Why won't N.Y. Gov. David Paterson just resign?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Embattled New York Governor David Paterson insists resignation is "off the table." Maybe he should think again.
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/03/02/art.paterson.jpg caption="New York Gov. David Paterson"]
The New York Times reports the governor personally directed two state employees to contact the woman who accused his aide of assault.
Paterson allegedly told his press secretary to ask the woman to publicly describe the episode as non-violent.
The woman has accused Paterson aide David Johnson of choking her, smashing her into a mirrored dresser and preventing her from calling 9-1-1. A sort of violent non-violent.
According to the article, The governor also asked another state employee to contact the woman before she was to appear in court. That same employee set up a phone call between the governor and the woman.
And it apparently went just like it was supposed to. The woman never showed up in court and the case was dropped. Paterson could face criminal charges for his role in this. If he helped lead an effort to influence the accuser, he should.
The governor, of course, denies any wrongdoing... saying he "never abused the governor's office. Not now, not ever."
Last week, he announced he's ending his campaign for election. But he is refusing to resign and just go away. Paterson says he retains enough authority to govern New York for the next 10 months. Sounds like he better be retaining a defense lawyer. Even some top Democrats are calling on Paterson to quit.
Chicago's got nothin' on us... Yesterday we told you about Rep. Charlie Rangel being admonished by house ethics committee - he remains under investigation for a basket of other stuff, but he won't step aside either. Rangel is arrogant. In Paterson's case, he's just being dumb.
Here’s my question to you: Why do you suppose New York Governor David Paterson won't just resign?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Ronda in Canastota, New York writes:
Jack, You answered the question saying in Paterson's case, he's just plain dumb. The man has no clue, and is so out of touch with reality and with New York. We were much better off with Spitzer, and I wish we had him back (notwithstanding his stint as "Client 9").
D. writes:
He is suffering from the "Charlie Rangel" syndrome: You can't touch me, I'm a politician. What a country!
Amy in New York writes:
Paterson will not resign because that would be an admission of guilt.
Gary in Pennsylvania writes:
Jack, John Wayne’s line comes to mind: "Life is tough. It's a lot tougher when you’re stupid".
Howard in Chicago writes:
Two logical reasons why Governor Paterson won't resign: 1) Ego. 2) Delay to start negotiations to avoid prosecution.
Dan in Virginia writes:
Seriously, what does it take to impeach a politician these days? Apparently incompetence, corruption, obstruction of justice, soliciting sex in an airport men's room and using taxpayer money to hop on a plane to Brazil to be with your mistress without telling anyone aren't bad enough.
Rebecca writes:
It's power, Jack. They won't give up the power. Perhaps we can help them with that come Election Day. At least New Yorkers will be spared voting for Paterson again, they get to vote for a whole new set of power-hungry power brokers.
Ed in Maryland writes:
Fear I suppose, fear of having to shave to land another job.
L. writes:
I think Paterson is being bribed to stick around, not by Republicans or Democrats, but by Saturday Night Live. Paterson serves as a great recurring skit.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Why do you suppose New York Governor David Paterson won't just resign?
Why should he resign? He is already stating that he will not run for the office when his term has expired. I haven't seen much support for him since he took office – what does that say about Democrats?
Jenna
Roseville CA
For the same reason Sanford won't resign. They are an effective distraction for the American public.They shift focus away from real issues facing us today.I think of it in terms of "Political Porn".Not real but something to waste your time on so you don't have to face the stuff that really matters.
Simple. he refuses to be forced out, even if he doesn't run again.
Maybe he is taking a lesson from the other Governors and Congressmen who are involved in Ethics and Romantic Trysts. They should take the lead and just resign and then he can follow.
Why should he? What are they doing w/Rangel? What did they do with Jefferson until he was convicted?
At least the Reps got rid of Cunningham, and Mark from Florida for talking w/boy aids, etc.
I'm an Independent, for 50 yrs a Dem, however have been watching the actions (not the words).
Joanne
Mn
Maybe the governer wants to try a build up a little nest egg for when he's unemployed. Of course this is assuming Sen Bunning and the rest of the Republicans (the party of my way or NO way) are still holding up extension of unemployment benefits when the governer actually leaves the job. I suggest a better question is why doesn't Sen Bunning retire yesterday?
It's pretty simple Jack,
Gov. Paterson won't resign because of pride, ego, vanity, political clout, and the paycheck.
Why should he resign unless he is impeached ?
He's just like any other politician isn't he ?
And maybe like Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens, Gov. Paterson wants his name on an airport or something so that he can be immortalized before he leaves office....
He has nothing to gain from resigning. He is a politician and he believes that he is better than anyone that does not meet or surpass his supremacy. No one can make him resign and principles alone are no longer a reason for anything, when you are a politician. When did americans start working for the government? Government is supposed to work for the americans. We are a decieved nation governed on false beliefs. I no longer will encourage my child to pursue a leadership role in this nation as there is no more prestige in doing so.
Why should he? Why doesn't Charlie Rangel just resign? Why didn't Blago just resign? The list could go on and on, politicians aren't held accountable for their actions.
EGO ? A commom malady with politicians.
Jerry in GA
I don't know why he won't resign but I do know I would.
Our political process seems to have evolved into vicious destruction of your political opponent rather than offering better solutions.
Running for office now days, seems to be harder than combat was in Viet Nam. Over there, the enemy was trying to destroy you in any way that they could but at least in combat, you were allowed to shoot back.
But if he quits, wouldn't that put him in the same boat as the former Gov. of Alaska?
Why won't ANY politician resign. To paraphrase the Watergate concerns.....follow the money. Power and money make people do things far more ridiculous than just hold onto an office they're unfit to occupy.
Because Governor Mark Sanford didn't resign. Come to thing of it, no one else in recent months (other than Spitzer) has resigned either. What has he done that any worse then some of the rest of them?
As with all politicians, Gov. Paterson won't make his decision to step down until he's offered enough money and or real estate property.
I think that Mr. Paterson is hanging on for as long as he can because at this juncture he has nothing else to lose. It can not get any worse for him so he will continue to draw a check until he is forced out or his term expires. Paterson just like Charlie Rangel will never go gently into the night. they will go down kicking clawing and screaming and hoping for some other politician to screw up worse then they did to take some of the heat off of them in the mean time.
Probably because he has no reason to – at least not until someone proves he actually obstructed justice. If obstruction is proved beyond the level of innuendo he should – until then, no.
Governor Paterson won't resign because he doesn't have to. I'm sure a lot of people don't like your commentary at times, Jack, and said you sould quit. I see you're still writing. Sometimes something good comes from perseverence. (Not holding out much hope from the current batch of politician, but you neve know).
He's a politician. Gotta wonder why a whole bunch of them don't just resign.
If he resigns, Patterson's handlers know that will lead people to dig for deeper "truths" about his alleged corruption, affairs, and backdoor politics. By simply bowing out of the race, he might sidestep some of the more ambitious journalists who move on to something more "sexy" for the front page.
He is suffering from the "Charlie Rangle" syndrome: You can't touch me, I'm a politician. What a country!
Why should he resign Jack? He gets a nice paycheck, health insurance, a good retirement and all of it better than an average working joe could dream of . Everything a politician, oops a public servant, could want with little little daily effort. Why do you think they choose politics?
In a word... EGO !!!!
When did a politician leave power without being forced to?
Majority of politicians (old and new) have a sense of entitlement and immunity from laws and feel they're special and dont have to follow the laws their constituents elected them to do (or in Paterson's case, appointed to do). They don't understand why we the people challenge their wrong-doings (be it moral or legal matters).
Because he still thinks he is relevant, which he is not and never was.
Paterson should resign when Rangel resigns. Why aren't the Democrats pressuring Rangel out..............they need his vote. Politics always precedes what is good for the country. Democrats want Paterson out so they can maintain their power, nothing else, if he was leading in the polls and could win another term they would be covering up for him and denying any wrong doing.
Jack, there is ample evidence of folks in elected office who won't resign. Vitter, Ensign, Sanford,Rangel, as well as many on the state level. So, why would the NY Gov. break ranks and why whould you point the finger at him? Many others don't resign until faced with criminal charges or convicted – ie Jefferson, Stevens, etc. Their ego is such that they think they are above the laws others follow, or must obey. Marlene in Mich
Mark Sanford is going to finish out his term as South Carolina governor. John Ensign is running for re-election. David Vitter will probably run again, too. The "Ethics" Committee just decided that several House members took money from companies they steered earmarks to and that is just fine. Why would any politician quit? There's no downside to staying and the perks are great. cy from arlington, va
We don't know if he's guilty of anything. What I do wonder is if the NY Times would have released this story if Paterson had been a good boy and dropped out of the race.
It is possible he needs the money, or that the final 10 months will increase his pension entitlement.
It is even more likely that he genuinely believes New York State would suffer either financially or constitutionally if he were to resign.
You hang in there David. Govern to the best of your ability until the natural end of your term. Don't let the media push you around. They would demean you and the office of the Governor just to improve their ratings.
He can't do that Jack, the SNL skits are too funny.
They all start off by saying they won't resign. A one word answer to your question – EGO.
Perhaps the income is an incentive to stay? Not to mention all of the media attention and the fact that he is gathering great material for a book, speaking engagements, etc. Being either famous or infamous is profitable in our country.
Can we the american people stop his retirement paycheck? We are the on who is paying for his paycheck.
He is a politician, it seems politicians are above the law. He used his power to help a friend. This seems minor to what other politicians have done and are doing.
Jack, Probably because of the lunacy going on with so many other Governors. As for the wise crack; we, in Illinois, got you New Yorkers beat at four Governors, so quit your bragging. None'o youse guys is eva goin ta beat us, see! Nyaa. Layne A. Antioch, Il.
This guy doesn't feel like he has done anything wrong. The same with the Gov of SC, in their minds it's not a bad mark on being Governor to cover up something they don't think is their constituents business. They're slime balls they just don't know it.
The answer is Obvious. Do you not know by now, an entire Different Rule Set applies to Hollywood, Politicians, Executives and "Fat Cats."? We screw up = Prison Term . They do it...........equals Tax Funded Retirement , and spending the sunset years writing books in Tahiti.
Patterson is not at fault what so ever. The man is blind for gods sake, what happened to treating those with disabilities nicely?
Why should he. He hasnt been convicted of any thing. The right wing politicians get away with murder because the news media are afraid of them. They will come after the media when they are critized.
It is possible he's innocent of any wrongdoing in which case he would look guilty if he resigns.
why should he ?
I don't know. You tell me Jack and we'l both know. Gene Midlothian,Va.
Who knows Jack but I'll tell this. Watching these politicians strut around with their egos showing is better then watching Romper Room or the Saturday morning Cartoons.
Nobody ever wants to voluntarily give up that fat government check. .
Jack –
Because career politicians don't believe rules apply to them. How many examples do we need? (Rangel, Spitzer, Blago, Sanford, Jefferson, Traficant, Clinton etc) These are but a few of the more publicized examples of cash in the fridge, hookers/girlfriends in the background & all expense paid travel to vacation spots. Unethical & in some cases blatantly illegal.
If these people were movie stars or sports heros they would check themselves into some sort of rehab center until the storm settled. Politicians don't feel they are guilty of anything – rules don't apply!
It may be, Jack, he made a commitment to the State of New York and wants to fulfill that promise. Somewhat unlike a former Alaska Governor.
Seriously, what does it take to impeach a politician these days? Apparently incompetence, corruption, obstruction of justice, soliciting sex in an airport men's room and using taxpayer money to hop on a plane to Brazil to be with your mistress without telling anyone aren't bad enough.
Why does any politician remain? Frankly Paterson's problems seem far less a problem than say the SC governor.
In a word–EGO....
Resign? Why should he? Sleaze is a necessary requirement for holding public office in this country. If the voters don't like it, they can just vote him out and they shouldn't have voted for him in the first place. Most of the "holier than thou" voters have never run for public office. It's way past time that we all take a more active role in political affairs including running against crooked incumbents for everything from city council to president and get rid of the corporate office-holders.
Brownwood, Texas
Jack,
He has unfinished business
Perhaps other staffers also have pending criminal leagl action.
He is just being loyal to the people he serves.
Jack, this country put up with Sanfords cheating and stealing money from the people to go have an affair in another country, and it put up with Bush's lies about WMD's, and with Cheney's war mongering for 8 years. Tell me why any of them should resign please. No ones making them. No ones holding ANY of them accountable for their actions. As far as they are concerned, if they make their apologies appear sincere, they can do anything they want to do and no one will stop them. Because they're right.
I guess if he is as dumb as you say he is; then how can he get it that he needs to quit!
Did Mark Sanford resign? Nope. Did Larry Craig? Nope. Did John Ensign? Nope. So why should Paterson? All have disgraced their respective offices, but until all are held accountable, no one should be made the sacrificial lamb.
Because he knows he doesn't have to. This is the Age of Obama when anyone who isn't a black politician's cheerleader or waterboy is a racist. And it is evolving from rediculous to nonsensical like the comment of one viewer on Campbell Brown's blog last night saying that all Republicans at Obama's healthcare "summit" were racist because one of them tapped a pencil on the table while Obama was talking. And of course the Teaparty Movement is said by many to be Republican and therefore racist and controlled by the KKK. Hardly a day goes by without opposition to Obama being labelled racist. Patterson knows the consequences of trying to oust a black politician from office and he's cashing in on the resulting fears.
Why should he?
Cheney and Bush didn't resign!
I don't know, and I don't care.
Jack Why should he? He only has a short time left in office and he's not going to run for reelection. I didn't hear anyone suggesting that those other losers should resign (sanford etc. etc.)wWhy is all of this coming out now. Just let the man leave in peace.
I don’t recall any politicians resigning before they were in cuffs and on their way to the big house. It is all alleged and no convictions yet, remember Blago, he still hasn’t given up? It is a sad state of affairs, speaking of affairs, but it’s all politics.
Jack, if Democrats think that Charlie Rangel shouldn't resign, they should not be demanding that Paterson resign. Rangel is clearly in violation of ethics rules, something that apparently does not apply to Democrats. If we were to get rid of every member of Congress with anything questionable in their backgrounds, we would have 535 seats to fill!!
Your guess is as good as mine. What was he thinking? And where were his advisors? And why did he surround himself with idiot advisers, as well as being one himself?
Jack–
Political arrogance and entitlement. First he hires thugs to protect him, then he uses the governor's office to protect them from domestic violence charges and gets caught. He thinks not running again is enough. It's not. He should resign and disappear back into the hole he crawled out of to run for office.
In this country Jack we are all innocent until proven guilty in a court of law and the same applies to Governor Patterson! If I was in his shoes and Jack maybe he is guilty and maybe not but I wouldn't resign until I was guilty in a court of law, these accusations against Governor Patterson is just what they are accusations. The right thing to do would be to resign in my opinion but if federal authorities don't have proof of any involvement from David Patterson I wouldn't resign either!
Scott Stodden (Freeport,Illinois)
Politicians are like ticks. Once they start sucking public funds, they are loath to let go. Public blood suckers.
Denis
Upper Saint Clair, Pa.
Patterson will not resign because that would be an admission of guilt.
Money.
Jack,
It is apparent that most of our elected officials really do not know right from wrong nor truth from lies. They are so accustomed to lieing they don't have any idea they have done wrong and do not think they can do any wrong. This is a power syndrome to be sure. If thinking doing the right thing, then by God, it is the right thing. "I can do no wrong" is the mindset of the arrogant.
Thom Richer
Negaunee, MI
Let's mak a deal. When Rengel resigns, than Paterson can resign. How's that grab ya?
Jack , John Waynes line comes to mind: "Life is tough.It's a lot tougher when your stupid".
Jack, you answered the question: saying in Paterson's case, he's just plain dumb. The man has no clue, and is so out of touch with reality and with New York. We were much better off with Spitzer, and I wish we had him back (notwithstanding his stint as "Client 9").
Mr. Paterson is an accidental governor in the first place. He ran on the ticket of Eliot Spitzer. His political career is finished. The numerous scandals and his inability to lead at a time of financial crisis only shows that no voter in his or her right mind would vote for him. He is clinging onto whatever remains of his exit in American politics.
There is no way he will get out of office if he can help it, what else would you expect a currupt politician to do?
Shouldn't the people of New York be talking to their state represetatives about empeachment?
Two logical Reasons why Governor Patterson won't resign.
1. Ego
2. Delay to start negotiations to avoid Prosecution.
Why didn't Bill Clinton resign? Did he not disrespect the entire nation having an affair in the Oval Office? Why didn't Clinton resign after clearly misleading a Federal grand jury proceeding. Simple reason; the same as Patterson's: Resignation=De Facto Admission of Guilt. Innocent people wouldn't resign, right? I wouldn't.
Because if he did, it would open the door for other politicians to have to admit their corruption. Since EVERY DAMN POLITICIAN is obviously corrupt, (as evidenced by corrupt politicians being replaced by corrupt politicians) we would then have to start drawing elected officials from the (Oh my God) common population, instead of the "Chosen Ones" as is now done. I'm a pretty easy going guy, but I'm sick and tired of the people who run this country & are paid insane amounts of money to do it (from discrete sources) doing what ever they please, while we military people are barely living comfortably. Why can't they just do what they were elected to do, & stop pretending they are above the law, and other citizens?
Simply put, one would think that politicians would learn a lesson in their activities and while in office. Patterson is too stubborn which is why he will not resign. He still wants to hold on to his post and have his cake and eat it. Is he not ashamed? He should resign immediately. I do think it would be a relief for the people if he resigns.
Patterson won't step down because he wants the extra ca$h.
ok jack
who cares what happens to this guy other than you
Does he really need to be apart of the jobless rate? I think not!
Foley,al. Surely you gist!!! Why would a governor, who just watched a whole congress, allow our country to sink into financial oblivia, feel like he has done something worse then they? And after all , they havn"t resigned. We have people dying, because they have no healthcare, while congress plays political chess, with their lives... We have families breaking apart because of loss of jobs, loss of healthcare, etc... Who the he'll gives a damn about the political games being played out with governor Patterson?? And the fact that the media is playing along with it , in time of our countries distress, is unconscienable!!!!
He won;t resign, first because he is a politician, and they get drunk on the power and high life while not having to know or do anything. Second it is fruitless for we the public to speculate because our information comes only from politicians and the media, neither of which can be believed.
so another politian falls from grace, so what??? think of all the ones that came before governor Paterson, think of the ones still falling!!! take Mark Sandford for instance.... he hasn;t left his post, so why is there so much pressure on governor Paterson? could his skin color have something to do with it????
Why resign when Paterson knows the State of New York 's budget can't afford impeachment hearings.
It's power, Jack. They won't give up the power. Perhaps we can help them with that come election day. At least New Yorkers will be spared voting for Paterson again, they get to vote for a whole new set of power hungry, power brokers.
when we get old and feel like we are becomming useless in society, we do anything for a little attention. Enter the senator. He is wrong! point blank. I don't really know what his point is to all of this.
Patterson is Not Obama, This issue has Nothing to do with Obama. So all you Obama haters COOL IT!
Now let's stick with the Subject at hand which is Tampering with a witness.
Shouldn't someone of the Police or the District Attorney's Office Charge Patterson with Tampering with a Witness?
And isn't that A serious crime?
Step Down? Are you nuts! Forget stepping down. How about where is the District Attorney's Office and the Police in all of this? If it is believed that he is a Suspect in Tampering with a Witness, then he should be hauld off to the station and questioned. Then Arrested, accused and charged then receive a Trial. And if they want to take it to the Grand Jury before a trial, so be it.Just do it.
And stop handling this as if it was political. This is not political, but a serious crime of Witness Tampering.
He is a better citizen and human being than me. I would be in jail for less. I 'll bet that he will never resign and in fact he will continue his campaign. He will be found not guilty of any charges that could possibly be rendered against him as he is, and shall remain, untouchable. He and people like him have a different set of laws they must abide by. He has broken no law in the world he lives in. Ethics and our rule of law are a mere bump in the road for this guy. The press will ridicule him and that will be the end of it. If you are rich and powerful you can do anything, anything you want. For you are the elite.
Let's face it, the media (newspapers and tv) have become the venue of choice for any target that someone(s) wants to prosecute / force out of office. Sources are protected; not only does the accused not get to face their accuser, oftentimes they may simply remain anonoymous. Certainly there is no public corroboration of evidence. We, the people, cannot allow the advertiser-hungry press to continually make up or blow out of proportion such incidents that so greatly impact our politicians and other public persons just to
line their pockets. We certainly should not be forcing people out of office before unequivocal proof of dereliction of duty has been proven. The press (especially Fox) has to stop using their bully pulpit to influence politics, or eventually they may become regulated like in other countries. And we don't want that. So step up and do the right thing and stop repeating slander behind the veil of press protections.
It's going to take at least 10 months to destroy other incriminating evidence that he hasnt been caught and charged with and besides that he will be in a better position to serve less time in jail if he still has the power to grant himself a pardon .
I don't know Jack, but it sounded like Wolf and Gloria answered that question right after you asked it. He's not resigning because he thinks it will be better for him not to. Being Governor has its privileges. It's about personal gain. Seems to be a theme going lately.
Hey here's a question though. With so many members of Congress retiring, not running again, or facing tough re-elections, wouldn't it be interesting if they were to pass a Congressional Term Limit bill?
Think about it. What should they care, sounds like most won't be there in a year anyway. I don't think it would save their jobs, but it would be a gracious goodbye, and might even save them from being heckled when they're seen in public.
2 term limits for all politicans
The one word is POWER and what goes along with it.
Here in Illinois we had a Gov. named Blagojevich who thought
he could do no wrong and wound up getting impeached and
will probably go to jail to team up with the last Illinois Gov. Ryan
who is also serving time.
The voting public must look and watch these people who claim
to clean up the mess but just fall in line with the rest of
the crooked politicians.
Perhaps Governor Patterson realizes that the taxpayers of New York shouldn't be saddled with another round of extra transition costs with less than a year remaining to his Administration. But then again, this is David Patterson we are discussing. Never mind.
If all politicians who did something wrong were to resign because it was the right thing to do there wouldn't be enough left to run the country. They don't have a good track record of doing the right thing.
Jack,
At this time we only have the papers side of the story.
I think the Governor should be convicted first in a court of law first, then quit. Until then the press should stop setting the agenda and focus on other matters like "how did they not report the amount of money spent on 2 wars with no objections. Sen. Rockefellers comment of the real sharks are the insurance companies, etc. Those subjects are require more focus by the media.
He's in Government and he dosent want tb be on the other side. And his friend is taking away unemployment benifits.