So, I guess you could say we’re going to have our own little Octoberfest; except this isn’t about sausages (pun definitely intended) and beer but about the life and times of Anthony Weiner.
I watched this movie and as I settled down at my computer, former Democratic Congressman Anthony Weiner was once again in the news. This time he was allegedly sexting with a 15 year old girl. My thought was: has he no shame? Obviously, not so much. I have to admit, I’m baffled. When I first heard about this documentary of his “big come back,” I was marginally intrigued. Firstly, he went down in flames in his bid for Mayor of New York City so there was no re-entry into politics. Secondly, I suppose I was wondering why he even released the film since he failed.
I spent the first part of the movie trying to figure out why. Then I decided to just sit back and relax. The film gives unusual insight into people who feel they are destined for leadership in the political arena. I’m not comparing Weiner to some of the great men who have served but I believe they probably have to have some of that sense of destiny in them.
Winner in the category of Best Documentary of 2016 at the Sundance Film Festival, Weiner is funny, witty, and confusing; I’m still wondering why he would expose his family to this degree.
Huma Abedin, Hillary Clinton’s top aide for many years, is Mr. Weiner’s wife. A woman who has spent many years behind, beside and around Hillary yet she chooses to rarely be in the limelight. Huma is said to be highly qualified and Mrs. Clinton has said that she is like a daughter to her. They certainly have some similar life experiences.
To insure Weiner’s Mayoral win, Huma was front and center. She appeared with him, stood with him and even spoke for him. That had to be hard, yet she agreed to another indulgence of this man when they invited the public into their home, offices and vehicles to film Weiner. During this campaign there was yet another scandal involving a 22 year old woman who actually attempted to sabotage his campaign, appearing on TV and literally chasing him around NYC.
Anthony Weiner was born and raised in Brooklyn. I truly believe he loves New York City. He served as a Member of the NYC Council from 1992-1998. He served 12 years in Congress from 1999-2011 resigning because of a sexting scandal. Huma stayed with him and in 2013 there was another scandal. It makes you wonder whether the behavior ever stopped or ever will. Does he realize what he is doing wrong? As I watched him in the film, I realized none of it was about the sexually explicit texts to many women (now girls), it was about how to spin whatever was happening to the media. I know this has to happen in every campaign to some degree but I am just sick and tired of the information I receive being altered, manipulated and managed by people who create a life of doing just that. How do they sleep at night?
Weiner makes you ponder. Politics is definitely a “glass house” kind of job. Many men and women of integrity have survived the transparency of the profession. As the media continues to take on a different role in campaigns, will voters become more critical or just jaded and desensitized. This film is educational and entertaining. Its R rated for language so not so much for the kids! Let me know what you think at chastings@rockcliff.com.
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