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Spitzer Walks Long Road to Redemption

Ex-guv working on normal life; his future is unclear

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 19, 2009 2:22 PM CDT
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(Newser) – As he returns to the public eye, Eliot Spitzer is working on being a normal person—a daunting task for a man long accustomed to power, Jonathan Darman writes in a Newsweek cover story. He’s grown less image-conscious, often spotted jogging around New York in sweatpants. And he makes no bones about having disgraced himself and his family. "No question about that," Spitzer says, admitting he knew hiring a prostitute was wrong.

Some may be ready to forgive Spitzer the man. When he’s recognized on the street, “it's a full range of emotions: I love you. I hate you,” says a friend. But “Spitzer the politician will always have to answer for being Client No. 9,” Darman writes. For now, he’s content as a political commentator with a unique perspective. As for the future: “I know what I'm running from," he says. "What am I turning toward, that's the bigger problem."

The April 27 issue of Newsweek includes 'How Could I?': The Confessions of Eliot Spitzer.
The April 27 issue of Newsweek includes "'How Could I?': The Confessions of Eliot Spitzer."   (PRNewsFoto/NEWSWEEK)
In this March 12, 2008, file photo, former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer announces his resignation at his office in New York.
In this March 12, 2008, file photo, former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer announces his resignation at his office in New York.   (AP Photo/Stephen Chernin)
New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer, right, arrives for a church service in Albany, NY, with his family in this Jan. 1, 2007, file photo.
New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer, right, arrives for a church service in Albany, NY, with his family in this Jan. 1, 2007, file photo.   (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
This undated image from a MySpace page shows Ashley Dupre, the former call girl linked to the Eliot Spitzer scandal.
This undated image from a MySpace page shows Ashley Dupre, the former call girl linked to the Eliot Spitzer scandal.   (AP Photo, file)
In this March 10, 2008 file photo, New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer apologizes to his family and the public after a report that he was involved in a prostitution ring.
In this March 10, 2008 file photo, New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer apologizes to his family and the public after a report that he was involved in a prostitution ring.   (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)
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The question isn't whether I want to control my public profile or not, because I know that I can't. It's whether I want one at all. - Eliot Spitzer

You know when you get in public life here that you live in a fishbowl. So you've got to be smart enough to act accordingly.
- Eliot Spitzer

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
freethemall
Apr 20, 2009 6:09 AM CDT
Clinton is a scum bag because he cheated on his wife while President, and got caught. Kennedy cheated on his wife and didn't get caught, that's all right he was a great man. As a life long Democrat, I liked them both, but I don't understand the double standard.
woodyTX
Apr 20, 2009 4:21 AM CDT
Agree KKGuy. He knows his stuff. Give him a chance. His brains are hanging between his legs but they're working OK.
kokuaguy
Apr 20, 2009 3:08 AM CDT
Spitzer did not try to cover up or excuse his misconduct. It did betray a troubling arrogance and recklessness; however, he did the honorable thing (unlike Clinton when outed) and should be given another chance. It's undeniable that the country needs leaders with his financial and law enforcement expertise at this time.

Spitzer not planning to run for office
New York Daily News

 
New York • sex scandal • Eliot Spitzer • governor • political scandal • interview

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