WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 26: U.S. Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) speaks to reporters in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol September 26, 2023 in Washington, DC. McCarthy said he hopes to bring a House vote on a continuing resolution to fund the government this Friday. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
11 political cartoons that get better with age -- about politicians who don't
Jonah Goldberg
In December 1998, U.S. Rep. Bob Livingston, R-La., was set to succeed Rep. Newt Gingrich as speaker of the House. Gingrich had announced his resignation from Congress and the speakership in the wake of a disastrous midterm election for Republicans as well as revelations that he'd been having an affair with a House staffer who was more than two decades younger.
This was a problem for the Republicans given the impeachment of then-President Bill Clinton over matters stemming from his own infidelity. But before Livingston could get the gavel, it was revealed that he, too, had cheated on his wife. Livingston responded by announcing he would resign immediately. Among those most opposed to Livingston's decision: President Clinton. The White House implored him to reconsider. The last thing Democrats wanted was for an adulterous politician to resign in contrition rather than put his party, country and family through more needless drama.
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 26: U.S. Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) speaks to reporters in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol September 26, 2023 in Washington, DC. McCarthy said he hopes to bring a House vote on a continuing resolution to fund the government this Friday. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
