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New Yorkers sound off on Anthony Weiner sexting scandal – Metro US

New Yorkers sound off on Anthony Weiner sexting scandal

Anthony Weiner, a leading candidate for New York City mayor, pauses while speaking with reporters in Staten Island on a visit to homes damaged by Hurricane Sandy on July 26, 2013 in New York City Credit: Getty Images Anthony Weiner, a leading candidate for New York City mayor, pauses while speaking with reporters in Staten Island on a visit last week to homes damaged by Hurricane Sandy.
Credit: Getty Images

In what feels like a duplicate headline, New York City mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner has been caught sexting — again.

Weiner called a press conference last week to discuss the new racy texts and pictures that have come up after another woman claiming to be his sexting pal came forward. Although he said that there were some inaccuracies in her story, he admitted to the allegations.

The disgraced politician added he held sexual conversations online with six to 10 other women, later clarifying that it was just three women after he resigned from Congress when he was caught the first time. While he is still receiving help, he does not think his problem is an addiction.

On Saturday, Weiner’s campaign manager Danny Kedem resigned. The floundering campaign is slipping in the polls, but Weiner said he still plans to continue his run.

Jason Leaf, who works in the film distribution industry, said that while Weiner’s political views may not be affected by his sexual proclivities, they do open him up to lawsuits and blackmailing.

“Only someone with problems in their head would be in politics and have a mental sickness in the public eye,” he said.

However, student Michael Charbon believes judgment calls and morality do play a role in politics. He admitted he didn’t know much about the new Weiner scandal, but said he would find a problem with any politician that hid a sexual secret from his wife and constituents.

While cheating is common behavior, Charbon said part of being a politician requires being in the public eye and knowing whatever you do will be judged and scrutinized.

“There’s nothing wrong with holding politicians to a higher standard,” he pointed out.

Trainer Lamar McKay said Weiner’s antics didn’t have any effect on him. He never agreed with his policies to begin with.

“The question is whether I would vote for him in the first place even before these sexting scandals,” he said. “The answer is no.”

Huma Abedin sticks by her man – yea or nay?

Almost as controversial as New York City mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner being caught sexting for the second time is his wife’s decision to stick by him.

Huma Abedin said at a press conference that she and her husband have been working through their issues, and she forgave him for all his discretions.

While some have applauded her choice to work through her marital problems, others have seen this as her ploy to stay in the political sphere. Many have pointed out that Abedin, who worked as an aide to Hillary Clinton, may be taking some tips from her former mentor. Clinton managed to have a successful political career after her husband, former president Bill Clinton, was caught cheating on her. Some feel Abedin may be trying to go the same route.

“She’s an idiot, and he’s a d—g,” artist Shauna Israel said.

While cheating may be “generic stuff,” Israel pointed out that most women would not stick with their husband after they cheated a second time.

“I don’t care who you are in life,” she said. “I don’t know who would want to put up with your behavior.”

Student Caroline Doss agreed. Sexting again would be the final straw if it were her relationship.

“I think the fact that he did it again says I would probably not stay,” she said.

But, Samantha (who asked her last name to be withheld), said Weiner’s online behavior doesn’t affect his political stances. What Weiner and his wife do in their private life does not concern her.

“I don’t think it’s any of our business,” she said. “I don’t think her decision (to stay) affects the policies he’s trying to fight for.”