I Can Forgive Andrew Gillum, But I Don’t Have to Like It

This isn’t the first time the politician has jeopardized a promising future by acting selfishly

Michael Arceneaux
LEVEL

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Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

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II believe in grace, and by extension, in forgiveness. However, when it comes to former Tallahassee mayor and Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum, who in mid-March was found in a compromising position in a Miami hotel room, I have struggled to forgive as swiftly as others.

That doesn’t mean I want to kick Gillum while he is down, or to further shame and pile on. I am concerned for him, and — despite how these next few hundred words may sound — feel deeply bad for him. I genuinely hope he finds some sense of peace, and if he so desires, finds a way to rebuild his political career.

Nevertheless, when I think of what he has been accused of and with whom, I’m still stuck on how a man who was on the rumored short-list for vice president in 2020 could have (allegedly) behaved so recklessly. No, not recklessly: fucking stupidly. How can someone at his age at this stage in his career be (allegedly) acting so damn goofy?

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Michael Arceneaux
LEVEL

New York Times bestselling author of “I Can’t Date Jesus” and “I Don’t Want To Die Poor.”