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Damage Control Vital to Weiner's Political Survival, Experts Say

Wednesday, June 08, 2011 - 03:56 PM

Embattled Rep. Anthony Weiner's confession that he had lewd online relationships and the media frenzy that ensued does not mean the end of the Congressman's political career — as long as he takes the proper steps, political consultants said.

Lanny Davis, a Washington, D.C.-based attorney who has counseled embattled politicians, corporations and even authoritarian governments, said politicians have weathered sex scandals before. The key is to be pro-active, as early as possible.

"The first, most important thing he has to do is finish the story," Davis said. "And get everything out that's hanging out there that's being used in some cases almost like extortion. He needs to lance the boil and get the rest of this terrible material that's embarrassing to him out."

Davis said the American public is "amazingly tolerant of other people's weaknesses if they see authentic contrition."

"It's absolute possible" to survive, he said. "And it's a personal decision to resign. And I don't believe that he ought to make that decision because of pressure from other politicians, who are worried about their own careers, or their own party positions in the House of Representatives."

Harjiv Singh, the co-founder of Gutenberg Communications, a New York-based PR firm, said Weiner needed to "come clean immediately and begin the process of reconciliation."

"I believe this will blow over," Singh said. "Like the laws of gravity: what goes up in headlines must eventually come down."

Singh said the entire episode could have been "completely avoided had Anthony Weiner’s team been actively monitoring social media activities."

He did say, however, that he thinks Weiner's redemption lies online.

"The worst mistake he can make is to go incognito," he said. "He should continue to use his following on Twitter and other social media channels to communicate his comeback. Traditional media will continue to be harsh while social media will function as a direct channel with his audience."

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Comments [4]

Ham


Over and again I continue to recall words by Mae West, spoken onscreen after her release from an incarceration for obscenity.

She said something like this: --Obscene, I'll tell you what's obscene. War is obscene ....---

I cannot find this quote that is perfectly matched to the conditions.but I hope this post will jog the memory of some Mae West fan who can resuscitate the quote that could help to get Anthony Weiner back on track fighting the greater obscenities in our lives and times.

Jun. 09 2011 07:39 PM
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Linda from Garrison

Weiner has done an excellent job representing progressive positions and is a superb counterforce against right–wing propagandists. He is needed in Congress, and in the media. His personal problems are irrelevant, as there is no evidence that he has violated any laws or abused his office.

Jun. 09 2011 02:25 PM
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Rocketship from Brooklyn

I feel like the press keeps falling for Andrew Brightbart's capers - and forgetting that in every case, the results are carefully edited for the maximum effect. Was AB posing as a young woman on Twitter? Was AB sending provocative photos to Weiner to provoke a response? I know it will just encourage AB, but I feel like the full story has not been told here.

Jun. 09 2011 12:01 PM
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Nicole from Bklyn

Certain Dems are starting to mount a campaign against Rep Weiner. I just called the ringleader's office to voice my support for Weiner & let them know that as a woman I still stand in solidarity w/him & that we need him in office. If you feel strongly about this too, pls call Rep. Allyson Schwartz's office at 202/225-6111 or 215/335-3355. She holds a powerful seat as the head of the party's House campaign committee. Be sure to tell them that you are one of his constituents if you indeed are because this matters greatly to her.

Jun. 09 2011 11:17 AM
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