Lots of politicians (from either party) either cheat on their partners or lie about their sex lives and then the scandal becomes public. Does this have an impact on whether you support them or not?
Does a known sex scandal make you less likely to vote for a politician?
Discussion Topics
1.
Does a public sex scandal make you less likely to vote for a politician?
(75 posts)
I'd like to know whether this specific aspect of a politician's character is deemed as important to their perceived competency and whether they can effectively represent your interests in government.
04/14/2012
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It really, really depends on the circumstances.
04/14/2012
It would matter to me IF and ONLY if the scandal itself was of political significance, such as offering promotions, kickbacks or legal leniency, etc., for sexual favors. If it's a personal indiscretion, it's none of my damn business.
04/14/2012
Been happening so long I don't care, it dose not affect their work unless people make a big deal out of it. Besides religeon and politics are suppose to be seperate. Now if the guy was mean to his wife and his wife made a big deal out of it yes, it might affect my voting. There are many wives who are upset but still support thier husbands, it would be even more desrespectful for the public to ignore her wishes for their own vindetta.
This is not a matter of morals -_- this is a matter of personal preferance and internal family matters others should stay out of.
This is not a matter of morals -_- this is a matter of personal preferance and internal family matters others should stay out of.
04/14/2012
It depends on what happened, really.
If it was something illegal or off-the-wall immoral, I couldn't overlook that.
And I won't lie - if someone cheats, that says to me that they have problems with honesty and communication and have no problem undermining the ground rules of a game. So I can't say it wouldn't colour my opinion of them - but it really depends on the situation and how it's handled and whatall. Even good people make mistakes in life. *shrug*
Depends.
If it was something illegal or off-the-wall immoral, I couldn't overlook that.
And I won't lie - if someone cheats, that says to me that they have problems with honesty and communication and have no problem undermining the ground rules of a game. So I can't say it wouldn't colour my opinion of them - but it really depends on the situation and how it's handled and whatall. Even good people make mistakes in life. *shrug*
Depends.
04/14/2012
I don't vote, and don't pay attention to what politicians do in their sex lives.
04/14/2012
I voted yes because it would really make me question their judgment on other issues as well.
04/14/2012
I don't really think their sex lives really effect too much their politics...
04/14/2012
I find such things ridiculous, they are humans too.
04/14/2012
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Agreed, it is!
Originally posted by
Master DarkWolf
I find such things ridiculous, they are humans too.
04/14/2012
Other...Cheating is definitely a mark against your character in my book, but how many politicians are decent human beings? I've come to the point that I expect them to be sleazy. HOWEVER...a right-wing male politician that has hammered homosexual rights for 40 years then gets caught having sex with another man...Yah...totally not gonna' vote for them. Ever.
04/14/2012
If they cheat, there's no way I'd ever vote for them.
04/14/2012
It does not affect their political standing, it will affect how I feel about them as a person, but not as a politician.
04/15/2012
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Pretty much my answer right here. There's too many variables and possibilities involved with a person cheating on their spouse or whatever else might be happening in their private lives, so I don't really care to hear about it. If it's something they've allowed to seep into their professional life, though, that's a bit more serious.
Originally posted by
Raigne
It would matter to me IF and ONLY if the scandal itself was of political significance, such as offering promotions, kickbacks or legal leniency, etc., for sexual favors. If it's a personal indiscretion, it's none of my damn business.
04/15/2012
I don't pay attention to sex scandals.
04/15/2012
I don't pay attention to them either.
04/15/2012
It would only be a problem for me if it was something they'd been campaigning against. That's a serious, serious issue! Just cheating or hiring a prostitute isn't a big deal, to me, as I know that they live stressful lives and might find it difficult to find time with their spouse, or their career could make things stressful at home, causing them to seek solace elsewhere. Is it wrong? Sure, but they're human, and humans make mistakes. Making a mistake that they've been condemning others for, though, is a different matter, especially if it's found to be something they've been doing long-term.
04/15/2012
I generally don't pay attention unless it falls into the lines of something significantly serious requiring criminal action, assault, or child level.
04/15/2012
I guess I really don't care what they do "behind closed doors", no mater whose doors they are closing behind them.
04/15/2012
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only if it's unethical
Originally posted by
pix
I'd like to know whether this specific aspect of a politician's character is deemed as important to their perceived competency and whether they can effectively represent your interests in government.
04/16/2012
On the whole, no. If it were, say, a politician saying they're against abortions, and then we discover that they had a wife/partner get an abortion, then that'd influence my decision.
04/16/2012
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I agree. It all depends on cirumstances.
Originally posted by
GONE!
It really, really depends on the circumstances.
04/18/2012
If the girl is really hot I vote for them
04/18/2012
If they're cheating on their significant other, who's to say they're not lying about other things. If it's not cheating, and the partner's cool with it, not really my business.
04/19/2012
If I strongly, strongly supported their positions and actions otherwise, maybe not, but otherwise, yes--although I'm assuming "scandal" in this context is pretty much synonymous with "cheating." Having (and lying about) an affair says something about a person's integrity, and to be perfectly honest, compromises his/her judgment--remember the governor who went off to Argentina unannounced to see his mistress?!
The larger point, to me at least, is that it's usually male politicians that we hear about in this context, and I have a hard time believing their feminist credentials when they treat their responsibilities to their wives so poorly. So, I do think it can be politically relevant.
The larger point, to me at least, is that it's usually male politicians that we hear about in this context, and I have a hard time believing their feminist credentials when they treat their responsibilities to their wives so poorly. So, I do think it can be politically relevant.
04/29/2012
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all I'm saying the country was in the best economic time when the president was getting a little head on the side.
Originally posted by
pix
I'd like to know whether this specific aspect of a politician's character is deemed as important to their perceived competency and whether they can effectively represent your interests in government.
05/14/2012
I don't really think it should matter. Somebody else's sex life really isn't my business, and I don't think it affects their job regardless.
06/02/2012
It depends on what the scandal is. If the scandal is that they cheated on their spouse, I would lose respect for them, and may or may not vote for them depending on the rest of their positions. If the scandal was that they lived an alternate sexual lifestyle (into BDSM, swinging, cross-dressing, same-sex, whatever), it would not affect my vote at all. If the scandal is some sort of sexual misconduct (exposing themselves, using their position of power to demand sex, being inappropriate with a minor, assault, rape), then I would never vote for them, no matter what my feelings on their other positions.
Though I have to say, I think the stupidest sex scandal we've had in a while is Jack Ryan - he was accused of asking his wife if she wanted to have sex, and taking no for an answer. The location was unorthodox, but I don't care if a politician attends sex clubs, as long as they are following the rules of the club.
Though I have to say, I think the stupidest sex scandal we've had in a while is Jack Ryan - he was accused of asking his wife if she wanted to have sex, and taking no for an answer. The location was unorthodox, but I don't care if a politician attends sex clubs, as long as they are following the rules of the club.
06/03/2012
Like others have said it depends on the nature of the scandal.
06/03/2012
I don't vote but it wouldn't matter unless it had something to do with kids.. that's never justifiable in my opinion.
06/03/2012
It really depends on the nature of the scandal if it is some sort of child allegation or rape allegation then yes. Affairs and hookers, not really.
06/08/2012
I don't really care either way.
06/08/2012
It does make a difference to me.
06/09/2012
Not at all.
06/10/2012
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Honestly I don't care about their personal life, only their policies
Originally posted by
pix
I'd like to know whether this specific aspect of a politician's character is deemed as important to their perceived competency and whether they can effectively represent your interests in government.
06/11/2012
One of the best things to happen to New York was voting for Spitzer. One of the worst things was his departure.
06/11/2012
If that politician preaches about family values and such, and cheats...I would never vote for them.
07/03/2012
if someone is a cheating bastard I'd never vote for them
07/03/2012
Depends on the circumstances.
07/07/2012
Everybody's a huge liar anyhow, sex is so minuscule.
07/09/2012
It depends on the circumstances - if it's normal cheating or "sex out of wedlock," I'm only critical if they're a big supporter of family values and the like. If it has to do with rape, underage individuals, or abuse, then I'm almost guaranteed not to vote for them (the opponent would have to be lobbying to open fighting rings that pitted gay children and baby seals against each other to the death or something of that caliber).
07/21/2012
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I agree here...if it something that is not illegal or goes against what they are portraying in their politics, then it shouldn't be an issue. Slick Willy got caught and still was an awesome president!
Originally posted by
pestilence
It depends on the circumstances - if it's normal cheating or "sex out of wedlock," I'm only critical if they're a big supporter of family values and the like. If it has to do with rape, underage individuals, or abuse, then
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It depends on the circumstances - if it's normal cheating or "sex out of wedlock," I'm only critical if they're a big supporter of family values and the like. If it has to do with rape, underage individuals, or abuse, then I'm almost guaranteed not to vote for them (the opponent would have to be lobbying to open fighting rings that pitted gay children and baby seals against each other to the death or something of that caliber).
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07/21/2012
If I found out they liked gay orgies secretly, whatever. That's not my business. If I find out they CHEAT however, it means they are a liar to their most sacred partner. Meaning it wouldn't be much to assume they would lie to the public (ie me, the voter). I do not like dishonestly in politics (although obviously its there). I would not knowingly vote for someone who is a liar about such major things.
07/23/2012
I don't pay attention to sex scandals
07/23/2012
It depends on what it is. If he turns out to be a pedophile, I'm going to have an issue.
07/23/2012
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I don't vote and I don't care
Originally posted by
pix
I'd like to know whether this specific aspect of a politician's character is deemed as important to their perceived competency and whether they can effectively represent your interests in government.
07/23/2012
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This. and even on the 'cheating issue' its very possible that it could have been accepted in the household- but they can't say that to the public. Some people are in open or polyamorous relationships- and i'm not to judge them for that. However, if they've ever been accused of sexual harrassment or harming a minor.. no. they won't get my vote.
Originally posted by
curiousnwilling
It depends on what it is. If he turns out to be a pedophile, I'm going to have an issue.
07/23/2012
It all depends on the scandal
07/23/2012
I'm on the fence about it. They are supposed to set a moral example for society, however they are also human beings.
07/23/2012
It really depends on the scandal.
07/23/2012
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Thank you so much for this! This is how I feel - I think that cheating is waaaay too often lumped together with a bunch of sexual activities that don't harm anyone but were once (or still are, to varying extents) taboo (homosexuality, polyamory, etc). This is really unfortunate, IMO, because they're two totally separate things. Cheating DOES hurt people (emotionally, certainly, and potentially financially if the marriage breaks up as a result), it arguably shows a certain lack of respect towards others (certainly if it happens more than once), AND it is dishonest. I don't see that as something that is just someone else's "private life" and "no one else's business."
Originally posted by
Experiment
If I found out they liked gay orgies secretly, whatever. That's not my business. If I find out they CHEAT however, it means they are a liar to their most sacred partner. Meaning it wouldn't be much to assume they would lie to the public (ie
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more
If I found out they liked gay orgies secretly, whatever. That's not my business. If I find out they CHEAT however, it means they are a liar to their most sacred partner. Meaning it wouldn't be much to assume they would lie to the public (ie me, the voter). I do not like dishonestly in politics (although obviously its there). I would not knowingly vote for someone who is a liar about such major things.
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07/23/2012
For me it depends on what kind of sex scandal it is. If it is the typical they had a mistress and it then gets blown out of the water I ignore it. I personally believe that's no ones business but him her, and the families of both. If it is a scandal involving prostitution, covering up rape or any other illegal activity I am much less likely to vote for them. I don't agree with this mentality that people in the government or running to be in the government should e above the law in anyway.
08/08/2012
It depends on the scandal and the type of politician. If they're someone with a track record of lecturing on how we should behave then I won't vote for them. I can't stand hypocrisy
08/08/2012
Definately would depend on the details of the scandal, but it would have to be pretty scandalous for me.
08/08/2012
I don't really care about the sex scandals as long as they are not illegal ones.
08/08/2012
Eh...it depends on what they did and whether I feel it speaks to their overall morality.
08/13/2012
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If they can't even maintain their own marriage, how can they maintain a country?
Originally posted by
pix
I'd like to know whether this specific aspect of a politician's character is deemed as important to their perceived competency and whether they can effectively represent your interests in government.
08/16/2012
It just depends on the situation. I always love it when they run using their family as the center piece of for their election and then have some type of sex scandal.
08/16/2012
Dreamy Demon
I chose "I don't pay attention" but really, it depends on the scandal and how they handle it. You can tell a lot about a person's character by how they handle being scrutinized, whatever the circumstance.
08/17/2012
I don't pay attention to sex scandals.
08/17/2012
I don't pay attention to sex scandals, gaffs, or any of the other trivial bullcrap they try to use to distract us from the actual issues. What matters to me is how a politician will vote on bills that affect the lives of actual human beings. Will they vote against women's rights? Against gay rights? For tax codes that will prove harmful to people who work for a living? Basically, human rights issues will decide this election for me. The economy is of secondary importance compared to criminalizing miscarriages and blocking people's loved ones from sitting beside their hospital beds. Money doesn't matter more than that, but it still matters about a thousand times more than which slimy politician happened to get caught with his pants down before the election instead of after. Where these guys stand on issues X, Y, and Z can be measured equally. Stupid scandals can't, because for all we know the guy who didn't get caught has done 20 times worse, so even if I gave a darn, I still couldn't let it influence me.
08/18/2012
It really depends on what the scandal is. It comes out that they and their spouse are swingers? Eh, I have no fucks to give. Rock on.
It comes out that they are antigay politician hiring rent boys? Fuck you forever.
Well, I'd never vote for an antigay politician in the first place.
Spousal cheating? I think that sucks but I'm not sure that alone would make me not vote for them as long as I still preferred their policies. That means, I'd probably not vote for them in a primary but if it came to them I'd likely still vote for them in a general election.
It comes out that they are antigay politician hiring rent boys? Fuck you forever.
Well, I'd never vote for an antigay politician in the first place.
Spousal cheating? I think that sucks but I'm not sure that alone would make me not vote for them as long as I still preferred their policies. That means, I'd probably not vote for them in a primary but if it came to them I'd likely still vote for them in a general election.
09/14/2012
If there are no political ties to be gained from the scandal/affair I could really care less. The only reason they are in the spotlight is because they are politicians. If they were just normal voting citizens like us we would never know or have an interest in their sex life.
09/20/2012
I said no, but there are things they could do which would make me oppose them. The "scandal" of it, however, is not an issue.
09/20/2012
It's not high on my list and I am more concerned with the real issues and how much of a liar they are.
09/25/2012
I don't see why their sex life should be up for debate.
Honestly, I would want my president to be sexually sated.
Honestly, I would want my president to be sexually sated.
10/02/2012
Unless the scandal is about something heinous, like being accused of rape, then it doesn't affect the way I vote at all. As far as cheating -- watch how the spouse reacts. We have no idea how their relationship is. Unfortunately, it's not going to look good for a politician to stand up and say publicly that they're in an open relationship and they had full permission of their spouse to sleep with someone else.
10/02/2012
If it were rape or molestation, then of course. Otherwise, nah. I mean, let's be honest. We all get a kick out of Bill Clinton's antics nowadays. xD it's rather endearing.
10/03/2012
I dont think it matters unless it was with a minor or rape.
12/06/2012
Unless it's a serious issue, like rape, I don't care. I'm concerned with how a politician does his/her job, not how they get their rocks off. I think Americans are childish about this compared to Europeans.
12/07/2012
It does make me think twice about voting for them. It shows poor judgement in someone I'm counting on to make good judgements. If they can't take care of their own affairs properly how am I to expect them to take care of larger responsibilities.
12/07/2012
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It affects public opinion and trust in the politician.
Originally posted by
pix
I'd like to know whether this specific aspect of a politician's character is deemed as important to their perceived competency and whether they can effectively represent your interests in government.
01/04/2013
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depends, but most likely wouldnt affect anything.
Originally posted by
pix
I'd like to know whether this specific aspect of a politician's character is deemed as important to their perceived competency and whether they can effectively represent your interests in government.
01/05/2013
JFK couldn't keep his knob out of anything and still did a good job.
01/05/2013
mainly because it makes me question their honesty.
01/11/2013
Total posts: 75
Unique posters: 74