Tag Archive for Eliot Spitzer

David Paterson

March 13, 2008 / / 2 comments

It seems like everyone likes David Paterson, who will become New York’s governor on Monday. He is described as both more liberal and better at getting along with Republicans than Eliot Spitzer. And of course, people are very interested in saying “New York’s first black governor” and “First blind governor,” because people love saying “first” anything, and yes, it is important.

I live in New York. It’s been all Spitzer, all the time, here. My carpool buddy and I were listening to NPR on the way home (when I drive we listen to music) and there was a brief clip of Paterson from 14 months ago, talking about working with Spitzer and becoming Lt. Governor.

I have to say I was stunned by how much I enjoyed listening to him. He was articulate and almost musical in his ability to express himself. At the same time, he sounded relaxed and conversational, as if he was talking to exactly one person and making a vital connection to her. I wanted to run out and vote for him. And my buddy said that she’d seen a long interview with him (like 45 minutes) on a news show, and she ended up absolutely in love with him. That he was like that; articulate and beautifully-phrased, intelligent and thoughtful, yet relaxed and intimate, all the way through.

There’s certainly something exciting about seeing a genuinely wonderful Democrat rise in the party and in public recognition. Certainly many of us thought that’s what we were seeing with Spitzer, and that feels like shit. But the silver lining is Paterson and I am eager to see what comes of his career.

The Abdication

March 12, 2008 / / One comment

Everyone at the office just gathered around the TV to watch Governor Spitzer’s resignation.

In a culture in which “If I offended, I apologize” is considered an apology rather than the mealy-mouthed avoidance of true responsibility (see: John McCain), I thought his brief speech was an exercise in dignity and decency. He took full responsibility, apologized, and acknowledged that he had not lived up to his own standards. In his famously pugnacious style, he took a moment to say his standards were right. Possibly that was ill-timed. Also in poor taste, but apparently de rigeur these days, was the presence of his wife at his side. She looked haggard and drained. It must have been torture for her. She should have been spared the additional burden; she’s been burdened enough. People speculate on what goes on behind closed doors. And rightly so; not every marriage is the Cleavers. But this was clearly not a woman who’d known all along.

So, New Yorker have our first black governor, and I believe our first blind governor as well. David Patterson is, by all reports, very well-liked.

And life goes on.

 
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