Hypocrisy, n. The practice of professing beliefs or virtures that one does not possess.

[madbaker]

A few days ago, Arnold Schwarzenegger dodged allegations of sexual harassment and abuse of power in the cases (star to extra). To my mind, they were reasonably substantiated and established a disturbing pattern of behavior.

Womens' groups and general leftist groups attacked; Gray Davis suggested legal action might be appropriate. The Wall Street Journal's editorial page, with its generally conservative outlook, downplayed the allegations and put an emphasis on Schwarzenegger's apology.

A few years ago, Bill Clinton dodged allegations of sexual harassment and abuse of power in the cases. To my mind, they were reasonably substantiated and established a disturbing pattern of behavior.

Womens' groups downplayed the accusations (I remember NOW, oddly enough, actually attacked his female accusers). The Wall Street Journal's editorial page frothed at the mouth about harassment and went into lurid detail.

As I see it, both sides reacted strictly according to ideology in each case. The underlying allegations didn't seem to matter. By the way, I am neither a Democrat nor a Republican.

Sigh. I'd be happy to debate responses as to why the cases are different. If you're just going to attack it from a political standpoint ("Schwarzenegger is a Republican and everyone knows they are hostile to women!" / "Bill Clinton is a Democrat and everyone knows they have no morals!") I won't dignify the comments with a response.

Comments

Re: here's my take on it...

[madbaker.livejournal.com]

Not bringing up the politics of Clinton impeachment, just contrasting the (to my mind) hypocritical responses or lack of same to accusations of sexual harassment.

If you believe Clinton's accusers, he used Arkansas troopers to lure a woman to an empty hotel room, so he could drop his pants. (Jones)
He called a supporter into the office to "kiss her, fondle her breast, and put her hand on his genitals". (Willey)

That would make Jones' accusation a lesser charge - flashing - and Willey's does seem to fit the definition of sexual battery. Am I reading that correctly?

Thanks for your comments.