'Truth Detector' reveals how sex scandal steamrolled Spitzer
DAN MEYER Political Columnist
Client 9. What more can be said? The past couple of weeks have featured a virtual nonstop avalanche of news coverage, commentaries and analyses, with so many in-depth "breaking news" and "developing story" crawls running across the bottom of the television screen that many of the finest Irish Catholics from South Buffalo almost forgot to drink their green beer earlier this week in celebration of St. Patrick's Day.

Unsure of exactly what to focus on, while at the same time knowing I have enough fodder on Eliot Spitzer's sex scandal and eventual resignation as governor of the Empire State, I decided to play it safe and utilize an old friend to help us make sense of it all.

It was only eight paragraphs long, but the written resignation statement Spitzer read last week had all the bells and whistles sounding on "The Truth Detector" as we break down the steamrolling of Client 9's political career:

What Spitzer said: "In the past few days I've begun to atone for my private failings with my wife, Silda, my children and my entire family. The remorse I feel will always be with me. Words cannot describe how grateful I am for the love and compassion they have shown me."

Truth Detector Analysis: I screwed up. Big time.

What Spitzer said: "From those to whom much is given, much is expected. I have been given much - the love of my family, the faith and trust of the people of New York, and the chance to lead this state. I am deeply sorry I did not live up to what was expected of me."

Truth Detector Analysis: My second mention of the word "family" and my first and only use of the word "sorry." I'm hoping constant reminders of my wife and three daughters will somehow result in some sympathy eventually coming my way. As far as saying I'm sorry, I am. I really am. What, you don't believe me?

What Spitzer said: "To every New Yorker, and to all those who believed in what I tried to stand for, I sincerely apologize. I look at my time as governor with a sense of what might have been, but I also know that as a public servant, I and the remarkable people with whom I worked have accomplished a great deal."

Truth Detector Analysis: First reference to an apology, even though I never say what exactly it is that I am apologizing for.

What Spitzer said: "There is much more to be done and I cannot allow my private failings to disrupt the people's work."

Truth Detector Analysis: I wanted to stay in office but basically found out virtually everyone else wanted me to resign. So I guess that's the right thing to do.

What Spitzer said: "Over the course of my public life I have insisted, I believe correctly, that people, regardless of their position or power, take responsibility for their conduct."

Truth Detector Analysis: I really set myself up with that one. In case I didn't make it clear earlier, I really screwed up.

What Spitzer said: "I am resigning from the office of governor, and at Lt. Gov. David Paterson's request, the resignation will be effective on Monday,

March 17."

Truth Detector Analysis: What a way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

What Spitzer said: "As I leave public life, I will first do what I need to do to help and heal myself and my family, then I will try once again, outside of politics, to serve the common good and to move toward the ideals and solutions which I believe can build a future of hope and opportunity for us and for our children."

Truth Detector Analysis: After my wife gives me the boot, I will hopefully find a few clueless people who will convince me to resume my political career. Because, I can do it, right? I can win another election ... right? Hello?

What Spitzer said: "I hope all of New York join my prayers for my friend, David Paterson, as he embarks on his new mission, and I thank the public once again for the privilege of service. Thank you very much."

Truth Detector Analysis: I screwed up. Big time. What was I thinking?

(Daniel Meyer is a columnist for the Weekly Independent Newspapers of Western New York. Comments on this column can be sent via e-mail to: meyersmusings@gmail.com. Opinions expressed here are those of the author.)