Ritual of Repentance

The Post-Scandal Litany of New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer Has Familiar Echoes

Libby Copeland in the Washington Post, March 11, 2008

We test the crisis-management script.

First, we watch the news conference. There's Spitzer, with his wife by his side. He says, "I want to briefly address a private matter." Then he expresses remorse (albeit vaguely) and promises to "dedicate some time to regain the trust of my family."

Then, we call Mark Geragos, the high-profile criminal defense attorney, who -- as it happens -- has not actually seen the news conference. He proceeds to describe the news conference that he has not seen.

"You've got to have the dutiful wife and you have to have the 'it's a private matter,' " Geragos says. "And remorse for the past and plans for the future."

Whoa.

"If you've seen one, you've seen 'em all," Geragos says.

(via Jeremy Lott at Get Religion)


Update: At Prawsblawg, Apology Uniforms

(via Orin Kerr at The Volokh Conspiracy)