ABC moderators have reminded candidates about time constraints in the debate, but they took a moment to have every candidate address a question that can only be a stalking horse for Newt Gingrich’s record of two divorces and now a third marriage: “Should voters consider marital fidelity when making their choice for president?”
Two responses from the Republican candidates stood out. Gov. Rick Perry, R-Texas, fielded the question first — moderators left Gingrich to answer last — and he made a sharp criticism, implicitly directed at Gingrich. “When I make a vow to God, then I would suggest to you that’s even stronger than a handshake in Texas,” he joked, before adding seriously that “If you will cheat on your wife, if you will cheat on your spouse, than why wouldnt you cheat on your business partner, or why wouldn’t you cheat on anyone else?”
Rick Santorum, known as a Roman Catholic with strong family values, took a somewhat higher road. Acknowledging that character is an important criterion in selecting a president, he said, “I would not say [marital infidelity] is a disqualifier, I wouldn’t go that far — I think people make mistakes.”
Gingrich, having waited for every candidate to address the question, gave his answer. “First of all, I think it is a real issue,” he said. “[Voters] have to have a feeling that this is a person that they can trust with the level of power that we give to the presidency.” He also acknowledged that he has “made mistakes” with regard to marital infidelity, but reminded voters that he has a had a religious conversion and benefited from the experience of aging and becoming a grandfather.
