I do not understand the fascination over Governor Sanford's affair. It is no one's business and it is a private matter between the governor and his family. Citizens and the media are too involved in the lives of politicians. Unless the affair directly affected the governor's work, he should not feel compelled to resign. Should everyone resign from their job if they have an affair?

At least the Governor did not expect his wife to stand beside him while he admitted to the affair to humiliate her further. That is a nice change for once. I also agree with the Governor that the place to resolve the differences and problems in his marriage is not best done in the tv arena or media circus.

A politician having an affair? Nah, they used to say the same things about JFK, none of it true. There's nothing to the rumor of Rev. Jesse Jackson having fathered a kid and is still paying off the mother; wonder if he ever found that stripper who was sexually assaulted by the Duke lacrosse team so that he could pay her tuition, where does the brother get all that $$?

Pretty bad when one of your staff members (the short chick with the pony tail) is standing behind you during your soul searching, lay it on down news conference, laughing at your comments and infidelity.

Family values – gotta love those Republicans!

Susan

I think it is horrible for the media to focus so much attention on this "scandal" The state of South Carolina has greater problems than this. How about you report on more important issues such as joblessness, our schools that are in horrible shape because a lack of a budget, and along with the rest of the country the people that are loosing hope due to these issues. However you would rather waste time reporting on a individual that is going through a mid life crisis.

My peeve is the worry he put everyone through by disappearing without a word. I had a relative pull a disappearing act for a few days and the stress of not knowing if they are alright can't be described.

I do admire that he had the guts to admit to the world what really was going on,and wish him and his family the best.

Jenny Sanford – gets big diamond for reconcilation with Gov. Sanford.
Go Jenny!

As a South Carolinaian, I am embarrassed that out govenor disappeared and then reappeared by admitting he had an affair. This is appalling, he wouldnet accept stimilus money until the courts said he had to, and now this. We are all over the national news and I find it embarassing.

Is anybody really surprised another politician has cheated and disgraced his position. We only have ourselves to blame for continuing to elect the idiots running this country. There will be many more politicians doing stupid things before the year is over. Our tax dollars are being well spent dont ya think

So I just want to know ,in light of this what is it that same sex marraiges do to threaten the fiber of our society. Defense of marraige, um I'm just having a bit of a problem with this!

Now we know what to expect when those like Sandford who poses as holier and superior than most. This is hypocracy at best on display. I am sure there's more to be revealed.

My partner and I have been together for 42 years. We have been totally loyal and honest with each other. Perhaps Gov. Sanford and the other hypocrital politicians can learn something from us and possibly agree that our relationship is stronger and ultimately more loving than theirs and deserves to be a legally called "a marriage" since we are in fact more married than they are.

The governor appaired confused,emotional, talked to much about the woman he had a affair with,was not clear about whether the affair is over, looks like someone who would kill himselve, he needs to be watch

I could care less about the Governor's affair the Governor. It's the hypocracy that repulses me.

I don't condone what he did. I think it is shameful when someone cheats on their spouse and destroys their family. I don't want to hear the LEFT's hypocritical rhethoric and condemnation...they are no better. I am sure sone of the are secretly are having affairs and it hasn't come out yet. Also, did we forget the disgraceful behavior of our Commander-In-Chief, bill Clinton and what he did in the White House with Monica Lewinsky...PLEASE! I don't condone either action just stop with the hypocritical moral indignation. They are both scum!

. Who in the world is that young african-american woman - is she a teenager?–laughing inappropriately throughout the press conference. you have to find out if she's a blogger for some kids' site or a real press person - or god forbid, a staffer whose salary is being paid by taxpayers. She's goign to wind up an Internet sensation–find out please!
p.s. candy crowley looks fab these days!

I am a native South Carolinian. Let me be clear, I am a Democrat and have noIthing postive to say about Gov. Sanford's "leadership"over the last 6.5 years. Nevertheless, my first thoughts are for the Goverrnor's family and him as well. I've known Gov. Snaford for 20 years and like him peronally. I know It is clearly a difficult time for them and they are in our prayers. Nonetheless, the lack of forethought on the part of my governor (although I did not vote for him) is shocking. His discursive press conference, after what was a long flight from Argentina and drive from Atlanta to Columbia which should have allowed for preparation, gives me great concern for his ability to govern our state. In the interim, I hope the media gives Mrs.Sanford and the boys the space they need at this difficult time. I am embarassed for our state not only because of Gov. Sanford's actions but the glee/guile with which Gov. Sannford's adversary's in his own party have captilized on the situations.

When are the people going to realize...ummm do not email your lover...
and it is impossible to get away with anything....

I'm surprised this is such a scandal, let the man live his life.
Who doesn't cheat in America?

Govenor Sanford should resign. He does not have the moral center to lead the people of South Carolina. He should focus on his family and do what he can to heal those wounds. He betrayed the trust of his staff, people in South Carolina, and his family. He no longer has the trust of people. If he remains in office, he is a narcissist. I am disappointed that these men of power abuse their roles.

Very disappointing.

He got caught with his "hand" in the cookie jar! Why don't we focus on all of the other issues here at home and abroad that are really more important.

It always amazes me that these guys say they are in love – he met with her 3 times in the last year – Just the excitement of that would make me in love with someone as well.........

Why don't these guys put the romance and energy into their marriage like they do into these flings?

It is the ultimate of selfishness – me – me – me – forget the mother of my children and forget my children – it is all about what makes me happy.

I agree with Eric.

Also would like to comment on Zakiyyah's remark about South Carolina's other problems... the state wouldn't have as many problems if the governor was focusing on his constituents instead of emailing to his Argentian mistress.

As far as guts, he knew it would come out within the next few weeks so just jumped the blazing gun. I had a hunch his disappearance had to do with a woman; and the remark his wife made earlier was that she doesn't know where he is but SHE is with HER boys, not OUR boys.

Mr. Cooper-

Just watched your re-cap of the press conference today w/our Governor Mark Sanford... as a hard-working single mother from a conservative New England family who has been living "happily" in South Carolina for the last 11 years... tonight I find myself both DISAPPOINTED and saddened by this unfortunate set of circumstances that has crippled the state of SC once again...

When will our "elected by the people" politicians learn that MORE is expected of them then this constant stream of their humbled confessions of inappropriate marital behavior... "WE THE PEOPLE" are OVER all this nonsense... Buck up, stay focused on the business at hand, and do the job(s) you were elected to do... what ever happened to a strong work ethic and integrity??.

"Governor Sanford, you are a disappointment to the state of South Carolina, shame on you!!"

Regards to you, Mr. Cooper for your objective and thorough coverage of this surprising news story.

Katherine L. Good
Columbia, SC

Don't feel sorry for cheaters. A cheating affair doesn't just happen, the guilty parties involved make it happen. Don't believe for a minute that the Gov. was not having sexual intercourse with his Argentinean mistress most of these last few days. He disappears to meet the Argentinean mistress and you feel sorry for this cheating lowlife?

As I watch the situation unfold in Iran and the reporting on it, I wonder if this were to happen in the USA, would our government act any differently? I would like to think so, but Im not sure.

It is sad that the state of SC does not have a law in place that states that the governor has to advise of his whereabouts and what is worst is the fact that there is not any plan, law, or bill in place for who would take over in the governors absence. It’s bit too late for a bill to be passed now.

I feel compassion at this time for the govenor.

The most distressing thing about this affair is the hyypocritical posturing of the governor. He holds other people up to his "holier than thou standards" both morally and biblically and now begs us to understand his "weakness", his all too common "human failure". He is only sorry because he got caught!!

What a sleezeball, and what crazy comments precede this one. Governors are elected based on their promises to hold themselves and their ethics to a higher level. We would not vote into office a person like this if we knew in advance the type of person he turns out to be would we??? This dirtbag has not only lied and cheated on his Wife, but has destroyed his relationship with his Sons and his constituents while holding the office of Governor. He is a hypocrite and a conspirator who has involved his staff by having them lie about his true whereabouts; and the new woman in his life who I am sure he has told to hide away from the public outcry, he is a manipulator who has no concern for anyones feelings other than his own. And now he asks for forgiveness !!!! I would advise his Wife to get rid of him immediatley, take him for every penny you can, and use it to rid yourself of this waste of space and move on with your children. As for the people from S. Carolina, wake up and find yourself a person that will represent your great state honestly and with integrity.

I wonder if the apologizing and remourseful (now that he has be caught) governor, or one of his Republican colleagues, could please
define for us "family values". They all had a lot to say regarding the
Bill Clinton fiasco. Who would ever have thought those good Christian men with their high and mightly family values, would ever
be human enough to have to apologize for having an affair? Perhaps it is a case of "thou protests too much". And to the news media – thou snoops too much!

shame shame shame on him.

People being butchered on the streets in Iran; North Korean Ship crossing ocean with missiles...I'm a die-hard democrat, but let's leave the gov. alone.

Sanford is a scumbag. It's that old male sense of entitlement. Not a whole lot of thinking going on, especially considering what affairs do to families.

I am also a South Carolina citizen, and I would agree that the details of the affair are personal matters between the governor and his family; and I wish them the best. The problem comes with him walking away from his duties as an elected government official. Considering the current state of affairs in our state, we deserve more responsible actions from our elected governor. If most of us did not report to work for even a couple of days without calling in to report, we would be dismissed immediately with no questions asked.

Eric, I didn't vote for Sanford. I'm not to blame.

Very embarrassed situation not for him...but for his FAMILY.
It is so sad.

I am so GLAD that his former wife was not stand by his side... having to "shame" himself in front of this media Circus. Good for her. Hope she will never comment anything. There is not to say, when you husband make this mistake. Just "kick his behind" and go on with your own life. It is a waste to try to work out a marrige that has been already ruined by a dammy!

As a SC native, I am sad to hear the news about our governor’s infidelity but it is even worse when you leave your staff in a situation to make up lies in order to answer questions regarding your whereabouts. This was very appalling especially after his (Mark) fight to not accept the stimulus because he wanted to pay down SC debt instead using the money as it was intended.

As a citizen of this great state, I am appealing to the governor to resign for the following reasons, he abandoned his post as the leader of this state for a week, there is no excuse for that, his affair while morally wrong is not a reason, his deception of what he says to the citizens and what his actions have been, again not acceptable, I applaud his wife stating he has earned a second chance to fix his marriage, I dont think he has earned a second chance as our governor, if you really want to fix your broken personal life, as you said on tv, then resign and concentrate on that, leave quietly, but please leave, so we can start to move forward with our economic recovery, thanks, lee

When politicians stand on the soapbox of Morality and Family Values, I think it is perfectly appropriate for them to be publicly skewered when their hypocrisy is exposed. Are there no decent human beings running for public office these days?

Sanford believes he has the right to determine peoples basic rights due to the fact they conflict with his RELIGIOUS beliefs, therefore his own inability to follow those beliefs should be brought to light and he should be held accountable. That is why his affair is a legitimate part of the discussion.

If he didn't use religion as part of his platform than possibly the focus would be simply that he abandoned his post.

I think Governor Mark Sanford should resign. The reason is not only his Hippocratic, broken family values. People in South Carolina and all over the United States loosing jobs at unprecedented level. Governor Sanford chooses a foreign, Argentinean mistress! I feel it shows his lack of patriotism and his support for industrial outsourcing.

*yawn*......another politician caught having an affair......call me "desensitized" but......*yawn*.......who cares?

Anderson,

It’s amazing to me how Mark Sanford is just another Republican politician who just happened to make a mistake by cheating on his wife, with other woman or man, whatever it is this time, but because they really regret their transgressions it’s seems to be OK. Then another Republican colleague comes to their defense saying how noble and hard it was for that person to come forward and admit their sins. Give me a break – they had to come forward – they were caught and it’s all over the news. Throw the bum out!!! He’s guilty and caught.

Donald

How dare he talk about hurting his wife and tear up. What a disgrace!!He should have thought of what the fall out would be. I cannot believe the would stand there and disgrace them that way. I just don't know what to say. I am born and raised in South Carolina and have lived here all my life. This is beyond how it affects the party. He hasn't earned anything. I can not believe she can possibly take any blame for his actions.Why is it that South Carolina can't get know for anything good. Also, why is it always the ones who profess their family values the loudest always the ones to fall. So, So, disappointed.

With Iran, Irag, Afghanistan, N Korea..the economy, health care, ...this is getting so much attention??? Must be a slow news night

Gov. Sanford is arrogant and needs to dry his eyes. Once a cheater, always a cheater. He is a digusting hypocrit.

This the same man who did not want stimulus money for schools!!

hes no good 2 us get him out of here

Well we have to forgive the Governor because he was a rising star in the Republican party. No one is perfect and he was with a woman. It probably is very hard to be with just one woman in that powerful position. He is and was shining during the incident, and still is shining because he let the public know that he was cheating and knows that the party needs a star and he can and still help the U.S. with overseas policy. We know that he will help us with Argentinian. He will be alright and the people of South Carolina will support the Governor because he was elected and people will still support because he's only a man with power and likes women. Power to the alliance for straight people.

The Governor response is wrote and contrived. Subliminal christion rhetoric is clever but overdone. He's done his homework on controling the pubic and the press. This too will go away. Do we still care about the other cheating Governor or A.G.

Dear Anderson, I, like most Iranians, have been glued to the TV for the last two weeks listening to every report from every news outfit.
Your colleague Reza Sayah may have just hit on the most important point of all by the comment he made about the Islamic Republic and the nuclear issue. As Mr. Sayah mentioned, the world is about to take the Mullahs on their words and allow them to have a nuclear program. However, the events of the last few days are proof that this regime will lie, without hesitation, to advance its cause which is to stay in power at any cost. The Islamic regime’s only goal is to develop a nuclear bomb so they can hold the rest of the world hostage the same way they are holding seventy million Iranians hostage. In short, the Mullah of the Islamic Republic cannot be trusted. Please extend my regards, and the admirations of all freedom-loving Iranians, to your colleague Mr. Reza Sayah.

I didn't realize that South Carolina had so many candidates for sainthood until I heard the condemnations against Gov. Mark Sanford. Okay, the man made a mistake. He's human. If the state has so many Christians, then they should be able to refer to their bibles and quote the passage that relates to the individual '...who casts the first stone.'
Mark Sanford has been a pillar of the Republican Party and...as far as I'm concerned, he continues to be a pillar of my party. When we have so many Americans who resent references to the Clinton scandals and the entire political community who has chosen to give that man a 'free pass,' and now many are hypocrites who want to crucify the governor...I say, "FOUL!" I sincerely hope that Mark Sanford and his wife works this out and that he continues in his career as a "Shining Star" of the Republican Party.

Man what a moron. And of course taxpayer dollars were spent on his trip to Argentina. That's how he gets paid! He's a chump.

I feel sorry for his wife and children. His wife asked him to leave TWO WEEKS ago and yet he still chooses to spend Father's Day weekend with his whore?! Now because he cries a few crocodile tears we are supposed to believe he's remorseful? Give me a break!! He's only sorry he got caught. If he was sorry for hurting his family, he would've ended it when his wife found out FIVE MONTHS AGO!!! That was the time to beg forgiveness and work on your marriage. I'd kick the bastard out and take him for every dime I was entitled to. Let his Argentinian whore have him now that his career is ruined and he's lost the respect of his children! Pitiful is what he is!!

It is amusing to me that yet again another member of the so called moral majority has had to eat his own words.
The hypocrisy is disgusting. Maybe these moral leaders need to take up a cause were they wont keep getting caught with their pants down.
Who knows maybe they should try healthcare or feeding the homeless.

What you do in the dark will certainly come into the light, at some point.
He was too busy having an affair, that's why he could not make a decision on the stimulus money, so the people of South Carolina still have to suffer. I heard that he is wealthy, that explains it! He does not care how he hurts others. The state nor his family, so he should be embrassed, confused and whatever else.

You got caught Gov Sannford!! , had you put as much effort getting to Argentina South Carolina wouldnt have such shotty behind schools ( I bet your kids don't attend raggedy schools). Start the impeachment South Carolina. NO MERCY!!!

Please don't read anymore of those e-mails between the governor and his friend. That is so private – it's embarassing to be seen on TV! Iran is falling apart – why is this such big news??? let it play out between the two of them...leave them alone and report the news that affects the world...

im not surprised but deeply dissapointed, he has a family ...how does lust come before your family your sacred marriage, and hes a conervative christain?. ..i mean really this is not a case of love ..its pure stupidity and selfishness ...if he wasnt happy ..get a divorce! common sense...hellooo ...im 19 ..its not that hard i mean really. ...what ever happened to grown adults analyzing the long term affects.

i think it is our business when these people preach morals and and look down on people that dont do what "they" want....and then these idiots go around and do exactly what the say we shouldnt do...its so hypocritical and it makes me sick...im tired of all of these politicians being such liars whether it be the republicans or the democrats...they are all basically a bunch of overpaid liars...and we as a society allow this to keep happening over and over and over again...wake up people...do we want these people making our laws....because these laws only pertain to the common people...not the rich, the powerful, the government.....it makes me sick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The only two nRepublicans I've voted for in 45 years are Reagan and Sanford(twice). Where othersd see hypocrisy and lying, I see the courage to admit wrong, accepting responsibility for it, and a sincere apology to all involved.

Well, what can we say – just another hypocrite. Isn't Gov. Sanford the politician who said months ago he was going to refuse any economic stimulous for his state? Looks like he's had too much stimulation. It will be interesting to find out who paid for that stimulation. He's just another holier than thou, selfish, self-centered Republican. No wonder he can't think about what is best for the people in South Carolina. I guess he'll sit down somewhere.

Whether Gov. Sanford visits his Argentine love three times of three hundred times is of little concern to anyone except his wife as long as taxpayer money did not subsidize his trips – including this most recent one. I believe the important issue is that he abandoned his responsibilities as Chief Executive for the state. He could have accomplished his goal of time in Argentina by simply stating he was going on vacation and would check in with the office daily by phone and e-mail and shifting governing power to his Lt. Governor for the duration of his vacation if he thought that necessary. His affair is of little consequence other than to display his hypocrisy. His abandonment of his state and his responsibilities indicate a weak character and lack of intellect. This man is hardly presidential material. How many mistresses and mystery disappearances would he need to deal with the stress of the presidency?

My heart goes out to the Gov.'s family; and Gov. Sanford himself appeared to be remorseful. But its interesting how some ultra conservatives are so judgemental of others, and so big on "family values", and simultaneously doing their little dirt in the background. And from a political perspective, when the Gov's own party did not back his stance on not accepting the stimulus money, and a higher court also overrided his position on not accepting the stimulus package (that will effect many teachers and other hardworking citizens), I think he had a hard time dealing with this, could not believe it, and went off on the deep end.

All this concern for the Governor’s privacy and the silly comparisons to the Clintons are laughable. Neither of the Clintons harangued the nation about “Traditional Family Values,” or styled themselves as “Social Conservatives.” The Governor of the great state of South Carolina has done both, and while conducting an extra-marital affair, delivered self-righteous lectures to Gays, Lesbians and others involved in non-traditional families on the sanctity of traditional marriage. Please Mr. Governor, tell us about the sanctity of your marriage, and how you honored your spouse!

For hypocrisy, he should compare notes with Governor Palin, who maintained her position denouncing sex education for teens while her own teen daughter was having sex with an older man, sex which produced a child. Worse, we were promised a marriage so that their relationship, and the baby, would be legitimate. Apparently that claim was just for the cameras, because when Governor Palin lost her bid for the Vice Presidency, they lost their interest in marriage.

Meanwhile every one of these individuals speaks of protecting the children. These people are odious!

Gregory Hubbard
Sanford, Maine

I don't care if gov. sanford cheats on his wife or not, that's his family's problem. What i do care about is tax payers paying for his vacations. If in fact this is true, will the justice system enforce the law and punish him accordingly? I'm tired of politicians and other popular millionares comiting haness crimes and getting nothing more than a smack on the hand. Where the average joe pays severly. It causes people like me to lose faith in the judicial system, and just flat out stinks.

Who cares what Mark Sanford is doing in his PERSONAL life. This is between him & his wife. It does not need to be labeled as 'breaking news' or the headline of the day. Get back to more important stories....like how many innocent people are being murdered in Iran and what the rest of the world should be doing to help.

I agree that the Gov.'s personal problems are best worked out in private, however, Gov.Sanford is not a private citizen, he's the Governor of South Carolina and as such, has a responsbility to the citizens of that state. He disappeared for several days and lied to his staff as to his whereabouts, only to reappear and give a press conferentce admitting to having fled the state and country to rendevouz with his lover in Argentina, where, he stated, he spent his days "crying". Several times during his speech he also mentioned being emotionally exhausted. I think the man should resign so he can get it together. He's not capable of making wise decisions, as evidenced by his actions. And I don't believe for one moment that he's sorry. His apologies were so blase that it appeares the only thing he's actually sorry about is getting caught.

Sanford betrayed whatever special trust and confidence he held with his family, his staff, SC citizens, and the GOP...he basically deserted his position and office...in military terms he went AWOL and left his state ungoverned. I cannot envision him surviving another week as governor. He betrayed all who deserved his loyalty and service. What he has done to his family is bad enough...what he has done to his office warrants his resignation. Without trust and confidence, he cannot lead and govern effectively...the citizens deserve a committed, capable, and principled leader.

This situation should be private, between Sanford and his wife... not a matter of public opinion. If everyone in business who had an
extra-marital affair, was asked to resign their from their job, our unemployment rate would be twice as high as it already is!

Don't be confused–this "non-story" was politically motivated, not only by his democratic opposition, but those within his own party. It would have NEVER had happened if greedy politicians weren't PO'ed about "getting theirs" via government stimulus.
People should actually be impressed that he owned to to his emotional infidelity, rather than trying to cover up or deny it. He hasn't strayed (no pun intended) from his ideology.

two problems
1) the affair did affect his job : he wasn't doing his job for 5 days, and nobody could locate him – a state of 4 million people are supposed to trust this man – but nobody even knew where he was. now, people have affairs all the time and it doesn't mean they should quit their jobs, but anyone who doesn'g go to work for a number of days without explanation gets fired, even when they don't have the responsabilities he's supposed to be taking care of.
2) i don't understand the statement issued by his wife. she'll take him back if he CONTINUES to work towards repairing their marriage?? continues??? he moved out 2 weeks ago, so his wife could decide if she forgives him...where does he go? to his mistress. come ON!

it is definitely true mysery loves company, that is why it is so importan for the media to report something personal about a persons life that is so insignifacant about a persons personal life, that has nothing to do with a persons profession. be it professional or not.

The only thing worse than this clown Sanford cheating on his wife is the fact that he is so self absorbed that he feels he needs to take up 45 min of media time to explain himself. What a clown. He is supposed to be close to the cream of the crop for politicians. Considering everything else going on in the world I can't believe anyone is indulging him in hashing through this. I would have figured that Anderson would think this is rediculous and would ignore it just as the rest of us should. Enough said.

Let's all bail out the man responsible for our state's safety. What is the big deal we bailed out all of the corporate hogs. For Pete's sake. Let him say "shucks y'all" I'm so sorry and then let us, the tax payers, let him resign in shame but pay for all of his pension and benefits for life. That would really teach him a lesson just like the corporate hogs. He shamed and disrespected the office we elected him to but he will never be punished. He will still recieve full medical benefits, and all of the etc.s that were promised him and paid by us. If I did not show up for work for 4 days I would be fired with no continueing benefits. But "shucks y'all" it is only your money not mine.

P.S. to my last comment. Why is it that men do this?

Men are adrenaline junkies, because adrenaline rush = feeling powerful, but what they aren't prepared to deal with is the fact that "the thrill of an adrenaline rush is only exceeded by the agony of an adrenaline crash."

Adrenaline junkies will do whatever they can to get that rush back. Doing something forbidden is one of the ways to do it.

Rightly or wrongly the love for and from a spouse may give you an endorphine driven feeling of well-being, but endorphine is no match for an adrenaline rush.

I've noticed that many people on here displayed doubts on the full weight of this scandal.
First of all, it's a scandal because governors, being in their position of reliance, shouldn't be going through something like this at all. It's not even a minor tizzy, it's selfishness to his family and to the citizens of the state. Can't a divorce suffice? Oh but wait, he's got his conservative honour and reputation to uphold, gotcha. Because this is so much better.
Secondly, this is even more publicized than Ensign's affair because he literally upped and left his office without a commanding mandate. Uh... That's why everybody was worried to begin with. Leaving an entire state to its own problems for a few days. Makes one wonder how fruitful his leadership was to begin with... Hmmmm...
I mean if Clinton (being the most notable) and others resigned, I think the same uniform action should be considered with all influential political figures found in a similar situation.

It is interesting to me that Mr. Sanford is against gay marriage because he wants to preserve the sanctity of marriage! Hypocricy at its best!

We are trying to get this economy on track, we can careless about the Govenor, he should think less about having an affair and worry about taking part in the stimulus package, and stop being a ass..........he may not want a stimulus package, but the people of South Carolina sure do...........

I am a resident of SC and could not believe that our Gov would "drop off the face of the Earth" like he did. Suddenly it was like, where in the hell is our Govnr??? No one knew where he was!! I am ashamed of him. He should resign immediately! We need someone we can trust. It's one thing to take a scheduled day off or vacation... But just like any job, if you don't show up and you don't call in, Your Fired!!

Our leaders should adopt the King Law Affair-"Bigamy-Addict"-The King knows no wrong-L’état c'est moi (I am the country). President Bill Clinton is LOL tonight again- Most scholars have concluded that, in politics, our leaders need to be King Solomon (These wives were considered tokens of friendship) in order for them to do a good job. Just like Solomon, governor AOWL Sanford is very aggressive in his foreign policy. “ He with no sin, cast the first stone.”

The same substance that is contained in the brain of all politicians. He's not the first and he won't be the last to let Junior do his thinking for him

The biggest issue, in my mind, is that Gov. Sanford walked off the job without any thought about what could happen to his state during the 6 days he was "out-of-pocket". If I walked off my job for 6 days without contacting my company and arranging for back-up coverage, I'd be fired. The level of arrogance he has displayed is beyond words... after all no one can predic t or control what can happen in a state for a short period of time – let alone 6 days – (e.g., fires, tornadoes, train / plane accidents, ...) and he is the person with the authority to deal with such events. To go missing is the height of irresponsibility. The affair? that's really between the Sanford family and Maria.

It is unfortunate that the media in America spends so much effort and time in covering this type of affairs. Governor Sandford has admitted his fault, his wife still loves him, he confessed by those emails confusion and admits that he has never been in that situation ever; so that tells you of his sincerity; and that his family knew of this problem and they were dealing with it. So, please give him and his lovely family time to repair and heal. It is more distructive to keep escalating this story when it is now so transparent...we need to forget and forgive. We should be weighting the fact of his good public service and career, and the clean moral character that the Governor has previously exhibited and lived by; just one mistake of this type and the media make a big story. Those emails should have never been published!. where is the right for privacy these days?. Leave this family alone, and let them resolve this problem in privacy. As far of his public service; that is still to be investigated if he violated any rules in disappearing, or using funds inappropriately...that is the story that they should be covering!.

I dont understand the obsession American media and citizens have with politicians, their sexual exploits and the subsequent politicization of the entire sordid affair. This is too much time and energy being spent feeding voyeuristic urges everywhere.

Fact is human beings have a capacity to connect, feel, share and love even beyond the limits and constraints of marriage. Human beings are hypocritical in not admitting that this can occur and must be dealt with compassion not judgment.

I feel sorry for the Governor in way that because of his high profile office he is caught whereas hundreds of others do not have to wash their laundry in public.

Stop giving this so much attention CNN!

Indira

The marital infidelity of Governor Sanford is a matter between him and his wife. State payments of his trips to Argentina and his leaving the state without a formal transfer of gubernatorial power is a matter for the citizens of South Carolina. The hypocrisy of his family values and his "moral legitimacy" in his impeachment vote of then President Clinton are matters for the Republican party and the American voters. Are people still surprised by the sexual immorality of politicians who are fed the ultimate aphrodisiac mixture of power and fame?

His wife was not there because she didn't want to be there, not because this guy was thinking about her feelings

And he deserves no applause for being honest. He had no choice if he has any hope of salvaging his career, which I hope he can't

What did Mr.Stanford ACTUALLY do that he had to cover it up by humiliating item 1)himself, item 2) his family and item 3) his whole party????
It must be something wayyy beyond just "I was unfaitful to my wife"!

Hey all you women out there who need a man. Go and get a Republican Politician. They seem to be easy to get.

How does a governor go all the way to Argentina without anyone noticing, especially when the story is a huge deal? Seems like there was a lot more digging that could have been done a few days ago.

Really, who cares? It's his personal life!!

Anderson, please.....these experts that appear on CNN leave a lot to be desired. Since when is falling in love something to be ashamed of? If one finds a friendship that is special enough to grow into an affair, don't you think that maybe they need to move on with their lives?

This business of staying in a marriage even though it has run its course is demeaning the institution and is not healthy for the children involved. One should not have to "try", on the contrary, if you would rather be intimate with someone other than your spouse, than what's so wrong with getting a divorce? I think it is more honest than staying together for the children, or political gain or not wanting to split the wealth.......etc.

I could not believe what I was hearing coming out of these so-called "experts' " mouths. Since when does falling in love with someone make one a sex addict? Please get rid of the Drew Pinsky's of the media. Your panel and Larry King's panel need to get real.

Mr. Sanford does not owe anyone any explanation. It is a private matter and should stay that way. He made a difficult situation worse by explaining himself. Also, I have no respect whatsoever for these wives who remain married in these situations. They should also move on. I think they are pathetic, and I am tired of our puritanical, unsophisticated values in this country.

Why is is that those we elect to a public office have to put aside those things which make us human? He is, after all. In these highly publicized careers, these people (both sexes) are tempted daily in many ways, and marital infidelity, while it is horrible and wrong, is the LEAST of many of those temptations. My hunble opinion, and that's all these comments are, is that let the wife decide how to proceed, pay attention to what he does politically, and leave his children and his wife alone. I mean, look at our president, smoking in the Oval Office, yet taxing us on same habit, If Sanford used taxpayer funds, that's different, THAT is something we should complain about. There is no infallible person, not anywhere.

The bottom line is that Gov. Sanford got caught with his pants down.
I don't think that his wife is gorgeous, but she is probably a good
mother and trying to be a good wife. But, how can you do that when
you know that your husband is cheating and really not present. I don't
care if Maria has big hips or soft kisses, he is a married man with 4
children. Instead of worrying about Maria's problems he should be
thinking about being a good husband and father to the children he
brought into this world. (His jewels and blessings). He is probably a
a very selfish man who needs a lot of attention and likes a needy
woman to feel important and got suckered into her problems. Maria is
a golddigger and he is a very fragile man with problems. I don't feel
sorry for him. Live up to your marriage vows and be mature and committed to your family, they need your time and attention. Maria
knew he was a married man and he knew it also. Affairs can only
happen when the other woman allows it .

Please, people. Is this really news? Does the country really care?
maybe the voters in S.C. car, but does anyone else? The guy is part of the immoral majority so nobody should be surprised. But to spend more than a few minutes on this is also immoral. A total waste of time. 'Specially with so much more important news happening.
So, can we please get back to the immportant news.
IRAN, N.KOREA etc.

Thx

Govenor Sannford did not want to give South Carolina the stimulus package to help schools, employment, and etc., yet he commits adultry on his wife. This is the type of leader this state has had for two terms, sure says a lot for the state of SC and it's representatives. In the days of Christ adultry was punishable by death, with the state of SC and the standards the representatives of this state stands for, nothing will happen but talk and gossip then death to the fact it happened.

The South Carolina admittedl comitted a serious mortal sin by his long term relationship with the South American country. However,
it is one thing to provide "need to know" information of the details , i.e., the contemt of the emails has no socially redeming value. This is mere explotation of the sleezy details.

Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.

Why should I care who he sleeps with? It's not my problem or concern and frankly I don't care and have seen enough of it on the news to last me a lifetime.

You Dems are first to claim "hypocrites" when a Repub has done something wrong. Would you rather be associated with a party that tries to maintain some good moral standards and that occasionally one falls off the wagon or would you like to be associated with a party that claims no morals, no moral obligations to society?

John Pursley says:
2 day I am watching the crumble of the Grand Ole Parteee another sleezy govener commin clean on his two faceness! Democrats face the issue and tackle all of them from all angles.....Repubs face the issue then skirt it! Yeah we need two partys to keep this goverment sain, but the GOP has given us more than 8 years to watch how morons (THE BUSH) can be a puppet for any party........Get the idiot's out of this Grand Ole Party and maybe....well jus maybe they can save some face!

First time here. My heart goes out to his family. Even to him, given that he forgot he was hired by taxpayers to do a yes, difficult job to govern. He hide his hypocrisy by grandstanding and, denying the people of his state the funds they needed.

What concerns me more is our focus on the personal lives of our elected officials, as opposed to how effectively they serve in the posts to which they were elected.

He had an affair? She was an adult. And this should be of import to me? Why? It is because we get hoodwinked into thinking our politicans' personal lives matter more than the wellfare of our nation? They are not governing effectively enough to better our country.

That's what I find troublesome.

Don't understand the morals of these women who go after somebody else's husband....or do they actually have any morals?

Also astounded to see two of the Governors staffers (both young females) standing in the background (on camera) and laughing as the Governor was explaining the truth of his affair. Did this whole debacle strike them as funny?

There's no sense of right from wrong anymore.....my heart goes out to the family....

As much as anyones personal life should be their own domain, these Republican cheats are a group that should be roundly ridiculed and forced from office. Its one thing when you stray, but its something quite different when you spend your time criticizing the lifestyle choices of others and preaching "family values" the hypocrisy reaches a level where it becomes to nauseating to ignore. I hope that this fool does the right thing and resigns.

Wow this is sad a Governor and his affairs, what's wrong with him? He is suppose to govern the state and uphold good morals, his conduct is unbecomming of a Governor and he should be dismissed from that prestigious appointment. His affairs are his personal matters not public, however since he brought it up, he should be held accountable for it.

A lot of men get married before they are truly mature. Perhaps they
did not sow their oats before settlings down or perhaps Gov. Sandford
is going through a mid-life crisis. If his marriage was failing, he or they
should have sought separate and or couple counseling. I don't believe
that a man or a woman should have an extra-marital affair. It just does
not work. Work it out together or if you can't, get a divorce and then go
out and find your Maria. Where are your moral values? People should
think about the consequences of their actions and the feelings of their
mate and children. One can not have an affair and believe that it would
be good for the marriage." What are you thinking" or should I say, "are
you thinking" You can't have your cake and eat it too. I feel very sorry for
his wife and children. Maria is probably a "downgrade" and he is only
confessing now that it is out in the open or perhaps he found out that
Maria is not really the one and maybe she was just using him in some sense and he is aware of that now and wants his family back.
I don't think that I could never trust him again. He is a very weak man
to me and would have to show me something very special and it
may take years.How could you be with a person that you can not let
go out by himself or herself.

To all the comments that are suggesting that we and the media should stay out of their businees, I think it's perfectly legitimate to cover this topic. First of all, the media didn't start out talking about the affair too much. They were just concerned about the fact that he was missing and no one knew his whereabouts. Eventually, they found out about his love interest down in Argentina, so they followed up on the original story with an explanation and details. SO? The whole point of being a newscaster is to inform people about what's going on in the world. Governor Sanford is a public figure. Just like Bill Clinton & other cheaters, an act such as this will get covered. CNN is doing a great job with this story!

Now we know where all the states money has been going. I wonder how much he has spent going there or just even sending gifts or PEACE offerings to his mistriss. This is a shame and the fact the you can clearly see that he doesn't have any remorse for what he has done to his family. Obviously the man is tired of his position and his family. So while we have him thinking clearly now, let him resign and deal with his wife. I hope she gives him what he always wanted from her and never got. A SWIFF KICK!!!

This is not a question of the Left or Right. This is a question of integrity, respect and credibility. Gov. Sanford should not be pitied. He made selfish, self centered choices. He has embarrassed his family and SC. Any man who takes an oath of public office is asking to be held accountable and is offering his personal and profesisonal life up for scrutiny. These types of scandles sicken me because they make a mockery of marriage and family values.
He should step down from office and find a good therapist.

WOW !!!! That must have been some great boodie down south !!! Are men stupid or WHAT !! When Clinton was doing what he was doing I told my friend that ..that was probably was not the first blow job to have ever happened in the oval office and would not be the last. Just a lot of stupid humans doing what they do best. Screwing up and acting like a bunch of dumb humans. Lets all just get over it. Life goes on guys....get used to it.............

Islam is the solution for humanity:
In Islam, marriage of one man with one woman is the general rule. But it allows, in certain circumstances, to depart from this rule. "Marry women of your choice, two or three or four, but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly then only one" (Al-Quran 4:3).

As an eighth generation Charlestonian, the world has more evidence why I left SC as a teenager. SC has consistently been near the bottom in education primarily due to the benign neglect of state leadership. Ilk like Sanford and Strom Thurmond for decades have fighting against educational reforms which we benfit their constituents. Sanford accepted transportation portions of the stimulus package probably to benefit his cronies. While he was cheating on his wife and family, he continuously floated lame excuses for refusal to accept educational funding especially in abjectly poor rural areas. In defiance and arrogance, Sanford in conjunction with his staff demonstrate incompetence and derliction of his duties. Did Sanford actions cross the legal boundaries to a violation of his oath of office and SC statues? Double standards when one considers the incarceration of the former mayor of Detroit. The appropriate chain of events is for the SC Attorney General to convene a grand jury investigation. Like Bill Clinton, let us see if he commits perjury under oath. Furthermore as a father, I know abandonment is a serious offense. While Mrs Sanford may excuse her husband's behavior to their sons, such actions especially from the Governor of South Carolina is inexcusable, intolerable, and unacceptable for the innocent children in my native state of South Carolina. Mark Sanford, please immediately resign so someone who is going to fight for education can devote FULL-TIME their attention to this effort. It will allow you to continue to surreptitiously pursue your ther priorities. Heaven forbid if SC citizens uncover that you were AWOL outside the country when wildfires were blazing near Myrtle Beach. Stand-up Guy? "...let the chips fall where they may?" SC elected state legislative officials need the courage to IMPEACH this guy. That was a hell of a booty call!!!!

I just saw that video of Standford when he was in congress and in his preaching of integrity in regards to Bil Clinton's affair with Monica.

This is just typical republican behavior. They run off at the mouth about faimly values, christian values, and honesty while they are getting a little on the side, i.e. committing adultery.

I am sure many people saw this coming from the moment it was reported that he was hiking. What I find disgusting is the media getting copies of his intimate emails and reading them on the air. I could care less about all the sweet nothings the two of them toss back and forth.

I'm also an SC native, and what kills me about this story is not so much the adultery (I have the combo of not being sao interested in their personal life, and believing that we expect too much from these people) but the way he disappeared for four days. How could he think that's not noticed? And to say he's hiling the AT/ And to top it off-which is what kills SC_-it wasn't even a local woman, but someone in a foreign country. Sheesh, you could not make this stuff up.