being busted?  What's the deal?  Why are Democrats getting a pass?

Michael, National City, CA (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 3:23 AM)

lol.  Even the Israelis have abandoned Bush.  HAHAHAHAHA!

Olmert bids Assad direct talks, not through U.S

http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSL1070464220070710

Todd, New Orleans, LA (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 3:24 AM)

Sure Clinton's looking like a saint ask Juanita Broderick, remember she stated Clinton raped her while Gov. in Ark. Stated so on 60 Minutes, never a denial of any kind from Bill or his enabler wife. They are (both parties) so full of crap its sickening, but the trained seals on both sides clap loudly at any put down or insult they think they can score. P.S. did someone mention Bernie Kerik, I think he was doing Judith Regan, a book publisher, not an escort last time I checked. Blatherskite, sounds like your getting turned on by all these hijinks

Paul Ibsen Newark NJ (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 6:34 AM)

During Senator Vitter's campaign in 2004 his wife Wendy was asked if she would stand by her man as Hillary did if David was unfaithful, she said she would be more like Lorraine Bobbitt. Senator Vitter during his campaign made family values his issue for his political career.

Don Oubre, Paulina, Louisiana (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 6:53 AM)

This was the lead story, front page above the fold, in the Times-Picayune here in NOLA this morning. Yet another example of do as I say, not as I do from the "moral superiority" crowd. And just to short-circuit the trolls who will be trotting out the "but, but, Clinton" line, I'll try to be clear: it's not the sex, it's the hypocracy!!!

Whenever a case such as this hits the media, I am always struck by the fact that the women involved are villified and dragged through the mud, but the rich and powerful men who are just as guilty of breaking the law often get away scot free. Personally I think the prostitution laws are silly; as long as consenting adults want to pay for sex and another consenting adult is willing to take the money, so what? But what Vitter did is against the law, and no amount of confession and professing his forgiveness from his God and his wife can change that. I won't be holding my breath waiting for the charges to be filed against him.

I can't find the link, but Vitter's wife was quoted once regarding infidelity. She said she was more the Lorena Bobbit type than the forgiving, stand by your man type. Wonder if that's still the case?  

Lynn, New Orleans (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 8:39 AM)

Ahhh the old "I have asked God for forgiveness" crap.  Give me a break.  I love how these guys always say "God has forgiven them", blah, blah, blah.  They always call on "God" after the fact, like if they do that, "Poof", then it is like it never happened at all. If they needed "God's" help, why didn't they ask for his guidance BEFORE they did the nasty with the prostitute, or the little boy, or any of the countless other illegal and immoral acts that so many of the Bush "We are going to bring morals back to the White House" so-called Christian followers have committed?    Wouldn't that be the time to ask for "God's" help?  

LA, Seattle (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 8:50 AM)

Good morning, everyone. How refreshing to see a "family value" Republican's phone number in the DC Madam's little black book. Remember, do as I SAY - not what I DO.

On a related subject, Mayor Rudy needs to replace whoever does background checks for potential campaign workers! They've got their heads where the sun don't shine, the view isn't so great, and the smell...well, we just won't go there; I just finished my breakfast.

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 8:58 AM)

Ho-hum, another Republican hypocrite.

Kevin Robbins,Queensbury,New York (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 9:24 AM)

Don, Paulina: Good to see you back Don. Waiting for those on the right to bring up Clinton and play their comparison game again. Something to the effect BUT Clinton screwed his intern three or four times whereas Vitter only screwed one of the Madame's ladies of the night once or twice. So therefore, Clinton is worse.  

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 9:26 AM)

Again the party of so-called moral values shows it's "do as I say, not as I do." Guess they never heard of leading by example.

Jamie, Elmwood Park, IL (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 9:31 AM)

Oh My GOd!! HE GOT SOME!  Good- now for years to come, we have a crime we can dredge up whenever we need to turn attention to any particular subjet in another direction.  Yaaaaaaa.

Buzz (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 9:39 AM)

another class louisiana pol. ho hum. and for you clinton haters out there - he never said he was a bornagainfundagelical, holier than thou. just another jerk who got caught with his fly open..... and it isnt anybody's business who they are boinking..... but its the hypocrisy. and the lies!                                  

barbinalbany (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 10:04 AM)

Mrs. Vitter's gonna go all Lorena Bobbitt on her hubby?! She doesn't sound like the "forgiving" type to me! Of course, remember how famous John Bobbitt became after "the incident." Maybe the good senator has a future in the adult film business ahead of him.

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 10:10 AM)

Only comparison CA is that Clinton went on TV and looked me in the eye and lied, then lied again to investigators and grand jury. You know , it's not a crime to have sex, but perjury is a crime. Therefore, Clinton is still quilty ! LOL

Larry Charleston, SC (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 10:24 AM)

LA, it's much better to call on God after the fact than to ridicule God and not call on him at all. Nothing wrong with asking God's forgiveness. The problem with liberals like yourself is that you have to ask for George Soro's forgiveness before God comes in the picture. Better hope his power is for real ! LOL

Larry Charleston, SC (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 10:32 AM)

Good Morning to All and Happy Family Tuesday to everyone. What a load of crap for Vitters. I hate it when people hide behind their religion to make it ok to comment a sin, a crime or an act of adultry. Men of the cloth try to cover for their sins all the time and now it seems it is the norm for Politicians as well. No one leads by example any moe, they lead by bad example. It is teaching our children it is ok to be a bad person, hit, lie, steal but as long as you have God, go to church or temple, give to a building fund, your souls are eternally saved. B.S. Everyone points a finger at someone for being in a relationship for a long time and then tries to break you if you lust in your heart. Do it physically adn it is accceptable. I guess all the skeletons come ojut of the closet now and maybe it is good, they can now get of Bill Clinton's back and see there are other's who have also done the deed. But to do it from the D.C. Madame's list, I want to see he also double dipped and was on Heidi Fleise's list as well. Peace, Denise

DCohn,Cleveland,Oh (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 10:34 AM)

Ultimately, who really cares?  OK I see the hypocrisy of the "morals" party guy having spent some time with a prostitute, but really people - in the grand scheme of things - this is chickensh*t.

For the record, I didn't care that Bill had sex (oral or any other kind) with Monica - although it did seem sleazy.  However, ultimately it was a personal issue. (Presidents and others have had mistresses forever!) (Don't forget Henry Hyde and Newt Gingrich).  And I don't care that this current Senator dallied with a prostitute.  

I do care that this same "morals" party seems to think that it's OK beat up on the poor to benefit the rich, to make it more difficult to sue corporations, to wage preemptive war, to use "coercive interrogation techniques" (torture), etc.  These are the issues we should be focusing on - not sex....

Jocelyn, Rockville (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 10:40 AM)

Haven't we learned yet? It's OK if you're a Republican!

Charity, Princeton, NJ (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 10:53 AM)

Jamie, you would give more of a crap if you were a member of the LGBT community who wants to get married, but can't, due to the "family values" advocated who say LGBT's will ruin the sancitiy of marriage.

Hmmmm..... I think they are doing a fine job on their own...

Anne C, Weeki Wachee, Fl (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 10:59 AM)

I hear that Hillary is on the list.  Hmmmm..

scott henderson nv (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 11:01 AM)

Prostitution laws, like marijuana laws are useless.  Sex between consenting adults is none of our business.  It never has been ......

UNTIL the Repugnikants MADE it an issue with Bill Clinton (at least he didn't have to PAY for it - lol).  They became the "family values" party and the "morality" party and the "holier-than-thou" party.

The Pugs love to point out what they consider the moral failings of their opponents and detractors.

Child predators really, really, really bad - a cornerstone of their emotional appeal to their supporters.  UNTIL one of their own made-guys, Foley, got outed.  Homosexuality really, really, really bad - another emotional appeal to their supporters.  UNTIL many of their made-guys are exposed.  Marriage between one man and one women, but ..... ignore all those divorces they've had.

It's not the the paid-for sex, it's the hypocracy.  That's the point being made.

Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 11:11 AM)

""This was a very serious sin in my past for which I am, of course, completely responsible," Vitter said in the statement. "Several years ago, I asked for and received forgiveness from God and my wife in confession and marriage counseling. "
All fall short.
Christ's Ministry was not for those who had never sinned, if it had been it would have consisted only of Himself and the Children.
I hope that those of you who might one day come into the light will remember that.

Wayne, M'town TN (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 11:28 AM)

Off topic, but interesting.  Solid facts on the dominence of conservative viewpoints in radio.  No wonder that talking points are all that some poeple have:

http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2007/07/numbers_radio.html

Sue, West Allis, Wisconisn (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 11:30 AM)

If Barney Frank shows up on the list, I quit !

Larry Charleston, Sc (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 11:34 AM)

Buzz - RIGHT ON!!

In "breaking news, it appears that Gonzo has lied once more to Congress.  WHEN WILL THIS MAN BE HELD TO ACCOUNT??

"As he sought to renew the USA Patriot Act two years ago, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales assured lawmakers that the FBI had not abused its potent new terrorism-fighting powers. "There has not been one verified case of civil liberties abuse," Gonzales told senators on April 27, 2005.

Six days earlier, the FBI sent Gonzales a copy of a report that said its agents had obtained personal information that they were not entitled to have. It was one of at least half a dozen reports of legal or procedural violations that Gonzales received in the three months before he made his statement to the Senate intelligence committee, according to internal FBI documents released under the Freedom of Information Act."

I know, being that it six LONG days, I'm sure that's why is memory has once again failed him, i.e. the "I don't recall, I don't remember" defense!!

WHAT AN CRIMINAL!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 11:45 AM)

Jamie -

I agree with you completely!! Now maybe these neo-con Clinton bashers WILL, after more than 16 years, finally leave HIM alone!!

GREAT POST!! PEACE FRIEND!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 11:47 AM)

"God forgive us" for David Vitter.

Hipster in the Georgia Mountains (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 12:09 PM)

Jamie,
exept Jamie they did do that to Clinton. heck 6 yaears into Bush presidentcy everytime they get got with lying they bring up Clinton. Why do you think that is?
Heck remember when they went after Clinton saying he should have gone after Ban ladden? now the true's that Bush had the chance to get him and they didn't, why do you think that is? and this happen AFTER 9/11, after he attacked us. What happen to the promises they made " dead or alive we going to get him"? i can believe that after allthis time the person who was responisble for the 9/11 is still free.  So which promises did they keep?

Mark, Las Vegas (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 12:19 PM)

For those of you who missed seeing Michael Moore take on Wolf Blitzer on CNN yesterday, the video is now posted at:

http://www.michaelmoore.com/

He'll be on CNN again today with part 2.  Well worth your time.  The sparks flew over real journalism vs. spin and Iraq.

Sue, West Allis, Wisconisn (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 12:22 PM)

Any way you look at it, politics is dirty business.  You may start out as an idealist, but when mud flies from BOTH sides of the aisle, reality settles in to live.  Personally, I'd like to see the mud slinging stop and debate the issues.  I, for one, would like to make an informed decision when I vote.  Let's just remember that none of us is perfect.  We are all human.  And until any one of us is placed on a jury and asked to do so, it is not our place to judge.  'Nough said.

queens76 (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 12:30 PM)

Does asking God ,Titter whoops Vitter for Forgiveness mean Dubya Commuted him?
He is after all the Commuter of Scooter's Pooter.
Commuter
Decider
and Executive Privileged Liar
What a Guy!

B.A. Buddusky (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 12:44 PM)

What the heck is going on here at Democrat headquarters? Slick Willey gets a pass and this nobody is news for a little freeky deeky. I cant wait until Sham Pignerdy and Bad Ass put the spin to this non-story.

Bobbie Sox Wanten Mo (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 12:49 PM)

Oh gee whiz Larry. Clinton looked you in the eye and said he wasn't involved with Monica because he didn't like you Larry and knew you didn't like him. So he figured why tell you the truth. Besides, whether he was screwing an intern in the oval office or not was his business anyway, not yours, so why admit he was doing so. Hell, he could be bedding a woman in the oval office while at the same time running the country's business and do a hell of a better job than your man Bush who can't do one thing right let alone multi-task.

C A, Tuscaloosa, Al (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 12:54 PM)

Larry:  The problem with the Christian right is that they condemn every single act that is done by anyone that is not on the far Christian right but accept the "Ask God for forgiveness" stuff when one of their own does something inappropriate.  There are tons of hypocrites that sit in church every Sunday and who pray every night who do unspeakable things, and there are plenty of good people who don't attend church and believe praying doesn't change the outcome of anything.  We are all human beings, flaws and all, so maybe these guys should think twice about condemning the faults of others and take a good look in the mirror first.  

LA, Seattle (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 1:06 PM)

" "There has not been one verified case of civil liberties abuse," Gonzales told senators on April 27, 2005.

Six days earlier, the FBI sent Gonzales a copy of a report that said its agents had obtained personal information that they were not entitled to have. "
Having information they could not use in court.
The Inspector General's report was on agents not following the rules and jeopardising prosecutions, not on use of fruit of the poisoned tree in prosecutions.
When they did not follow the rules, not when they followed the rules.

Wayne, M'town TN (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 1:07 PM)

Bobbie Sox- Clinton got a pass?   'splain that to us dopey libs that thought he got an impeachment and a disbarment, let alone daily reminders about it OVER SIX YEARS LATER. (BTW-  Wanten Mo, is that like 'wankin' mo'?)

Buzz (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 1:25 PM)

B A - I think "Bobbie Sox" is attacking you and me!! It's a shame when the neo con Bush-loving hypocrites cannot and WILL NOT accept the truth!!

B A - I believe Bobbie Sox is out of line, as "it" attacked you and me yesterday ALSO!! Your thoughts B A?? Personally, it is difficult to debate him/her, as "Bobbie Socks" is most likely six years old – spelling and grammar atrocious!!

BOBBIE SOX - SPELL AND GRAMMAR CHECK BEFORE SLINGING INSULTS OK? AT LEAST I DO ADD MY NAME TO MY POSTS!! NOW RUN ALONG AND PLAY WITH YOUR FIRST GRADE FRIENDS, AS THIS IS ADULT TIME!!

What the heck is going on here at Democrat headquarters? Slick Willey gets a pass and this nobody is news for a little freeky deeky. I cant wait until Sham Pignerdy and Bad Ass put the spin to this non-story.
Bobbie Sox Wanten Mo (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 12:49 PM)

PEACE BOBBIE SOX!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 1:29 PM)

" Grammarian usually has little to contribute to a discussion and possesses few effective weapons. To compensate, he will point out minor errors in spelling and grammar. Because of Grammarian's obvious weakness most Warriors ignore him."
http://redwing.hutman.net/%7Emreed/

Is there some requirement that every one in political life should air all their dirty linen publically?
The guy's secret indiscression was revealed , he doesn't deny it, whats the problem?



 

Wayne, M'town TN (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 1:45 PM)

Pam, Buzz, LA, and all my knowledgable friends - leave them trolls alone lol.  They're like the little tantrum kid who calls mommie names when he doesn't get his own way all the time.

I won't be the waitress at what's rapidly becoming:  Republican Supporter - table for one.

You can't talk to them or educate them.  They have an allergy to truth.  They have their talking points and they're sticking to them.  They have their marching orders and are goose-stepping in line with Der Furher.  These are the shrinking number of people glued to Faux We-Make-Up-The-News and Rush Bimbo to get their daily dose of crapola spoon fed to them.

Sue, West Allis, Wisconisn (Sent Tuesday, July 10, 2007 1:57 PM)



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