Craig Thrown Under Bus
Republicans moved quickly to stem the tide of bad publicity from the Larry Craig story. After Republicans called for his resignation, this weekend Craig stepped down.
But what about David Vitter? Remember David Vitter? Vitter admitted to indiscretions in his past involving a Washington, D.C. prostitution ring. Have Republicans asked Vitter to step down?
Quite the opposite. Republicans have been silent on asking for David Vitter’s resignation.
Why is it ok to throw Craig under the bus and not Vitter. It seems like two issues are keeping Vitter safe:
- He is in a state where a Democratic governor would appoint his replacement.
- Heterosexual deviancy vs. homosexual deviancy
In both cases, there is no political cost to “coming out” against Larry Craig. But to speak out against David Vitter could lose Republicans a political seat, not to mention that it’s easier to speak out against homosexuality than visiting a prostitute. Republican constituents can easily point the finger at homosexuality as a sin, while visiting a prostitute is not seen in the same way by as many voters.
It seems that “family values” are most important to Republicans when these values win them votes and power. The Larry Craig and David Vitter scandals have exposed the hypocrisy in the “family values” crowd.
Marriage is a core institution of societies throughout the world and throughout history. It’s something that has provided permanence and stability for our very social structure. – David Vitter
