(CNN) -- Americans snicker over the sordid details of Rep. Anthony Weiner's Internet escapades. But they pity his wife, Huma Abedin. They see an accomplished and beautiful woman betrayed by her husband's Twitter posts. And she's pregnant? The details just get worse and worse. Abedin and other political wives before her have been forced to face the public flogging of their husbands, heightened in this case by the technological evidence that Weiner left behind and by the helpful testimony of his correspondents. Americans love to debate the role of the wronged political wife. What will Hillary Clinton, Jenny Sanford, or Newt Gingrich's wives (pick one) do? What should they do? Actress Julianna Margulies was nominated for an Emmy for her portrayal of "The Good Wife" on CBS. Will she ever leave her fictional cheating husband?
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Author: Political wives can choose not to be victims when their husbands cheat
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Laura Munson wrote a book on her own refusal to suffer when husband wanted divorce
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She says don't listen to or believe the mean barbs others will toss your way
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Expert: A crisis can push you toward a true calling and more happiness
Unless there are threats to her physical safety or financial security, only @placeholder decides if she is a victim.