Why do people care about politicians private lives?

If someone keeps their mouth shut about, or even better openly opposes such things becoming political issues, I honor that and leave _their_ private life alone.

But if a corporate "liberal" pretends to go along with the "family values" loonies at the same time he's secretly doing his intern, or a "conservative" talks against gays while cruising bathrooms, or denounces sex education when her own daughter is pregnant, I have a right to chime in.

"Don't start no trouble, won't be no trouble." -- Men in Black

Dirt. It usually proves nothing about their value as a politician but the average voter doesn't have the ability to understand that. So any dirt is used against them.

Because humans love to hear juicy gossip.

Also, if someone isn't wise enough to keep his indiscretions hidden (or to never have any in the first place), that suggests he wouldn't do such a good job as a politician.

We are slaves to these people thats what you need to realize.Society is their little game and we have to follow their rules or face punishment.Thats why people care the more the media investigate them the better nobody likes being under their control.

I will agree as long it's not affecting their performance...but if they've had ties to terrorists, radical muslims etc.. like our current president has - then I want to know. Bill Ayers who was friends with Obama was not let into Canada...TWICE because of his terrorist ties. We need to know everything about them that could affect their performance and then we can make our own decision on whether we feel they have the skill, honor, and moral values to run a country.

If a politician is not moral and ethical in their private life they probably won't be ethical and moral in their political life.

Because how people act in their personal lives can both affect the public life, as well as give insight into their character.

So you are saying that we should allow politicians to "stage" themselves for our approval and not ask any questions?

I don't think so.

The celebrity culture -.-