House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi says the behavior of Anthony Weiner is "reprehensible'' and "disrespectful of women.''
The California Democrat lashed out at Weiner, a candidate for mayor of New York City and San Diego Mayor Bob Filner, saying their behavior is stunning and that they "don't have a clue.'' Both men were formerly Democratic members of the House.
Weiner, who is married, apologized this week after fresh allegations he exchanged lewd images and sexually explicit messages with another woman.
Filner has been besieged by allegations of sexual harassment.
Pelosi suggests both men may need therapy and says they should "do it in private.'' But she says it's up to Weiner to decide if he should leave the mayor's race.
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Pelosi's office released a transcript of the news conference.
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Below is the question and answer concerning the mayoral candidate.
Q: Madam Leader, as one of the most prominent Democratic politicians, I am curious about your take on former Congressman Weiner's latest transgressions, having repeated the same action that occurred for his resignation in Congress. Do you have any new…
Leader Pelosi. So shall I be thinking of you as sort of a social issue kind of a guy here?
Q: I am never – no, I…
Leader Pelosi. We are legislators. But I appreciate your question. I think I have spoken and acted in terms of Anthony Weiner, in terms of when he was in the Congress of the United States. In his case, in the case of Mayor Filner, clearly, they have both admitted they need therapy. I think maybe that therapy could better be accomplished in private.
Q: Should he stay in the race?
Leader Pelosi. That is up to the people of New York. Yes?
Q: Ms. Pelosi. next week it looks like the House is going to take up this…
Leader Pelosi. Let me just say before I leave, let me be very clear: the conduct of some of these people that we are talking about here is reprehensible. It is so disrespectful of women. And what is really stunning about it is they don't even realize it. You know, they don't have a clue. And it is really, if they are clueless, get a clue. And if they need therapy, do it in private.
