When Public Officials Cry, How Does The Public Respond?

By Steve Goldstein
Published: Wednesday, July 9, 2014 - 4:09pm
Updated: Wednesday, July 9, 2014 - 4:12pm
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Running for office or being an elected official can sometimes lead to very emotional reactions.

Arizona’s Superintendent of Public Instruction John Huppenthal’s recent crying at a news conference — where he apologized for anonymously posting often-controversial opinions on some blogs — has led to conversations about when it makes sense or when it’s okay for a public official to show emotion, particularly crying.

We spoke to ASU Professor Kim Fridkin and Arizona Republic columnist Bob Robb.