The blackmail consideration for Anthony Wiener....

[trumad]

I haven't seen to much discussion about that aspect of this sordid mess. It's kind of proven that the dude like to send junk shots through the tubes, and I get a hunch that ain't gonna change anytime soon.

I think this opens the gate for leverage against Wiener for all kinds of shit. The Mayor of NY has all kinds of power to make things happen---City contracts, employment, etc.

Personally I feel Wiener can be compromised, hence the number one reason he should be kept from being Mayor.

[KurtNYC]

1. Weiner is an exhibitionist at this point

He enjoys having all of look at his junk and discuss it. He has no shot in the mayor race -- he is just loving the attention we are giving his weiner.

[boston bean]

2. It's DANGERous! nt

[KharmaTrain]

3. I've Always Felt He's Opened Himself Up For This...

...and posted on it a couple days ago. I could care less that he wigged his wag via electrons and his private life is his own business...except when he's on the public dime. His impulsive nature and narcissism makes him a target for being manipulated and blackmailed. His need to be accepted overwhelms all else and could easily lead him into more embarrassing situations...or worse.

I'm not too worried about Mr. Weiner becoming Mayor...people may be forgiving but not played a second time. I'm hoping he finally gets the message that he's his own worst enemy and to those around him...

Cheers...

[RevStPatrick]

4. That's why I'm not gonna vote for him.

Well, one of several reasons.

"You don't wanna support our lucrative contract to build this unnecessary boondoggle of a West Side Stadium, Mr. Mayor? Well, one of those girls you sexted happened to be underage, and we've got all the pictures to prove it..."

For starters.

[Johonny]

5. What power would the black mailer have?

If he won the race at this point the black mailer would lose all their cards. Wiener would /know new new sexting information is not harmful to him and his office. The black mailer's information loses all value if he won. You don't black mail people for skeletons laying out in the open that everyone knows about.

Not that this matters because he won't win.

[think]

6. Weiner is a douche but

as far as blackmail goes I believe Weiner would be the first person to tell a blackmailer to go fuck themselves.

Weiner is douche but he has brass balls and now he's been through the ringer.

I'd worry more about those who have never tasted public humiliation way before someone who is obviously comfortable with people knowing his indiscretions.

This not an endorsement of Weiner or his actions but rather just an observation of human nature.

JMO

[cali]

7. I don't. He's cravenly ambitious. We know he'll lie his ass off

we know he's a desperate critter. If he ever got involved online with someone underage, you could blackmail the hell out of him.

[think]

8. Again not condoning Weiner but almost ALL politicians lie their ass off

and anyone can create a nefarious scenario.

How about Bill Clinton? He lied about an actual sex encounter with a 26 year old did he not? And that was not his first trist by any means.

Should we consider him a desperate critter too? Would you consider Clinton unfit for public office and a blackmail risk if he ran again? Granted he is much older so that alone does change things.

But he was already known to be a womanizer back when he was a Governor WAY BEFORE he became president. I'm not happy he had an affair and fucked up the end of his presidency but I'm damn sure glad he was our president for 8 years .

Kennedy had affairs too. But most Americans don't make this an issue that overshadows his efforts as president.

Again Weiner is a douche. But the world of politics is filled with douches and some we still idolize and have forgiven.

As for underage girls that is pretty speculative but hey anything is possible.

And no I don't support Weiner's run for mayor.This is just strictly about his immoral actions and the risk of blackmail. And obviously it's just an opinion....

[Pelican]

10. He'll lie poorly...

It was ummm... uhh... hackers..

Yeah, that's the ticket...

[alc]

9. that's my main concern

And any questionable decision he makes will be under a cloud of suspicion. Was it blackmail? Or was it the best compromise he was able to achieve under the circumstances?

Also the ability to get advisers or anyone to work too closely with him. Anyone considering a job in his administration would have to consider the possibility of needing to defend him (or resign) in the future or of policy being distracted by scandal.

And other people he has to work with are likely to keep more of a distance. I think most of the political socializing is disgusting but accept that those relationships can be a significant factor in getting things done.

[spedtr90]

11. If only he were pure like Giuliani...

Really?

[Major Hogwash]

12. When Senator David Vitter went to a prostitute, shit in diapers so he could act infantile . .

. . and then cried and wailed to the prostitute to change his shitty diapers, the Rethuglicans all cried

"It's his private life, it's his business and nobody's else's business what he does during his off hours. What he does in his private life SHOULD NOT reflect on his ability to perform the duties of his political office."

For some odd reason, I didn't agree with their assessment.
However, since Weiner didn't actually HAVE SEX with anyone but his wife, I don't think he would be a bad mayor.