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What would have made Spitzer’s apology a perfect 10?
By Lauren | March 13, 2008
Eliot Spitzer delivered an exceptionally well-crafted apology yesterday when he announced his decision to step down as Governor of New York. It was straightforward, unflinching and totally devoid of excuses. So, why isn’t everybody buying it?
Some people think Spitzer should have been more specific about what he did wrong. Come on, folks – the man is facing potential criminal charges. It’s not realistic to expect him to issue a detailed confession to the press when the Fifth Amendment would protect him from having to do so in court.
Others think Spitzer was insufficiently emotional. True, his delivery was dry-eyed and calm, but would hysterical breast-beating have served any purpose? (Think back – was the famous image of televangelist Jimmy Lee Swaggert weeping buckets after his own fall from grace in a sex scandal any better?) The essence of an effective apology is sincerity, and Spitzer has never seemed to be a particularly gushy guy. Given a choice, I’ll take honest calm over emotional theatrics any day.
The one critical thing missing from Spitzer’s apology was this: he never admitted (now that he himself has been through the bone-crushing wringer of public disgrace) that the people he pursued so aggressively as Attorney General suffered too, and he never apologized for his hard-nosed, “take no prisoners” approach.
My guess is that Spitzer didn’t express regret for the pain he inflicted because he doesn’t feel any. He certainly isn’t the first prosecutor to take the position that criminals deserve no mercy, and many New Yorkers apparently agree. After all, Spitzer’s gubernatorial campaign was premised on his promise to bring tough reforms to Albany, and he won election by the largest margin in recent memory. Still, his pride was apparent in yesterday’s apology, and his stiff-necked attitude may well have undercut the effectiveness of his otherwise well-written words.
Now that Governor Spitzer is, himself, on the public hotseat, it might be time for him to learn a little humility and compassion for others who have gone before him, sometimes thanks to his efforts. Pride goeth, Mr. Governor, and you’ve had one heck of a fall.
Topics: Apologies, Personal Ethics |