I understand why politicians say it’s not about them

We’re seeing a pattern now in these sex harassment cases.

The timing of the punishment depends on what business you’re in.

RELATED: Where are our manners?

If you’re in the media and there are credible allegations, punishment can happen within hours.

With the Charlie Rose allegations – Washington Post published in the morning, by afternoon Rose was off the air. Suspended from both PBS and CBS. His embarrassing story wasn’t the lead on the CBS Evening News, but it was number two. Correspondent Jim Axelrod spared no details.

“Lewd phone calls … groping … walking around naked in front of the women.”

And so it was for Glenn Thrush, the New York Times reporter who was immediately suspended for sexual misconduct allegations. Ditto for lesser-known media names who were sacked or suspended from NPR, NBC, The New Republic, and Vox Media.

That’s how the media has decided to handle it.

But for politicians, it’s a different story. Jeff Hoover, the former Kentucky speaker of the House and subject of a story, which included the term “G-string,” resigned as speaker, but kept his seat.

Senator Al Franken has apologized, but keeps his seat.

That anonymous member of Congress who exposed himself to a staffer is still anonymous and still in office.

And, of course, Alabama’s Roy Moore, has not only been unapologetic, but defiant and still running. He’s also being defended by Kellyanne Conway as too big to fail because he’s a vote for the president’s tax plan.

“I’m telling you that we want the votes in the Senate to get the tax bill through.”

“This is not about a win for the president … This is about the forgotten man and the forgotten woman.”

Politicians are always fond of saying it’s not about me. I’m beginning to understand why.

More from Dave Ross

Follow @http://www.twitter.com/thedaveross