Richard Whalen

New York’s Democratic Governor Eliot Spitzer, formerly an aggressive Attorney General compared to Eliot Ness who brought down Al Capone, pulled down his own halo Monday, March 10. He was identified as the alleged “Client 9” in a federal investigation of a high-priced prostitution ring operating in Washington, D.C. and other cities.

What I see is that Spitzer is following his own book on Modern News Management and Damage Control.

Rule #1: If the allegation is true, don’t mention it but just express sincere regret and apologize. “I have acted in a way that violates my obligations to my family and violates my, or any, sense of right and wrong,” Spitzer said at a news conference 3/10/08. “I apologize first and most importantly to my family. I apologize to the public, whom I promised better.”

Rule #2: Before the allegation is published, tell your side of the story privately to your family and staff. Spitzer learned of his implication on Friday and informed his top aides [and presumably his family] on Sunday night and Monday morning. (New York Times 3/11/08)

Rule #3. Persuade your red-eyed, totally shocked wife to stand next to you during your one-minute news conference to show support and solidarity.

Rule #4: Stonewall any suggestions that you will resign even though a Democratic campaign veteran with staff ties says: “It is a 'when' question on the resignation, not an 'if.' It is hard to come to terms with, and there are legal issues that are related to any big political decisions. But Eliot knows he cannot hold on to his job here. He might want to, but he is absolutely aware of his predicament."

Rule #5: Hope that all of the psychiatrists who are analyzing your Shakespearean-type fall on TV talk shows will diminish this tragic situation by arguing that your high-powered position left you vulnerable to human weaknesses, etc..

Rule #6: Pray that the media will run the list of political leaders who have succumbed to various degrees of dalliances: Wilbur Mills, Franklin D. Roosevelt, John Kennedy, Gary Hart, Bill Clinton, and James McGreevey, etc., etc. so that it makes it OK, right?

Little matter that a wife is humiliated, three children are hurt beyond description and another office in this great country has been compromised and tarnished. We are all having a big laugh only no one knows what exactly is so funny. I don’t think Hillary is laughing.

Nixon once told me: “Don’t confide in your friends. Better yet, if you want a friend and companion, get a dog.” At this point in time, I am told Spitzer does not have many friends - I can’t verify a dog.