Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Len Rogers — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 13:08:38 GMT

Personally, I think Larry Craig should stay as a permanent reminder of the hypocrisy of the "Family Values" political agenda. I didn't see "Family Values" alter Pres Bush's decision to abandon thousands of children with his recent veto. This whole right winged campaign of "Family Values" was to control, instill fear and sheep like compliance. Let Craig stay, let us not forget the painful experience of many Americans not being a part of the benefitted "family". Maybe now we can really move forward toward a better place of human equality.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Rick McGilton-David McGlamery, Long Beach, CA — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 13:26:29 GMT

We watched your interview of Sen Craig last night...overall, it was pretty good. We were disappointed though in your lack of sensitivity, research and perpetuating a negative stereotype. All throughout your interview, you kept saying gay men have sex in bathrooms. This statement brings me back to the time when there was GRID, Gay Cancer and Hiv infection/AIDS where if we were walking down the street or in a mall, people would part so they would touch us, parents would grab their children and we would have to wait for table service and get the worse service....all because they associated us, being gay, with having some disease. We have just celebrated our 29th anniversary and never had sex in any public place, let alone a bathroom. We have known many, many gay men who would not even think about having sex in a bathroom. We do know and have know guys who have sex in the bathrooms...why with all those germs we asked and it seems it is because of the thrill. To correct you in saying and inferring that only gays have bathroom sex, you will find men who are straight, bisexual and of course gay. To say only gays have bathroom sex perpetuates a negative stereotype the gay community does not need, especially since it is only a minority. It is no worse than combining and identifying all Jews as tightwads, Mexicans as Taco eaters, Italians as greeseballs, Irish as drinkers, and I hope you get my point...reinforcing negative sterotypical groups. We hope your comments were not of personal prejudice and hatred against gays but merely misspoke due to inaccurate research.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Charles Mitchell, Boise, ID — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 13:50:21 GMT

As a resident of NY for 56 years, I didn't watch any of Mr. Lauer's interviews because of his political orientation, however, as a resident of Idaho for the last three years, his interview with Senator Craig tweaked my interest.All I can say is congratulations to Mr.Lauer on his tough, but fair interview in which he asked unbiased questions that Senator Craig answered forthrightly and without hesitation. It's obvious from the interview that the Senator is only guilty of stupidty in trying to hide the situation from the beginning rather then fight this ridiculus miscarriage of justice. Let's move on, and if the personal lives of Congress need to be investigated, believe me, there are bigger fishes out there with far more crimes then misdemeanors that should be investigated.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Sharon McAtee Springfield, MO — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 13:50:54 GMT

I have voted Republican in most elections. To watch
Senator Craig spin his answers is a good example and study in the art of deception. Rather than ask him if he is "gay" because that word has various meanings, I would like him to answer the question:
Have you engaged in acts of sodomy?

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Mark A. MacDonald Athol, MA. — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 13:55:27 GMT

understand fully why the senator got a medical disharge from the national guard, he clearly still has a problem with those "feet"....

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Brent, Indianapolis, IN — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 14:11:17 GMT

Just let the man take a POLYGRAPH and we can clear this matter up once and for all !!!

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Bob DeVries, Lakeland, Fl — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 14:11:56 GMT

Whether Mr Craig is gay or not is not an issue for me and my family...we've grown beyond that...we know too many who are classified as gay who are wonderful, upstanding, contributing members of society to see it as a bad or evil thing. My real issue is that if Mr. Craig sees entrapment as such an evil and it is in all its forms, then why, as a Senator, does he not fight for legislation that would outlaw such activity. The amount of tax payers money thrown to the wind in tying up our police officers and our courts in an activity where so often innocent people are finding there lives cast into such turmoil is just plain wrong. Having said this I'm not making a judgement on Mr. Craig's guilt or innocence but if he is as innocent as he claims and is being put through all this anguish then we all should hang our heads. It would be a much better use of those tax dollars to have our "people in blue" out tracking down real criminals than tapping their foot in a toilet stall or burning up gas cruising around in a park. We see it every day.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Alicia Waters, Boise, ID — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 14:16:02 GMT

I am an Idaho voter, and I think Craig should stay to finish out his term. He has already paid the price for his mistake - his political career is finished. Too many people base their political decisions on the impetus of the moment - their loyalty is just as shallow as the policitians they denounce for faithlessness. Idaho Republicans should remember all the years Craig has faithfully served our state, and allow him to end his career with dignity.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Retired in Kansas City, MO — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 14:19:28 GMT

I can't believe how much time NBC is spending letting Sen Larry Craig try to convince the public that he is not gay. When did they ever do the same for a Democrat who has a legal problem? And to devote an entire hour on Matt Lauer Reports on the same? Please - who cares if Sen. Craig is gay anyway? Only the media.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

S. Brown — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 14:19:36 GMT

I did not watch the interview but I did just watch the brief interview segment on Channel 8 in Dallas.
I noticed that Matt asked Senator Craig if he was Bi or if he thought the idea of coming out as Gay
being awful.
I whish Matt would have asked Mr. Craig why he was so quick to announce that he is not Gay and never has been Gay. His quick association with being Gay and Bathroom sex perpetuates negative images of Gay people in society.
People that look for sex in bathrooms, be they Heterosexuals/Gays/Bi's/Transgenedered etc. should not be considered representations of the Gay community but rather people that have an internal issue that makes them look for sex in public. Some might call them Perverts but please do not lump them into the Gay community.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Sophia, Sugar Land, Texas — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 14:29:31 GMT

I loved the interview! Matt you hit it out of the ballpark. You were right to the point. And you could see the panic in his eyes. It was great.

You nailed him Matt. Everyone could see how transparent he really was. Great job.

Sophia

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Mike Menke — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 14:39:29 GMT

Of course he did it because at no time did he every talk about going the bathroom or flushing. If I go in an airport bathroom it is because I have to really go. Right when you sit down it happens. You never asked him if he ever ended up going. It is not something you can hold in for a long time.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Matthew Cortez, Chicago, Illinois — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 14:58:09 GMT

I to was disappointed at Lauer's lack of research. Too many times it was mentioned that bathrooms are a place where gay men have sex. It's implications are so stereotypical.

ANYONE can search or initiate sex in a restroom. the true shocker is the likelood that the majority of these men are are straight! C'mon the encounters are fast, anonoymous and forgotten.

This man is transparent as the glass cookie jar in which he got his hand caught.

Matt you could have been tougher!

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Jeff Alexander, Cambridge, MD — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 15:00:53 GMT

To be fair, Lauer should interview the police officer who arrested Craig. We have an officer of the law who was simply doing his job, and is now being portrayed by Craig as a liar bent on tricking Craig into pleading guilty for a crime he says he did not commit. The officer had no idea who Craig was. Who pleads guilty when they haven't done anything wrong? The question of whether the officer should have been looking for real criminals is irrelevant. He was doing what he was assigned to do. It would be nice if the media showed a little respect for the men and women in law enforcement, and it would be even better if Craig afforded that officer the respect he claims he is due.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Nancy Indianapolis, IN — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 15:03:28 GMT

I could care less about Senator Craig's sexual orientation, but I do care about his honesty. Most of us do not have his history of being accused more than once of sexual practices that are not heterosexual. Something is amiss here, and it does not have to do with the conduct of the police officer who arrested Senator Craig. How disappointing that he has not had the courage to own up to who he truly is.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Larry Nale, Camdenton, Missouri — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 15:07:52 GMT

Great job, Matt. Your penetrating questions coupled with your stern demeanor really set the country straight on this most important issue. Barney Frank must be pleased this morning. I am really looking forward to a similar tough expose of Sandy Berger, although I understand that theft of secret documents is no where as important as the position of feet in men's room stalls, think of the things the public could learn with your help. Things like which type socks are best for hiding stolen papers. I'm guessing tube socks are best and can't wait to watch you pin him down. Things like the best way to avoid taking the lie detector test he promised to do in exchange for a plea bargain. Your probing should have him squrming on that one. Things like who instructed him to take the documents. Wow, wouldnt it be something if you uncovered that it was his new employer, Hillery something. I think she might be running for president. Matt I know your get on this story as soon as you can,but, I'm 65 years old so dont wait too long.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

g.eglesias'pennsylvania — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 15:08:55 GMT

The Senator made me laugh this morning, when Matt Lauer asked him if he thought it would be awful if people thought he was gay,--And his response was "I don't believe in the lifestyle. APPARENTLY he believes in his lifestyle of seducing SEX from men in airport restrooms. Why would a policeman lie about something like that? He was just doing his job. Then the Senator tried to sweep it all under the carpet with a plea bargain. He did not even tell his wife, or anyone. Is his wife brain dead or what?? She feels like it's her duty to stand by him but, does'nt she realize she could catch some disease? If Senator Craig is so indiscreet that he would have sex with a strange man in a public bathroom, God knows what he could catch, and bring it home to his wife. A Gay lifestyle is not men having sex in public bathrooms, "Although that is what the Rightwing Republicans would like you to think. That is why they are so aganist Gay marriage rights. Sure there are some Gay men who are Promiscous,-- But Hello, there are a lot of promiscous heterosexuals also, -- And they have less of an excuse to be so, because they have the right to marry in all states. The religious right wants to run this country by their own religious beliefs. They want to surpress the fact that this country was founded on the separation of church and State, and equal rights for all.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Mike and Todd , Homer Glen , IL — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 15:08:58 GMT

I felt like the whole interview that Senator Craig was lying , he would chuckle at questions and not even look Matt straight in the eye.

There is nothing wrong with being gay. He needs to just admit that and move on with his life.

Good job Matt

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Marc, Philly — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 15:20:59 GMT

As a gay man who has been with a few married guys in my time, Craig sounds like most of them: I sleep with guys, but I love my wife, therefore I am not gay. Craig could genuinely believe he isn't gay; many of the men I've been with sounded convinced of that too. Let's clear up one thing though: Craig was soliciting the cop in the bathroom. Gay men do not do the public bathroom stuff much anymore (that is so 1980s), but many married ones still must find a way to stay incognito. The internet is easy to trace, and they can be spotted in gay bars. If anything, Craig is proof of the power of self-denial. His pursuit of this court case isn't for the voters or his political career, but to save face in front of his family members, most of whom, it seems, also have bought into their husband's/dad's reasonings for this bathroom escapade. Give him a few years, though. He'll soon return to the scene of the crime.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Daniel, Austin, TX — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 15:28:31 GMT

The really big issue here is that Craig is an unfit Senator for the following reason. At no time on his post arrest interview did he enact his rights to legal representation which could have avoided the whole thing.
Forget his sexual preference this man is a bad representative for people because he obviously doesn't understand WHY we have these rights. Bonehead deserves his career suicide.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Rebecca Bradshaw, Lewisberry, PA — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 15:30:28 GMT

I feel Senator Craig does not deserve the airtime he is being given. Everytime the interview begins I change the channel to CBS.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Marasha Lyonne — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 15:37:30 GMT

YES! To Rick McGilton and David McGlamery! My thoughts exactly! My brother (who is gay) and I watched the interview together. He has been in a relationship for 12 years and also has never had sex in any public place, let alone bathrooms. I could not believe my ears when Matt Lauer referred to the accused acts of Mr. Craig as common practice in the "Gay Community". What an outrage! Why didn't he just say its common practice in the "male community" or the "perverted community"? This gives the impression that every gay person is somehow perverted or sexually promiscuous. Mr. Lauer owes the "Gay Community" an apology. He certainly knows better.

I also would like to know why Matt Lauer didn't question Mr. Craig about the fact that in the audio tape he accused the arresting officer of "soliciting him". Prior to playing that part of the audio tape Mr. Craig said he had no idea what any of those "soliciting" gestures were. Why then did he think the arresting officer was soliciting him?

Obviously Mr. Craig is guilty of trying to solicit sex in that bathroom. If the officer would not have been an officer the act would have taken place by two consenting adults and in my opinion, no crime committed other than Mr. Craig being unfaithful to his wife. That is his own business and shouldn't even be in the news.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Boise IDaho — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 15:43:20 GMT

Has anyone checked into Idaho Governor Butch Otter's past? He is a drunk and has been caught with an underage girl. Don't you think that is a little more serious than Senator Craig's offenses?

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Connie Harner, Boyertown, PA — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 15:43:49 GMT

I understand where is coming from. The police can intimidate you so bad you just say ok and hope it goes away. The same thing happened to my son when he was in college. The police arrested four Crimial Major students for fishing on private property. They were handcuffed and taken off to jail. They were not allowed to call parents. Next morning they went before a justice were they all unkowing plead quilty paid a fine and were left go. My son also never told anyone of the incedent because he was afraid his dad would get mad. He graduated from school went to a local Police force for a job and found out he had a criminal record which was from the arrest in Michigan. It could have been expunged but the judge tack on larcenty because they may have caught some fish. Through it all my son lost his whole carrier he was working for because a police officer tried to be tuff and show these boys that fishing was a criminal offense. Just like the senator they hoped it would go away. Because a police man pushed and pushed to try and get the answers he wanted he has ruined this mans carrier also. I can see why he is so upset. I tried for a whole year to talk to people in Washington about this and no one wanted to go against the Michigan Police.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Carl — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 15:46:34 GMT

Your interview should have been more of an investigative interview than that which appeared to be a display of coddling a politician in the comfort of his own home. I thought it was funny yet damning to his spin efforts when he said that he and his family are always honest and open about their lives yet he refused to tell them he was arrested. I don't know about you but it is a no brainer to me that as a husband I am obligated out of respect to tell my wife, at the very least, that I was arrested and the circumstances surrounding it. If it was a so called MISUNDERSTANDING then what was there to be afraid of in tell your wife. She would believe you wouldn't she? They sat there and mentioned that they have loved and been honest with each other all of those year and yet he still did not tell her that he was arrested. Come on now Matt! You didn't pick up on that and ask about this contradiction. Would it have been to tough or did it go out of the boundaries set between Craig and your network's agreement to the interview. Hey Matt, would YOU tell your wife? Probably, especially if it was all an issue of entrapment and misunderstanding. It is sad that this poor excuse of a fact finding interview was more of a political spin broadcast to assist a hypocrite in trying to weasel his way out of being caught doing something he said he thought was immoral over the past years. It is kind of funny to see him be more subtle on the subject now that he has been exposed. I live in Idaho and he does not stand for the honest, forthright people who live here. It is interesting to see that all of the rich, white, conservative, and two faced politician who would pounce on the rival political party in the same dilemma are either keeping quiet or silently and quietly backing him. These people are in for a rude a rude awakening in the coming month because normal everyday hard working people are tired of theit nonsense.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Dave L, King George VA — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 15:46:40 GMT

I like the polygraph idea. I'll bet Sgt. Dave Karsnia would take as many as superiors insisted necessary, but I wouldn't risk a nickle Craig could pass a random one.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Wilma Reynolds — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 15:58:13 GMT

In the interview it was never asked how long he had till his next flight.Would he have had time for sex? When did it become against the law to move your feet in certain ways? Even if he is gay what laws did he really break, foot and hand movements? Yikes, that is scary! I do want to thank Senator Craig for showing americans what can happen when you do not face a problem headon. What happened to,innocent till proven guilty. WOW! I,m confused.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Charlene — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 16:08:40 GMT

I don't believe Larry Craig is gay. I don't believe the administration made an error in invading Iraq. I don't believe that Cheney is Satan. I don't believe that In-Curious George is a donkey. I don't believe that the GOP is filled with idiots and hypocrites. I don't believe that you have to have a 4th grade education to be duped by these morons. . .

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Joe, Washington DC — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 16:14:45 GMT

You would not pull off tissue from your shoe with your hand you would scrape it off or kick it off with your other foot. And I know if someone tried to hand me anything under a restroom stall I would ask them what they wanted -- I would not take anything from them. Did anyone catch where he refered to the restroom stall as a "Booth"? I found that strange.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

A Robinson Columbia, SC — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 16:22:07 GMT

What was up with the whole "profiling" comment that Sen. Craig made? Who was profiling him and why? He has no idea what it is like to be profiled. I thought that Matt should have had him elaborate on that statement because it really didn't make a whole lot of sense.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Jeffrey Fort, Las Vegas, NV. — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 16:27:45 GMT

A very polished well rehearsed setting by Craig. I travel a lot, lets do some basic legwork. What time did he arrive at MSP airport from Boise , I assume. There are only a few flights a day. How much time between connecting flights did he have and what gates were they. MSP has plenty of newstands and food in the gate areas, and one does not need to walk all the way up to the mens room by security , which is well known as a " cruising spot", to use a bathroom. How many mens rooms did he bypass to get to that particular one. Is he willing to have NBC review his computers and hard drives for accessing gay sites? I am sure the hard drives were scrubbed already. I am also sure that MSP, and NWA have lounges and VIP areas at the hub for U. S. Senators and first class passengers. Those restrooms are much nicer than the main ones. His story smacks of a closeted man,especially with the plea and not telling the wife.NBC, do some legwork and retrace his flights, gates and how many mens rooms he passed by, to get to that ONE.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Cherie Jones,Farmington Hills, MI — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 16:32:26 GMT

Has anyone heard of Bi-sexual? He states that he is not Gay maybe he isn't he hasn't made up his mind as to his sexual orientation.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Kane Wilder, Duluth, MN — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 16:45:19 GMT

Thank you Len Rogers for addressing the men who have sex with men issue as being separate from men who identify themselves as gay having sex with other men who idetnify themselves as gay. Thirty plus years ago without the Internet, gay newspapers, want ads, gay centers, etc., these men's room rituals did help with making connections that did not necessarily result in sex taking place in the men's room. However, there are much more tasteful ways to gay men to connect now. There are many men who are not gay and identify themselves as straight (with women and children in their lives to prove it) who simply find it sexually exciting to have sex with other men in bathrooms or other anonymous situations. Sometimes they justify it as not cheating on their spouse since it is more like masturbating with another guy like when they were teenagers. I worked as a psychotherapist doing sexual history assessments with at least 300 men of all backgrounds, so I am speaking from a wealth of experience. The CDC purposefully uses the term Men Who Have Sex with Men when doing education rather than labeling all of them as gay. Please be more "straighforward" with these terms in future programs!

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Rebekah Jensen — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 16:52:46 GMT

Why does everyone assume that Senator Craig is gay? I haven't seen any verifiable proof that Senator Craig is anything but heterosexual. Only accusations. Other than the accusations of one police officer, I haven't seen any evidence that Senator Craig was doing anything other than using the bathroom.
Over 70% of US citizens thought Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction on March 16, 2003.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Jamal Rebrieson — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 17:45:41 GMT

Of course Larry Craig is a homosexual. It was confirmed when he said "I don't agree with that lifestyle". First, there is no 'lifestyle', so how do you disagree with it? The absurdity of that statement and the fact that it was the first reaction out of his mouth confirms his inner struggle. Larry likes the taste of another man's penis in his mouth - as we're finding out is not so unusual in the GOP. Let's face reality and stop the denial.

The scariest thing is the ultra-extreme level of denial that is motivating Craig to completely lie to his wife and kids. That is truly sad and a sign that his GOP values are an attack on the sanctity of the family and the sacredness of the institution of marriage. Why are so many Republicans and Priests being caught in these sex stings while at the same time being the most vocal advocates of 'family values'?

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

S down — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:04:25 GMT

I was so angered watching Larry Craig lie his way through this interview. I find it appalling when people at his level or higher go on national tv and act as if the audience is far less intelligent than he is and that its no problem fooling the american people. I dont care what he does in his personal life but I do care when he looks in the camera with his arrogance and lies right to our faces. If he was a real man he would resign and he already stated he would. Going back on his word is no man in my book.
And I'm republican

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Jackie Rawlings Riverside California — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:05:11 GMT

Mr. and Mrs Craig were quick to attack the Clinton family and even saying the President should step down. God does work in mysterious ways. Now the tables have turned and the Craig Family wants understanding. What you give out you get back 7 fold. Matt was very nice and respectful to Mr. and Mrs. Craig as they tried to explain what happen. He showed much respect for the questions and how he would address them. Now when Mr. and Mrs. Clinton had their situation he attacked and accused them at every turn. We all have sinned but we never listen to the teaching of the Bible. Let the man without sin case the first stone. Larry attacked Bill but never thought it would happen to him. Matt should be very careful as he might be interviewed next in a situation he didn't expect.

I'm a Christian that followers God's teachings not like the others who call themselves Christian but do Satan's work. I wish and pray for the Craig Family and hope they are stronger together when this is over. I think he should stay if that's what the people of his State want. I'm not throwing any stones I did read the Bible and as an African American I have experienced much more hatred then Senator Craig ever will in his life time. He just got a little taste of what it's really like to be shown prejudice in the United States of America.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

g.eglesias'pennsylvania — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:07:59 GMT

No Rebekah, Senator Craig is not Gay, and that congressman was not text messaging the white House Page sexually explicit messages a few months ago either. All is well when we close our eyes to it.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Sally Des Moines IA — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:16:00 GMT

Why does it matter if he is gay or not? What he has done for his state is what matters!

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

David - CT. — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:42:44 GMT

Who really believes the cop lied? I don't know why that place wants to spend the money to catch people in these acts. I'm offended every time I go into the bathroom and see people leaving the stalls and not washing their hands. Now there's a health risk! Larry has now had the time to polish his answers. No one is saying he's stupid, but lying, well he's a politician doing what politicians do best. It's his nature.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Boise, Idaho — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:48:12 GMT

He says he is a fighter and he also says the reason he pleaded guilty is he was afraid. Which is it?? The interview only made me more convinced Larry Craig is doing what is right for Larry Craig not the state of Idaho. He has the right to pursue his legal options but please not on Idaho's watch.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

B- — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:52:57 GMT

Great piece of journalism Matt. Unlike Idaho's local newscaster's interview, you not only asked some tough questions but challenged some ridiculous answers. Almost overwhelmingly, Idahoans believe Craig should resign. His story is full of so many inconsistencies that it's a wonder he can still keep track of them, and in fact, he offered slightly different versions of some details to Matt than he did to the local newscaster. Where was all this fight in Larry Craig when he pleaded guilty just "to make it go away?"

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Becky Kelly Nampa, Idaho — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 01:31:18 GMT

I may only be in high school, but I know that this has gone to far.I mean he messed up twice.. come on give the guy a break, we all mess up. so he likes to play footies.. so do most people, he may of done it to the wronge person... but who really cares!!!! GET OVER IT AND LEAVE THE GUY ALONE!!!!

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Tom , Atlanta, GA — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 01:53:35 GMT

Throw the bum out of the senate!

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Dave L, King George VA — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 02:27:42 GMT

Maybe in one way, in one comparative sense, Larry Craig's claim that he isn't gay has a kind of schizophrenic standing, even though it doesn't dismiss his obvious desire for other men. Craig didn't care whom he tricked with as long as they were willing. Ted Haggard, on the other hand, even allowing for the cash-for-sex-and-drugs element, settled on one man he was smitten enough with to come back to repeatedly, building an on-going sexual rapport.

Haggard liked Mike Jones enough to pay $200 and up a session and returned repeatedly for nearly two years. You might suppose that if a preacher could find that kind of money so could a discriminating senator-customer if he's not too cheap or greedy about how often he has sex.

Craig is the more arrogant to my mind. When Haggard (49) isn't wearing that stupid Howdy Doody grin, he’s arguably a better looking man (younger and with more hair too) than Craig, and might reasonably suppose on some even playing field he'd have a shot with Jones, much more so than Craig, at a fat and balding 62, has any business supposing he's 29-year-old Sgt. Dave Karsnia's dream of secretive and stolen sexual release.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Stephanie, Tucson, Arizona — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 03:04:27 GMT

First, who cares...if he is gay or bi-sexual, if he does what those who voted for him want then what is the issue? Regardless of what the signs are what is the difference between someone trying to pick up on you in a bar? I know I am being extreme but there was no money exchange, no one getting it on in the stall so assume what??? Have you seen the number of people who don't wash their hands, that is an issue. Frankly I don't care who anyone sleeps with or what their sexual orientation is as long as they dont push it on me or hurt children, consenting adults should do what they want.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Christine, West Palm Beach, Florida — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 03:15:11 GMT

After watching the interview, I am now convinced he is gay or bi-sexual. I couldn't help thinking his dim-witted "wife" is either in denial, or she has agreed to accept his life-style. I feel certain their marriage is one devoid of sex. She giggled, laughed, smiled and smirked throughout the entire interview as if she was hosting a tea party. She's trying to protect this man, and she came across as a naive idiot. Also, if he's a true heterosexual and he got solicited and arrested in an otherwise normal, nondescript day, I would think he'd be beside himself and he couldn't wait to call his wife and say, "Honey, you wouldn't believe what happened to me today!" He tried to keep the whole thing secret because the gay rumors have swirled around him for years, and he's ashamed that he's been actually caught with his pants down.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

James, San Jose, CA — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 04:03:20 GMT

As a gay man who was once married and in the closet, I can tell you all that Larry Craig is NOT gay. Having a sexual desires for someone of the same sex and even (strap on your mental seat belts here folks)sexual contact with someone of your own gender does not make you gay.

At its core, being gay means that you privately acknowledge AND ACCEPT your sexual orientation to yourself. If you can't or won't do that, you are psychologically incapable of ever admitting it to anyone else, no matter how much external pressure you're facing.

But from all the evidence presented at the trial of public opinion, its painfully clear that Larry has had more than one sexual encounter with other men. Doesn't make him gay, just makes him pitiful. He's now the poster child for how NOT to come out of the closet... which is by no means as hard in hindsight as I thought it would be.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

J. Hogan — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 04:57:07 GMT

A few questions that I haven't seen answered: how much time did Mr.Craig have between flights? If it was a substantial amount, why wouldn't he use the facilities in one of the red carpet lounges? He almost certainly is a member of one, if not several. Was the apparently notorious restroom he was using directly on the path to his connection or did he in any way take a detour to get there? Just some food for thought.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

thomas john, los angeles, ca — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 05:21:53 GMT

SORRY, LOUSY JOURNALISM ...
the question should not have been about sexual orientation but
sexual behavior ... as in:
HAVE YOU EVER HAD SEX WITH ANOTHER MAN?
senator craig is most probably a sex-addict that has sex with men; but identifies as a heterosexual.
people's sexual behaviour does not always comply with their orientation.
there are many 12 step programs for sex addiction; the producers or matt lauer should have looked into this.
the biggest issue facing the senator is DENIAL.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Dee, Hanford, CA — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 05:59:24 GMT

I can't believe this is still being discussed. Guess no one has heard of letting stuff go. No one knows what happened in that bathroom except Senator Craig and that cop. I don't personally trust either one. Both Senators and cops don't always tell the truth. Had the cop did his job correctly, there probably wouldn't be all these questions now. I don't think that the Senator needs to lose his position because of this incident b'cos it truly is not clear what happened in that restroom and I do believe that the Senator only plead guilty to get this drama to go away. However, it seems he only made it worse. I don't think that the Ethics committee should be involved in this. Taxpayer dollars could be better utilized. We have so much going on in this country that honestly whatever the Senator did or didn't do in that bathroom doesn't really matter to me. That's something he and his wife have to deal with. Ethics and politics don't really go hand in hand, they should but they don't, because there don't seem to be any really ethical politicians. It's time to let this go and move on to something important. I do love Matt though, he always does a good job. I just wish that the Today show would address the 'serious' issues that are plaguing our country. Some stories are just being run in the ground.

Senator Larry Craig: Stay or Go?

Craig Connell — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 06:38:13 GMT

This is sick. The guy is obviously seriosly gay and seriously closeted. How can a person so divided be an effective leader? I agree with an above comment that if he wishes to absolve himself he should simply take a Polygraph. What a freak show, but not really a big surpirse. Anyone who takes a public position that is contrary to his private life is fair game. It is gross that a liar can think that he can now be trusted.