Spitzer Can’t Communicate his Way out of Sex Scandal
There are times when the public is willing to forgive the indiscretions of public figures. This ain’t one of them.
The problem Eliot Spitzer faces is of his own making. The hardball approach to wrongdoers that made his career now prevents him from successfully playing the contrition card.
As Conrad Black has learned (or maybe he hasn’t), arrogance, a bullying persona and the love of the limelight are qualities that make it almost impossible for people to forgive and forget.
Spitzer’s alleged clever methods of avoiding detection are serious enough to land him in jail. If not, they will consume his every moment as New York governor
Republican congressman Peter King said it best to Associated Press:
“He has to step down. No one will stand with him. I never try to take advantage or gloat over a personal tragedy. However, this is different. This is a guy who is so self-righteous, and so unforgiving.”
If the wiretap evidence that is apparently stacked up against Spitzer is true, he has only two choices:
1) Resign, and weather the storm; or
2) Give a full accounting of his actions and beg for forgiveness.
I’m not convinced number 2 will work. Spitzer doesn’t appear to have the kind of personality that would lend itself to contrition.
Of course, many said the same thing about the combative B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell when he was arrested in Hawaii for drunk driving. His heartfelt apology, the fact that he didn’t hit anyone while driving, and the common understanding that alcoholism is an occupational hazard for politicians, allowed him to survive politically. In fact, his newfound humility may have even gained him voters.
One thing’s for sure, if Spitzer is still governor this summer, he will either have achieved a political miracle, or he will be entrenched so deeply in the mud of this scandal that he will be completely ineffective as a reformer politician.
CBC; New York Times’ call for his resignation; Blogger Michelle Malkin updates throughout the day; ABC News on the evidence.
Photo by Juuce Interactive via iStockphoto.com.
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POSTED IN: Apologies, Crisis Communications, Ethics, Executive Mindset, PR, Politics, Reputation Management, Spin
6 opinions for Spitzer Can’t Communicate his Way out of Sex Scandal
Shannon Cherry
Mar 11, 2008 at 6:50 am
The buzz in Albany is that he will be resigning, as part of a plea bargain for punishment.
But what will be interesting to see is how his successor, David Patterson, handles this PR wise. David, in his former political life, was a big advocate against sex crimes, including trafficking. I wonder what his take will be.
Also, check out why I think Eliot forgot he is the brand at http://www.startupspark.com/do-what-i-saynot-what-i-do-how-eliot-spitzer-forget-his-brand/
Susan Getgood
Mar 11, 2008 at 9:29 am
This seems to be the consensus on Twitter, where I’ve been following the story since it broke in the Times yesterday. Even though the core activity is in fact illegal, a less arrogant man (or woman I suppose) might be able to weather the storm. The self-styled watchdog of wall street? Not a chance.
Eric Eggertson
Mar 11, 2008 at 10:58 am
Shannon and Susan:
Thanks for weighing in. Always interesting to see how people react when they’re put under incredible pressure.
Hugh Grant didn’t have to stop acting after he was caught with a prostitute, but he hadn’t made his career catching others and relentlessly prosecuting them, either.
I don’t rule out the possibility of a resignation, followed by a campaign to rebuild a political career based on less arrogance. But unless he really was a changed person as a result of this experience, why bother?
Bridget
Mar 11, 2008 at 1:30 pm
As always, skepticism is the key here. I’m sure if he does apologize, it will only because he got caught and not because he’s truly sorry.
Geoff Livingston
Mar 11, 2008 at 7:00 pm
It’s reminiscent of all the Republicans impeaching Clinton for cheating/lying, and then getting busted for the same offense. The only thing to do is step down. Well done.
Hourly Rates, Eliot Spitzer and Formulas for Follow-Up: 9 Links Worth a Read « Brett’s Blog
Mar 22, 2008 at 9:24 am
[…] Spitzer Can’t Communicate His Way Out of Sex Scandal: Common Sense PR captures the uselessness of damage control in the Eliot Spitzer ordeal. As Eric begins, “There are times when the public is willing to forgive the indiscretions of public figures. This ain’t one of them.” […]
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