Why do Americans care so much about who their politicians are shagging?

Question

Gay, straight, swinging two timer or monogomist fetishist--why is it any of the public's business, as long as it's consenting?

Madleeds, you are right, but we see it as a kind of piss-take (c'mon, 'two-shags' is hilarious!) and we also have loads of gay politicians that are pretty high profile. But in the USA it can ruin your career.

Answer 1

The overwhelming sexual repression of mainstream America leads to a lot of hangups, fetishes, and, well, more repression.

What goes on in someone's bedroom is no one's business -- unless physical harm or exploitation comes into the picture.

That nonsense about whether or not someone can keep their vows is a typical attitude in American society, unfortunately. As if there is one standard for marital behavior -- of course those who fly the flag of family values are often the ones who are most compelled to sow their wild oats.

Answer 2

Well, first off, even it it's no one's business, cheating on someone else is still considered bad behavior over here. Not enough to not vote for, but considering that many Americans stupidly look towards politicians for moral support, that's just the way it is.

Second off, if we really cared about it that much, Clinton would have been pushed out of office. As it stands, some do care, and some don't. But politics is politics, and the opposition will get any advantage neccesary.

Answer 3

Most Americans don't care and just wish our politicians would get back to the business of governing. As a person prone to conspiracy theories I always wonder what is my government really doing while we over react to these sex scandals. What are we overlooking when we are side tracked by these non events? P.S. On another note, we are all praying for the safe return of your soldiers.

Answer 4

Well said, Timothy. The git who betrays the wife and kids whom he speaks to and promised to "love.. forsaking all others" is even more likely to cheat a public he never sees outside election campaigns. As for the claim by someone else that "only Right-wingers do that"? Urm... let's see... JFK, RFK, Teddy Kennedy, LBJ, Bungalow Bill "Wanna cigar?" Clinton... QED.

Answer 5

The USA espouses personal liberty but is actually quite conservative in private. Other countries which appear to be more conservative (e.g. UK) are actually much more tolerant / less concerned about consenting adult behaviour. It could be hypocrisy or more likely a misunderstanding or misapplication of religion that is the issue.

Answer 6

as an American, I really don't care who shags whom but when the oval office is used, then I have a problem! Have enough respect for what the White House stands for and do it in the rose garden!

Answer 7

I suppose you are referring to Bill Clinton's episode with Monica and you are right up to a point. What made his fling the publics' business was when he lied about it to a federal grand jury. Telling the truth in court is one of the foundations of our legal system. Of course, he was disbarred but that doesn't seem to have hurt him any.
But I also have to reference what Ross Perot used to say, "If his wife can't trust him, I certainly can't."

Answer 8

Unfortunately for many people this is true....
Most are Super Right Wingers that base everything on the bible and believe the bible says this and says that.

The bible is a old book and says alot. for once think for yourself.

But it is a GOOD book.

Also many politicans use that for "Mudflinging" which i think is low, and you are right it is non of the publics business that is why i get mad at politicans that do that ALOT.

Answer 9

Its because of their puritanical background, its what makes them such hypocrites, its pretty galling to listen to that cretin Bush moralising and insinuating that God is an American when you consider most of his administration are whacked out of their heads on cocaine and addicted to pornography. The good ole U.S.of A. being the biggest pornographer on the planet.

Answer 10

Americans as a whole, for some strange reason believe that if a politician is screwing around, they are doing something illegal, and hence if they do one thing that is illegal, they are also doing more. We know that they treat themselves better than the average citizen, with health care, pay, benefits, etc., so how can we "trust" them to do anything for our benefit if they are criminals.