Image by Getty Images

As 2011 dawned, Anthony Weiner had just been re-elected to his seventh term in Congress, where he’d built a reputation as one of the most promising, telegenic and outspokenly liberal young Democrats. Representing a Queens-Brooklyn district that hadn’t elected a Republican since 1920 and was nearly 40% Jewish, his future seemed assured, and his $3.5 million war chest pointed toward either a House leadership slot or a mayoral run. The only ripples were quiet murmurings, especially in the district’s large Orthodox community, over his July 2010 interfaith marriage to a Muslim woman, and his unexpectedly tough re-election fight that September, in which he won 60% of the vote against little-known Republican Bob Turner, down from the 93% he’d won in 2008.

Then came June 2011 and one of the most spectacular political self-immolations in memory, after Weiner, 47, admitted to texting lewd photos of himself to female admirers. He first denied any knowledge of the photos, then admitted he’d sent them but tried to ride out the anger and ridicule. Within three weeks, Weiner had become a national laughingstock and an embarrassment to fellow Democrats, and he resigned in humiliation.

The September 13 special election to pick Weiner’s successor compounded the humiliation when Republican Turner captured the Democratic stronghold, in part by appealing to Jewish voters angered by President Obama.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

A message from our CEO & publisher Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

With your support, we’ll be ready for whatever 2025 brings.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount