I also understand the aging mindset that a man has 'arrived' when he has money, position, power, and 'some on the side', even though I do not buy into that personally.
I view such philandering in a culture which opposes such as a weakness which can be exploited to undermine the fidelity of the participant in other areas, especially in politics.
It has scuttled both Newt's and Sanford's shot at the White House, imho.
In Europe, I must note that the traditional view of marriage included (for many of position) mistresses, and such behaviour may not be considered a political detriment.
Yes, I agree it opens the man up to blackmail. This didn’t deter Bill Clinton, but he was a lame duck anyhow by the time the Monica stories got out. Maybe the blackmail angle is why there has been such strenuous effort by both Sanfords to air the story in the media. The idea being that if they air it all now, more details cannot be threatened to embarrass either of them in the future.
That’s right, if a man’s wife can’t trust him, how can a business associate?
...”In Europe, I must note that the traditional view of marriage included (for many of position) mistresses, and such behavior may not be considered a political detriment”...
Yes, because much of Europe is Godless and Socialist. The sexual partners of both men and women gain power over one another and, yes, First Ladies may be running the country..However, they are known to the population. A man’s mistress is an unknown, secret part of his character and his life and anyone holding high office in the US should be impeached for adultery, in my view, because it does speak of the depth of treachery which might exist in that person’s character. Better not take that chance.