Political Sexting: Apologies of the Week

A lesson that politicians apparently find hard to learn results in one of the public apologies that made headlines this week:

• Not-so-private sexts: "I apologize for the poor judgment I displayed that put me and those closest to me in this situation."—John Diehl, speaker of the Missouri House, after a newspaper printed sexy texts he exchanged with a college intern. Diehl, who is married, quickly resigned.
• Anchor's charity: "I should have gone the extra mile to avoid even the appearance of a conflict. I apologize to all of you for failing to do that.”—George Stephanopoulos of ABC, after it emerged that he'd made big donations to the Clinton Foundation. (But is the furor overblown?)

• Out of bounds? "In no way was I asking Senator Cruz to 'prove' he was an 'authentic' Latino.' I apologize to those who were offended and to Senator Cruz."—Mark Halperin, a journalist for Bloomberg who, in an interview, asked Ted Cruz to speak Spanish and to name his favorite Cuban singer.
• Taking her leave: "I deeply apologize for my actions made in the emotional state of trying to let this last student finish his speech."—Nancy Gordeuk, founder of an alternative school in Georgia, after angrily announcing that "all the black people" were leaving a graduation ceremony early. Now she's the one leaving.
• Guilty conscience: “I was extremely intoxicated the other night and woke up the next morning and had realized what I have done. I really do hope y'all forgive me and give me a (second) chance!”—Mail thief, who wrote to residents of Windermere, Florida, after stealing their mail. Police say the letter has led to the arrest of an 18-year-old.

(More apology stories.)