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Weiner Fesses Up

NY Rep. tears up as he takes responsibility for photograph at Monday presser, says he will not resign.

Acknowledges online improper relationships with six women but denies brick-and-mortar contact.

Plus: Pelosi calls for ethics investigation.

And: ABC releases photo, interview with woman involved.

Huge Gotham City and national press corps (with as many TV cameras as at Romney's announcement event) in attendance.

Highlights from presser:

"I came here to accept the full responsibility for what I've done."

"I lied because I was embarrassed."

"I have made terrible mistakes."

"This was me doing a dumb thing...and lying about it."

"I have not been honest with myself, my family."

"I apologize to my wife and our families, as well as to our friends and supporters."

"I'm not going to make any effort to characterize those conversations (with the women)."

"I did not violate any law" or responsibility to constituents.

"This was a personal failing and I hope they (his constituents) see it that way."

"It was almost a frivolous exchange" between friends.

"There's nothing inherently wrong with social media," says he made a "dumb" mistake.


Halperin's Take

Weiner's political survival depends on two things: whether Democrats call for his resignation and the size of any other shoes that drop. If neither of those dynamics drive him from the House, he can, like Senator David Vitter and maybe others, live to fight another day.
Related Topics: Democratic Party, House

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