NYC Dems Kardashian Candidates?

One cannot help but wonder why the field of Democratic candidates for Comptroller and Mayor includes such arguably salacious figures as Eliot Spitzer for Comptroller or Anthony Weiner for Mayor and why the media heaps so much attention that people cannot help but watch. Some describe the phenomenon as seeing a train wreck and not being able to look away. While preparing to write this entry, I came across Greg David’s piece in Craine’s on July 9, 2013. He crystalized what I wanted to post, so I refer you to his article but sum it up as a piece on why Eliot Spitzer is unfit to be Comptroller. It is not about the sex and infidelity (and prostitution charges), but about the invective of Spitzer, his “steamroller” mentality and more importantly his lack of effectiveness as Governor and his alleged misuse of State troopers to trail his political rivals. It is a story of political abuse (some may say corruption) and a failed Governor. It is for these reasons that Spitzer should not be elected or taken seriously as a candidate. Both he and Weiner can seek forgiveness for their sins or morality lapses, but such would not cover-up their real shortcomings (sorry Anthony)- their records. In Anthony Weiner’s case his record would include a lack of introduced legislation while generally just being a blow-hard or a windbag lashing out in Congress. Spitzer was just mean and out for blood. Both men were caught literally and figuratively with their pants down. The media follows both with a keen interest. The attention parallels that given to Kim Kardashian (who had her own expository video) and her kin. People make fun of this “celebrity” but do not seem to be able to look away. Perhaps the Democrats are taking a page from the Kardashian’s success by entertaining the candidacies of Spitzer and Weiner. It is a sad day for the Dems and surely for our City if they advance. This comes with apologies to the Kardashian’s for associating them with Spitzer and Weiner. Who knows, perhaps they would make better candidates or better television.