Anthony Weiner NYC Mayor: Former Congressman Announces Run

Former Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY) is now in the running in New York City’s mayoral race. In his new video, Weiner addresses his rationale for running and the platform he wants to push if he is elected to succeed Mayor Michael Bloomberg. However, he also briefly addresses the events that led to his infamous resignation in 2011 from his house seat.

“Look, I’ve made some big mistakes and let a lot of people down,” he says in the video, “but I’ve also learned some tough lessons … I hope I get a second chance to work for you.”

Second chances are great and all, but in our current media environment and political world, all too often politicians are brought down by scandal, and it’s very difficult to come back. During his run in the Republican primaries, Herman Cain was beleaguered with sexual harassment accusations. Former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer’s reputation collapsed when the news of his frequent involvements with an escort agency. And do I even need to bring up Bill Clinton?

The point is: second chances are hard to come by in U.S. politics, even if they are deserved. However, they are not unheard of. And as Weiner enters the NYC mayoral race, we can’t help but flashback to that infamous flameout of 2011, when Andrew Breitbart hijacked Weiner’s news briefing and contended that he was not the hacker of Weiner’s Twitter account, and did not tweet the picture of his “weiner” (couldn't help myself), which then lead to Weiner’s tearful apology and admittance of dishonesty.

Flashback to 2011 here:

Breitbart hijacks the news briefing:

Weiner apologizes:

Do you think Anthony Weiner is going to get a second chance, whether he deserves it or not? Do you think the scandal happened long enough ago that it will be easy for the public at large to forgive and forget? Comment below and share your thoughts.