We see it as trivial.    But he showed thoroughly wretched judgment.   It's reasonable to require a modicum of common sense from a Congressman.   He showed none.

Also, if it is trivial, why lie about it?

Lying about it made it considerably worse.    He would have had a lot more support--at least from Democrats--if he had come clean at the start.

And what Vitter did has no bearing. That was a different regime.    Under Boehner the GOP has had a zero tolerance policy on this stuff.   The recent NY Republican--can't recall his name-- did nothing but take his shirt off and send that photo. And that was enough to can him.

If Weiner is not forced out--and it looks like he in fact will survive--the GOP will take this and run with it--and not be careful about facts. The Democrats need strong backing from women.    And it will be crucial how (non-Mudcat) women see this mess.