"The Good Wife" star Julianna Margulies empathizes with Weiner's spouse

Julianna Margulies says playing a wronged political wife on TV gives her compassion for what Anthony Weiner's spouse is going through.

Watching Huma Abedin stand by New York mayoral candidate Weiner at a recent news conference reminded Margulies of how she played a similar scene in "The Good Wife" pilot.

Marguilies says she feels empathy for Abedin because people are quick to judge and comment.

But "The Good Wife" star said sexting scandals like that involving Weiner are the gift that keeps on giving for the CBS drama, keeping the show fresh.

It's a reaction that makes her feel slightly guilty, Margulies told the Television Critics Association on Monday.

"The Good Wife" starts its fifth season Sept. 29 on CBS.

Before her stint on "The Good Wife," Margulies starred on "ER" and had a recurring role on "The Sopranos." She has appeared in the films, "City Island," "Snakes on a Plane" and "Ghost Ship."