Craig's Second Thoughts Won't Matter
This column was written by CBS News Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith.
Sen. Larry Craig may be changing his mind about resigning. He wants his reputation back - and few things are harder to restore.
It's not exactly like there was a phalanx of Republicans who stood up for him last week urging him to fight on. There was one: Arlen Specter. Craig, using Specter as a ray of hope, has apparently gone out and hired a team of lawyers and crisis specialists to help him clear his name.
Assume for a moment that Craig, who already pleaded guilty, could get those charges dropped. What would that change? Anything? Would all those who so quickly turned their backs on him suddenly welcome him with open arms?
The reason Craig was treated like kryptonite was he was caught trying to have gay sex. Craig claims to be straight. His kids have gone on TV to say so. But gay sex is apparently a bigger sin then, say, plain old adultery.
Boys will be boys after all - unless it's with other boys.
Harry's daily commentary can be heard on many CBS Radio News affiliates across the country.