Image Courtesy of WikiMedia Commons

Weinergate had Americans asking themselves many questions.

Is that really a picture of Anthony Weiner? Why did he take so long to resign? Is a politician’s personal live public property? Why didn’t he know how to use Twitter?

A couple of journalists have been asking another more interesting question:

Why is it always male politicians who get caught up in sex scandals?  What about the women?

The New York Times explains that

“Research points to a substantial gender gap in the way women and men approach running for office…’women run for office to do something, and men run for office to be somebody…’

The article goes on to explain that women run for office less than men, hold themselves to a higher standards, are held to a higher standard by voters, and have to work harder once in office, all deterrents from getting involved in a sex scandal.

Christiane Amanpour of ABC’s This Week looks at the sparse numbers of women in politics and asks

“(would) more women in positions of power change this trend and the public sphere’s culture?”

GOOD explains the phenomenon with one word: sexism.

Female politicians who cheat are just as vulnerable to [being called 'hypocrites' and 'distractions,'], but they’re also liable to get slapped with a whole other set of labels. ‘Slut’ comes to mind… Their ability to be good mothers would also likely be called into question.

What do you think?  Why are women involved in fewer high-profile sex scandals?

And, on a slightly related topic, should Anthony Weiner’s greatly respected and admired wife Huma Abedin consider running for his seat?  Ann Freidman thinks so.  Do you?