Campaign 96: Presidential Behavior

Private Lives, Public Perception

A recent television ad underwritten by a group that advocates gay marriage, points out that, in the past, Republican presidential hopeful Bob Dole’s divorce would have made him an unsuitable candidate. In 1992 voters barely flinched when Bill Clinton was accused of having had extramarital affairs, indicating that a candidate’s personal life is no longer relevant to voters. How does a politician’s family life--divorce, custody issues, affairs--affect your view of his or her ability to do get the job done? Does a candidate’s private behavior affect how you vote? Join our discussion.

Micheal from motornet.com at Monday, August 5, 1996, 5:17 pm MT
If a president or anyone else can't have good family values, how can he be expected to run a country. Morality starts in the home. I am disgusted when I hear that Dole, Clinton, or anybody in office has gotten divorced or cheated or anything! These people are supposed to be examples not only in their roles as leaders but in their personal lives as well.

Kelly from shotserve.com at Monday, August 5, 1996, 5:22 pm PT
Nobody is perfect--not the President, our senators, our pastors, or even ourselves. We all make mistakes and deserve God's forgiveness. However, we must also learn to live with the consequences of our actions. What angers me about politicians is that they never seen to have to live out the results of anything they do. I mean, they seem exempt or something. If Clinton wants to cheat on his wife, that's his business, but to get elected president afterwards when he's charged with harassing women? I don't think it's fair. I can't cheat on my taxes without getting in trouble. Why should politicians get away with everything?

To Election Watch '96