Spitzer Executes a Textbook Comeback

Six months ago—to say nothing of a year—predicting an Eliot Spitzer comeback would’ve been laughable. But the financial crisis has speeded up rehab for the disgraced former governor, giving him a chance to use his expertise as “the Sheriff of Wall Street,” writes Politico. Apologizing and disappearing for a decent interval were executed perfectly, too. "The truth is, voters are actually pretty forgiving,” says a GOP strategist. "As long as you fall on your sword, crawl over broken glass and wear black for a year.”

After apologizing and resigning, Spitzer spent almost a year under the radar. He worked in his family’s real estate business and went to couples therapy with his wife. The financial crisis gave him his chance; he’s become a regular in print and on television—without hiring an image expert. It helps that his scandal did not go to the heart of his expertise. Says a pollster, “If he were talking about family medical leave, I think he’d have a harder time.” (More Eliot Spitzer stories.)