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When Public Officials Cry, How Does The Public Respond?

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.

Steve Goldstein was a host at KJZZ from 1997 to 2022.