Rex Hammock

Why the Spitzer scandal has us so confused

Last year on my blog, I posted “the 9 steps of political scandals.” (I originally said, “10,” but I mis-counted.) I think the Spitzer scandal has been especially shocking to people because it skipped several steps — people didn’t have time to process it through the typical steps related to rumor and denial.

Unfortunately, no matter how they roll out, scandals are tragic for all involved — especially family members and other innocent players who are subjected to collateral damage.

Here are the typical steps of a political scandal:

1. Politician _______s.
2. Rumors circulate that politician ________s.
3. Politician denies rumors.
4. Politician caught _____ing.
5. Politician says, “I did not _____, it was a misunderstanding.”
6. Politician blames media and bloggers.
7. Past partners, victims or witnesses show up to prove politician _______s all the time.
8. Politician admits he’s __________ed.
9. Politician apologizes to his family and to those who trusted him, blames it on alcohol and enters rehab.