Candidates Offer Views On Infidelity

Katie Couric Asks Whether They Can Understand Voters Who Don't Feel Comfortable Supporting A Candidate Who Cheated

(CBS)  For the series “Primary Questions: Character, Leadership & The Candidates,” CBS News anchor Katie Couric asked the 10 leading presidential candidates 10 questions designed to go beyond politics and show what really makes them tick.

For the fifth part of the special series "Primary Questions," Couric asked the candidates: “Harry Truman said, 'A man not honorable in his marital relations, is not usually honorable in any other.' Some voters don't feel comfortable supporting a candidate who's not remained faithful to his or her spouse. Can you understand their position?"

In a new CBS News / New York Times poll, two out of three registered voters said they'd vote for a candidate even if he or she had been unfaithful in marriage, as long as they agreed on most issues. One out of three said they would not.

---

Check out the complete poll results.

---

Also, check out the candidates' full responses to the previous questions in our "Primary Questions" video library.

---

JOE BIDEN

Couric: Harry Truman said, "A man not honorable in his marital relations, is not usually honorable in any other." Some voters don't feel comfortable supporting a candidate who's not remained faithful to his or her spouse. Can you understand their position?

Biden: Look, this is really dicey territory. Let me say it this way. I think that one's character, one's honesty, one's integrity, is a habit of the mind. I don't think people can be dishonest in one aspect of their life, and compartmentalize it and be viewed as being honest in other parts of life.

If the tendency is to cut a corner; if the tendency is not to tell the truth; the probability is, that in a moment of crisis, where that person's interests are at stake, they're likely revert to the bad tendencies. If the habit of the heart and the habit of the mind is, that whether you're dealing with promising the parking attendant you're gonna be back in 20 minutes. Or you're telling your wife something, or you are going to the nation and making a commitment.

There is -- habits are habits. And they all relate to, seems to me, how an individual values what they say as being important and relevant. Everybody makes mistakes. I don't have a -- you know, I don't pass harsh judgments on people who make -- my dad used to say, very good people do very bad things sometimes. But it's more of whether it's a pattern or a mistake.

And I think that it's awfully hard to be -- have a pattern of dishonesty in relationships, married or otherwise, and be reliable in difficult circumstances where other people are depending on the veracity of what you say.

Couric: Should marital infidelity be part of the equation, in your view, when a voter is evaluating a candidate?

Biden: I think that's for every voter to decide. Voters make -- as they should -- make decisions relative to the leaders based on their needs. The need of the voter. And if you have someone who is, you need someone to be a great general to win a battle and he is a no-good guy, you'd never wanna show up for dinner. You might very well say, I'd vote for that guy to be the general. I'd vote that person or that woman to be the -- you know, the governor, or whatever.

I think people make very rational decisions based upon whether or not the character flaw in the individual they're looking at relates to something that affects their lives or the life of their country. And for some people, the overwhelming requirement, overwhelming characteristic they want is honesty. And that would be a difficult thing for ... the voter who has that as the highest priority, to vote for someone like that.

But it's an interesting thing. I remember asking ... one of the people who's ... a smart guy, is this guy Frank Luntz, who does these groups. And I remember hearing him speak and saying that the polling data shows that the characteristic -- he asked the question generically.

What characteristic do you think the American people most look for in their ... in their president? And I immediately said, honesty, integrity. In my mind. And he said, no, no. Then he asked the audience. And they said -- the simple most important thing they're looking for is resilience. Someone who can take a "hit" and get back up and move on. That's an interesting phen -- phenomena.

I've been in public life most of my adult life, and I wouldn't have said that. But ya think about it. It's probably one of those characteristics that gives people confidence that you can lead the country through what they know are gonna be ups and downs. But, so, that's a long answer to your short question.

Couric: Yeah. That's interesting.

Biden: I think that, for some people, if honesty, if the -- if absolute integrity of the character of a person you're looking for to be president is the criteria for you, then I think it probably matters a lot. If it is determining who can best drive this train right now at this moment, it may or may not be.


JOHN MCCAIN

Couric: Harry Truman once said, "A man not honorable in his marital relations is not usually honorable in any other." Many people feel they don't feel comfortable supporting someone who's not remained faithful to his or her spouse. Should they feel that way? Or can you understand their feeling that way?

McCain: You know ... that's an area that I never get into. Because I think that people make judgments, and you can judge other people. I'm not very good at that. And so, I think it's up to each person's personal view of the individual, and ... everybody has a different view.

I say that because you and I know that there have been some leaders in American history -- latest information about Franklin Delano Roosevelt. I happen to still think that Franklin Delano Roosevelt was an important president at a time in our history when we needed some courage. And so ... that's just frankly, a judgment that I leave to others.


BILL RICHARDSON

Couric: Harry Truman said, quote, "A man not honorable in his marital relations is not usually honorable in any other." Many people say they don't feel comfortable supporting someone who's not remained faithful to their spouse. Why should they?

Richardson: Well, I think this is ... if you're -- if you're not faithful to your wife, you're not faithful to the country, to your ideals. You're not faithful to the spirit in which Americans trust their political leaders. And they expect them to ... have a sense of honor.

Nobody's perfect. I've been married to Barbara for 35 years. We've had our differences, our difficulties, but we've stayed together. But I think being faithful is ... an essential component of any relationship. It's whether a voter can trust you to ... be thinking about the common good as opposed to personal ambition or anything else.

Couric: Do you think infidelity is reason enough not to vote for someone?

Richardson: I don't think so. I think that, you know, infidelity is ... a serious problem in any marriage. But, you know, everybody sins. And it's whether you're forgiven, whether you forgive yourself, whether you have faith in God. You know, perfection ... is something that politicians, they should not stand themselves for perfection. Nobody's perfect.


BARACK OBAMA

Couric: Harry Truman said, quote, "A man not honorable in his marital relations is not usually honorable in any other." Many people say they don't feel comfortable supporting someone who's not remained faithful to their spouse. Why should they?

Obama: Why should they not --

Couric: Support someone who isn't faithful. In other words, people feel uncomfortable. Is that appropriate? Or, you know, how do you feel about that?

Obama: Well, I ... you know, I do think that public morality ... and private morality are not sum -- you know, or not equivalent. You know, we -- some of our greatest presidents haven't always been terrific husbands. And some who have been wonderful husbands have been rotten presidents.

So, you know, I think that other countries have typically taken a little more casual on approach when it comes to the personal lives ... of elected officials. And I think that there has to be some space for privacy. I will say this.

I do think that I'm very proud of the relationship I've got with Michelle, and the work and the value that I've put into it. And I hope it does say something about my character, the strength of my marriage. But, you know ... if I was -- had a wonderful marriage but didn't have good ideas in terms of providing health care for every American or repairing the damage that's been done to our foreign policy by George Bush, then my marriage alone shouldn't qualify me ... for being president.

Couric: Should infidelity qualify someone, or should infidel ...

Obama: Disqualify.

Couric: ... infidelity disqualify someone?

Obama: You know ... I'm very cautious about applying strict moral rules to ... or a blanket universal rule to ... people. Because, you know, I mean, there are some people who might say that the fact that, you know, I indulged in drugs when I was young, disqualifies me. I mean, there are a lot of ways that you can apply that kind of morality. What I'm always hopeful of is that people are judge our public servants based on their passion, their commitment, their public integrity, how they operate with that public trust. And, you know, if we start getting too sanctimonious about some of these issues then there aren't going to be that many people who are able or willing to serve.


HILLARY CLINTON

Couric: Harry Truman once said, "A man not honorable in his marital relations is not usually honorable in any other." Some voters say they don't feel comfortable supporting someone who's not remained faithful to his or her spouse. Can you understand or appreciate their point of view?

Clinton: Well, I can certainly understand why some people would feel that way, and ... that is their perfect right to do so. But I think ... would be a tough standard for most of American history to be able to meet, when we look at people who have made a big difference in our country.

I think there's more to someone's honor and integrity, and to their public service. I think sometimes we confuse the private and the public in ways that are not necessarily useful. So, of course, it's a deeply personal matter that I take personally. But I think on the public stage, there are a number of people who have represented our country, led our country, accomplished great achievements on behalf of our country who might have some challenges in their personal life, but have made a great contribution.

[coolprophet]

RON PAUL WINS PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
According to Google Trends, if the election happened today, Ron Paul would be the next U.S. President. In competition with Hillary Clinton, Ron Paul wins. Ron Paul is the most searched for presidential candidate in the 2008 election. What the sold-out mainstream media mouthpieces doesn''t realize, and what the neocons don''t realize, is that Google is all-powerful, even beyond them. Google Trends accurately predicted the last U.S. President--George W. Bush.

[justamere]

There was a time in Canada if the King or Queen came to visit the country, in rural areas schools would be let out and the children would stand near the railroad to wave their hands when he/she went by.

Public officials were honored and were expected to at least in public set an exemplary example of morality and good values.

Hollywood, the media, and liberal teachers and professors seem to have changed all that, and I don''t think we''re better off for it.

Still, I continue to believe that the majority in America, at least those in rural areas, continue to hold morality and faithfulness to one''s spouse and children near and dear to their hearts.

Of course it''s important for politicians who make the laws of the land and represent America and Americans nationally and abroad to demonstrate morality.

Couric''s questions were valid, a big part of America wants to know where the presidential candidates stand on values and morality.

My vote''s for Mitt Romney!

[coolprophet]

ron paul has been faithful to his wife for fifty years also to the people in his district look at his voting record for the past thirty years this will prove his honesty level is far above and beyond the other canidates this competition these are true facts those who do not learn from history are bound to repeat thee mistakes google ron paul 08

[joelstephenb]

While on one hand Huckabee and Edwards are correct, you must also consider the fact that many people make mistakes. However, you can tell when someone has sincerely realized their mistake and decided to correct the behavior. Continuously, abusing the woman you are married to by carrying on an affair with another woman is never correct.

Obviously, as some posters have said the issues should be the most important consideration but this adamant assertion that morals don%u2019t matter makes no logical sense. We have to have a point where we say a persons personal life carries weight on his candidacy. Otherwise, we could have a man that%u2019s states he%u2019s a pedophile run for office. Let%u2019s try this %u2018interview%u2019 out.

Reporter: Sir, it is said that you prefer *** with children. Since, you haven%u2019t been convicted this doesn%u2019t disqualify you but why should we vote for a man that believes as you do?
Candidate: Well, I believe a candidate%u2019s personal life should have nothing to do with why a person votes for them but we should look at their position on the issues and since I was let off of having *** with that child on a technicality, I%u2019m free to run for office.

Can we not see the ludicrousness of saying a candidate%u2019s moral life is unimportant to who we vote for? Has society really become that stupid? The only question is do you think that person has crossed the line or not.

[superdem]

This is such B.S. !! It''s nobody''s business what you do in your personal life !! There is no correlation between marital fidelity and leadership. Bush is completely faithful to his wife, but he''s a pathological liar and is the worst President America has ever had ! Did Cheney ever cheat on his wife ? WHO CARES - he''s a demon from the corporate underworld ! Some of the best Presidents who saved America in times of crisis cheated !! It''s utter nonsense to even consider this ! The same people who pontificate on this hate Hillary Clinton - because she did NOT divorce her husband ! The marriage vow is not "until you cheat" - it''s "until death do us part" so Hillary SHOULD be the MODEL of what marriage means. Does she get any credit from the Save Marriage Family Values crowd ? HECK NO - she could discover the cure for cancer and they''d still hate her. They call themselves Christians but they are sick, sick, sick. I don''t believe humans are naturally monogamous, if they were, there would be no divorce rate, yet it is over 50% ! Don''t blame it on the ''60''s - none of the great apes are monogamous, you have to go down to the gibbons to find monogamy in wild primates. Certainly the cavemen were not monogamous, figures in the Bible had more than one wife, they cheated all the time, the arabs are not monogamous even today. And those Mormons, well..enuf said.

[Syndicate]

I think it would be Hypocritcal of Republicans to support Rudy after blasting Clinton for his extraciricular activities. I also think it would be Hypocritical to support Romney after blasting Kerry for flipfloping. Perhaps some marriages were not meant to be but as Romney said their is an honorable way to end them you don''t go out get a misstress and expect the wife at home to be happy. Obviously the one who cheats is the problem in the relationship.

[mudrose-2009]

I''m wonder if any of them know how to spell it.

[gunownerdan]

Both Bill Clinton and Rudy Giuliani have cheated on their wives, people they are supposed to love, respect, and swore an oath to be faithful to.
If they can''t even keep a promise to their loved ones, how are they supposed to keep promises to the American people who are complete strangers?
The fact is, they can''t!

[nativewoman]

Posted by mbcsmith at 10:16 AM : Dec 20, 2007

Obama was disagreeing with the casual approach taken by other countries. He said he thinks that infidelity should disqualify the candidate.

I see nothing wrong with considering how other people and other countries approach various issues. As with Obama, that doesn''t mean one accepts the way others do things.

All information and approaches should be considered regarding any issue to make informed, thoughtful decisions.

[klifton2-2009]

Stupid question! What and how do you expect the candidates to reply? Of course, they will say things YOU like to hear but behind close doors, anything can happen, has happened, and will happen. If infidelity is frowned upon and is a "sin," which is rightly so in an ideal world, then both Houses would be pretty much empty.

[watcher269-2009]

Just look at Cheney. He''s *** Bush!

[omega39-2009]

I sent a comment as well I hope they send it on ha ha Omega you are the best
Posted by starleo

Thanks Starleo! To expound on my previous thoughts, during WW2 many German citizens broke the law and secretly listened to the BBC because they could not believe the press that was controlled by the German Propaganda Ministry. Many of these people were turned in by their neighbors and in some cases unwittingly by their children. We now have unprecedented access to news beyond our boarders but as the sources have increased exponentially, so have the ways to monitor those who would use them.

[starleo146]

Hey, I got the same email and signed the same petition. Every authoritarian government throughout history has co-opted the press to keep the citizens in the dark. That is what is happening here, remember when republicans set out to make PBS more "fair and balanced"?

Posted by omega39 at 10:12 AM : Dec 20, 2007

I sent a comment as well I hope they send it on ha ha Omega you are the best

[mbcsmith]

Interesting that Obama looks to other countries when responding. Should America set it''s standards based on other countries standards?

[starleo146]

I''''m one of those that does not care what a person does in his-her private life. As long as they do the job that they were elected to do. That''''s all that matters to me.

Posted by pollroller1 at 09:39 AM : Dec 20, 200

I think you are right for some reason the news media is into everyones business and forgot how to report news. It is all about a Splash of Tabloid and who can report the dirt first and how stupendous the report can be. It is not our business about peoples lives unless they committed a crime or got killed no more dirt on anyone please. Did you like her question do you think we should vote for someone who had an incidence of fidelity. SHE WANTS TO DESTROY HILLARY It will take more than her to do it but the media is sure trying and they may do it.

[omega39-2009]

I got a e-mail to sign a petion this morning , It seems thee Fcc gave Rupert Murdoch more access to other station that is what we need more Faux Nooz opinions everywhere. control the justice dept. ,control supreme court and now control the media just before the election huh

Posted by starleo14672

Hey, I got the same email and signed the same petition. Every authoritarian government throughout history has co-opted the press to keep the citizens in the dark. That is what is happening here, remember when republicans set out to make PBS more "fair and balanced"?

[azcagirl]

I don''t care what they do in their personal lives either as long as it is legal. And is it just me or does Huckabee sound like a complete moron? He is trying to become president for crying out loud, you think he would learn to use regular words instead of "uh-huh". It just sounds ignorant to me.

[starleo146]

Katie you couldn''t be a reporter if your life depended on it. Get real and please figure it out we do not want tabloid we want real news you are a doofus and are hurting women everywhere

[starleo146]

Hi Starleo, long time no see. I suspect even Katie Couric couldn''''t have come up with such a blase story without guidance from the corporate powers that be. Early in the Republican debates, when Huckabee was in single digits, he made a comment that outsourcing has to be stopped because it is destroying America (or something to that effect). since he has reached top tier status there has been no repeat. The corporations and their shills want no discussion of what is good for the people because it would ultimately be bad for the corporate bottom line.

Posted by omega39 at 09:57 AM : Dec 20, 2007
+ report

I got a e-mail to sign a petion this morning , It seems thee Fcc gave Rupert Murdoch more access to other station that is what we need more Faux Nooz opinions everywhere. control the justice dept. ,control supreme court and now control the media just before the election huh

[omega39-2009]

What is it with Katie Couric is she for real or what? Please get her away from the television, she hurts every woman who has a real brain, and will probably hurt these women from being noticed. What is her salary again? Wonder why she asked this particular question, every one knows how she feels about Hillary, and it is a stab against her. Once again Her husband was guilty of infidelity, she didn''''t fool with Monica, and she shouldn''''t be held responsible for his actions.

Posted by starleo14672

Hi Starleo, long time no see. I suspect even Katie Couric couldn''t have come up with such a blase story without guidance from the corporate powers that be. Early in the Republican debates, when Huckabee was in single digits, he made a comment that outsourcing has to be stopped because it is destroying America (or something to that effect). since he has reached top tier status there has been no repeat. The corporations and their shills want no discussion of what is good for the people because it would ultimately be bad for the corporate bottom line.