The Gaggle: Surviving scandal

>>> it was four years ago that mark sanford was the governor of south carolina . head of the republican governors association and a serious potential candidate for president. is he a front hs runner in a 16-person primary in the open seat in south carolina ? maybe. now sanford is addressing the scandal that sort of chased him out of politics head-on.

>> the reality of our lives is if we live long enough, we will fail at something. i absolutely failed at my personal life and my marriage. one place i never ever failed was with the taxpayer.

>> but did use taxpayer dollars to cover up that affair. he sort of disputed he ever admitted any knit there. maggie, as you correctly pointed out, mark sanford going against stephen coburn 's sister. it's like christmas come early for this world. i just don't know if he can get through a republican primary in south carolina .

>> he clearly doesn't know if he can either. you guys discussed this this morning, about there is clearly polling showing this is an issue for him. how could it not be?

>> you wouldn't mention it if you didn't.

>> you wouldn't go on a tour like this.

>> he went onset. that is the difference. goes onset and we know a warmer atmosphere, doesn't want to get attacked. a very clever pr strategy.

>> it is but not ending it with one interview and what by point to forever. he knows he has to keep addressing this. it's south carolina . it's a heavily republican district. a lot of people who are very conservative, social conservatives who are not going to say, well, that's great. you made a point that is very interesting. imto interrupt you. i didn't realize him and the mistress are married or about to marry.

>> it does matter to people. yes, he had an affair but there is sort of that maybe he just fell in love with somebody else. there is some people that will forgive him.

>> another piece to this. he appears to be very sincere. he appears to be very -- well --

>> hard to imagine he is not. he married the woman. i'm sorry. i think sometimes you have to take people at their word.

>> you're exactly right but in terms of how he expresses. i remember when he came out two years ago with this. he kept saying over and over again how sorry he was and his heart and the whole nine yards. i think a lot of christian conservatives and could say we never forgive the sin but forgive the sinner.

>> christians in the south, i think baptist are very willing to let a lot of these things go. look at david vitter . we all thought when that happened he would never come back or newt gingrich .

>> i wouldn't use him.

>> if you admit your failings and your sin. again, i go back. because he married the other woman, i'd say -- that is big and that helps a lot. shameless plugs. i'll let you go last and we have a reason.

>> me first? here in new york city you have to go to -- i think i'm going to do it this evening.

>> fair enough.

>> i got a plug. new york, which you said i'm ashamed to be a part of it in than just about brooklyn flea on the weekend is great.

>> and you go last. brooklyn boy .

>> this weekend in washington the pump it up festival which is a big thing.

>> people forget about washington. the capital of punk and always was.

>> always a big thing going on. go see pictures.

>> that's it for this edition of "the daily rundown." coming