Under normal conditions, probably. Carper’s account, now in the Washington Post, would probably put this to rest. I certainly don’t think Delaware voters would hold the slap against him, particularly if the alternative is electing a Republican. But we are not living in normal times.
When Kirsten Gillibrand is asked about the apology what will she say? Will she say it isn’t enough, or will she return to the high horse of moral arbiter?
— Carper released a statement pushing back on the story, reading in part: “I have made many mistakes in my life and have always been willing to admit them. One of those mistakes took place 37 years ago when I slapped my then-wife, Diane, during a heated argument. It was wrong. I regretted it then and I still do today. During a child custody battle between Diane and her former husband, I was truthful about this incident. I was truthful again when asked about it during a 1998 interview. Any claim that I lied or attempted to hide my behavior is false. I am a man who has made his share of mistakes, but I am not and never have been one who abuses his wife and children.”
