If you had any doubts about why Mark Sanford wanted to talk about his sex life, then this statement from his wife Jenny should clear them up:
Columbia, S.C. - July 2, 2009- The last week has been very painful for me, my family and for the people of South Carolina. However, throughout this terrible ordeal, the incredible outpouring of kindness, support, and prayer I’ve received from countless friends and folks I have never even met has been truly uplifting. I appreciate that more than I can say. Please know that my sons and I are doing fine, given the circumstances. We are surrounded by friends and family, and we will make it through this. I believe it is how we respond to the challenges we face in life, and what we learn from them, that is most telling about who we truly are.
There is no question that Mark’s behavior is inexcusable. Actions have consequences and he will be dealing with those consequences for a long while. Trust has been broken and will need to be rebuilt. Mark will need to earn back that trust, first and foremost with his family, and also with the people of South Carolina.
The real issue now is one of forgiveness. I am willing to forgive Mark for his actions. We have been deeply disappointed in and even angry at Mark. The Bible says, "In your anger do not sin." (Psalm 4:4) In this situation, this speaks to the essence of forgiveness and the critical need to channel one’s energy into positive steps that uphold the dignity of marriage and the family, and lead to reconciliation over time. My forgiveness is essential for us both to move on with our lives, with peace, in whatever direction that may take us.
Desmond Tutu said "forgiveness is the grace by which you enable the other person to get up, and get up with dignity, to begin anew." Forgiveness opens the door for Mark to begin to work privately, humbly and respectfully toward reconciliation with me. However, to achieve true reconciliation will take time, involve repentance, and will not be easy.
Mark showed a lack of judgment in his recent actions as governor. However, his far more egregious offenses were committed against God, the institutions of marriage and family, our boys and me. Mark has stated that his intent and determination is to save our marriage, and to make amends to the people of South Carolina. I hope he can make good on those intentions, and for the sake of our boys I leave the door open to it. In that spirit of forgiveness, it is up to the people and elected officials of South Carolina to decide whether they will give Mark another chance as well.
The Sanfords want the focus on to be on their personal lives, because that sets up a narrative in which Mark Sanford can be redeemed from his sins. Nobody is without sin, and there's nothing better than a redemption story, and every compassionate person wishes them well in their pursuit of happiness and peace with each other.
But the thing is, none of that has anything to do with his fitness to serve as governor of South Carolina.
Lindsey Graham says if Sanford can reconcile with his wife, then he can stay on as governor. Excuse me, but Lindsey Graham of all people should know that you don't need to be married, happily or otherwise, to hold high office.
As a public official, your public responsibilities have nothing to do with your private ones, and the only reason why Mark and Jenny Sanford continue to expose their private life to the world is to confuse the two -- and they want to confuse the two because Mark Sanford completely and utterly failed in his public responsibilities.
Not only was he completely AWOL for five days, but he had originally planned a 10-day trip. Think about that -- ten days outside the country, incommunicado. And he thought that was just fine?
Moreover, Sanford's office lied about his whereabouts while he was AWOL, and falsely claimed to have been in contact with him -- and Sanford lied to his own staff about where he was.
Then we have the issue of Sanford's trade mission to Argentina. Were it not for his mistress, he never would have gone to Argentina, where he discussed agribusiness issues in contravention of U.S. policy.
Today, the law enforcement chief appointed by Sanford said Sanford did not misuse public funds to visit his mistress. That may be legally true, but if Sanford believes what he did was ethical, then why is he pledging to repay the state for the costs of the trip? And why won't he release his records on the issue?
So it should be no surprise that in the face of Mark Sanford's inexcusable public malfeasance, the Sanfords want to talk about his private foibles. As much as we wish them well in their private endeavors, it's important to remember the only issue that matters is Mark Sanford's public behavior -- and it is that public behavior which should lead to his resignation.