This South Carolina Primary Will Test Whether Democrats Are Willing to Overlook Domestic Violence

[Soph0571]

For the past year, Archie Parnell, a former Goldman Sachs managing director and former tax attorney for ExxonMobil, has been among the candidates the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee viewed as contenders to fulfill their dreams of a Blue Wave in the 2018 midterms. But last month, divorce records surfaced that show Parnell abused his ex-wife—a revelation that may cost Democrats the race.

Parnell, who is running for a House seat in South Carolina’s 5th District, has admitted to physically abusing his former wife in 1973, using a tire iron to break into an apartment where her friends were trying to protect her. He then struck her several times and beat her again later that evening. She sought a divorce and a restraining order against him.

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But in a Facebook video posted to his campaign page June 6, Parnell resisted: “After much prayer and thought, I have concluded I should stay in this race.” He sought help after his violent outburst, he argued, and his marriage to his current wife gave him a second chance. “If I withdraw,” he said, “I would be telling anyone who makes a terrible mistake that that one terrible mistake will define them for the rest of their lives.”

[link:https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2018/06/south-carolina-archie-parnell-domestic-violence/|

Wow

[beachbum bob]

1. I don't believe in eternal jeopardy...people make mistakes and can learn from them. Whats important

is whether or not the behavior stopped.

Do we believe we are all condemned by a mistake, then whats the point? Do we believe redemption is impossible? I don't. I see this another attempt to have a litmus test...

[mythology]

5. I'm conflicted

People can change. But the particular facts, using a tire iron to break in, that is rather harsh and one doesn't have the right to public office. He shouldn't be barred, but I'm not sure he should be being pushed by the party either. The fact that he's stayed out of trouble in the intervening years is a good thing.

[bornfree17]

2. Good god

He sounds like an animal. How did he end up in politics?

[Arkansas Granny]

3. If he got help and there have been no other incidents I would consider what kind of person he is now

instead of the person who made a huge mistake 45 years ago.

[happy feet]

4. I agree

[samnsara]

6. I agree as well

[Bettie]

8. I agree

a mistake in your 20's (if it has not been a pattern of behavior) shouldn't be held against anyone forever.

[Garrett78]

7. Yes, people can change, but that doesn't mean they should hold political office.

What Parnell did is way beyond the pale. I hope like hell that he loses. Right or wrong, he would become the Republican Party's poster-child for "Democratic hypocrisy" (and the mainstream media would go right along with the GOP talking point).