Cheating Politicians

How Politicians' Affairs Matter to Us

Advice Seeker: Dear April,

Has our society become more lenient in caring about the indiscretions of our politicians? It seems like every politician these days has had an affair on his wife, and it's all over the news. Do we just take the affairs of politician's lightly now?

Sincerely,

Everybody Does It

April Masini's advice:

Dear Everybody Does It,

For the most part, illicit affairs among politicians is still a taboo subject. There is nothing new about love affairs. The only news is that the press can disseminate the news of a politician's indecency faster than the speed of light -- well almost -- today and to many more outlets than ever before. This may make it seem like the political climate has changed and the electorate is more sensitized to affairs, but the reality is that there is still a headline worthy news value to politicians who cheat.

The fascination with cheating is really human nature and societal values. There is still interest in people who are dissatisfied in relationships and marriages, and who hurt their spouses by cheating. There is also a curiosity about the sex lives of famous people, like politicians. Knowing about their affairs is a window into their sex lives.

Sex sells and when it's being sold in headlines about politicians, the news still commands a price.