Analysis: Rep. Weiner ‘undisciplined’ and ‘indignant’ at press conference

A media trainer says Rep. Anthony Weiner’s apology on Monday started off well enough—until he started answering questions.

So there it is.

In a press conference on Monday afternoon, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) finally admitted that he took some racy photos, sent them to a young woman on Twitter, and lied about doing so for 10 days. He also admitted to carrying on “communications” with six women he met online, mostly on Facebook.

During the presser, Mr. Weiner said numerous times that he was giving the press conference because he wanted to “accept responsibility.” But he’s not going to resign. Or stop using Twitter. Or Facebook. Or seek counseling. And he’s going to seek another term.

Mr. Weiner’s lack of sacrifice makes him appear more like a man cornered into finally admitting an obvious truth than a man deeply committed to taking responsibility for his actions. And I’m betting the public will perceive his apology as yet another sign of a self-serving politician who wants to do just enough to make amends with his devastated wife without making any of the real changes that demonstrate self-sacrifice.

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