Stand by your man, or don't

Another one for the ain't-that-a-coinkydink column: as I read of New York Governor Eliot Spitzer's surprising scandal involving a high-class prostitution ring, Ella Fitzgerald's Love For Sale played in the background.

I don't know much about the politician to gloat at this sudden turn of events, but did notice at the press conference Spitzer's wife was at his side. Stand by your man is practically a political necessity, but suppose Mrs Spitzer had a choice. Suppose she could decide this was too humiliating and walk out with the kids. When Bill Clinton's shananagins were exposed, I could understand why Hilary had to remain (political ambitions and all that). But what about that poor woman whose husband stated at a press conference 'I am a gay American'? Why would they remain loyal to the man who had betrayed them so openly?

Is it love, stubbornness, or convenience? Or is it something that could be worked out? This is just as interesting as why the men were involved in the seedy behaviour in the first place, and unfortunately not discussed as often. I just don't understand why it's expected by the public that the woman will stay with the man, maybe until it dies down. Is a woman worse off in the court of public opinion if she leaves her husband in this situation?

*sigh* But on the other hand, it truly 'Ain't Nobody's Business', least of all mine.