Edwards Admits Sexual Affair; Lied as Presidential Candidate

[sabra]

Source: ABC News

Edwards Admits Sexual Affair; Lied as Presidential Candidate
In ABC News Interview, Edwards Says He Cheated, but Did Not Father Child


John Edwards repeatedly lied during his Presidential campaign about an extramarital affair with a novice filmmaker, the former Senator admitted to ABC News today.

In an interview for broadcast tonight on Nightline, Edwards told ABC News correspondent Bob Woodruff he did have an affair with 44-year old Rielle Hunter, but said that he did not love her.

Edwards also denied he was the father of Hunter's baby girl, Frances Quinn, although the one-time Democratic Presidential candidate said he has not taken a paternity test.

Edwards said he knew he was not the father based on timing of the baby's birth on February 27, 2008. He said his affair ended too soon for him to have been the father.

Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=5441195&page=1

---

edit link

[Stump]

No shit!!!

Like anyone really believed he wasn't.

[Yes We Did]

276. I was nearly crucified for bringing it up last week.

Was called every name in the book, was told the Huffington Post was full of you know what, and that I should be banned for posting such horrible lies.

Hmmmm..........

Not gonna say it.... but.....

Hmmmm.........

I can't say I feel bad for John. In fact, I think he got exactly what he deserved. I feel bad for Elizabeth. She seems like such a wonderful woman, and to be going through cancer and have her husband do that.

This puts John Edwards in the company of Newt Gingrich. I have no respect for men who do things like this.

[Peregrine Took]

288. Folks got to grow up. A human being is liable to do anything. I never put

anyone on a pedestal.

When I was young I hero worshiped JFK as the perfect person - president, husband, dad. Imagine my chagrin (great) when I found out he was also a huge cheat and made a fool out of his wife. Ugh!

I can never have the same regard for him although he did try some noble endeavors when he was in office.

[Yes We Did]

303. I have no respect for anyone who cheats on their spouse.

There are NO excuses as far as I'm concerned.

It's called Divorce.

It's that simple.

And the fact that his wife is extremely ill, well that just goes to show what kind of person he REALLY is.

[BR_Parkway]

348. Especially when they are on the campaign trail talking about how

they respect the "sanctity of marriage" and only see it as between a man and a woman when asked how he thought people like my partner and I should be treated.

[Yes We Did]

359. I agree with you 110%

I never understood what people are thinking when they say that.

First off, how does it affect me and my marriage if two gay people want to marry?
Second, if it's such a "sacred" thing, then how can they get divorced? Especially people like McCreepy and Goulliani?

[JeanGrey]

414. Yeah don't that make you want to puke? The "Sanctity of

Marriage" Boy I'd like to kick him right in the balls.

[springhill]

418. I can't stand people who are so judgemental...........

People are human, and we have no idea about their personal lives. Was it wrong to have an affair? Well, yes. But that does not make him all of a sudden a bad person. Now watch, the news will be talking about this all day long, and how much of the Susskind story will we hear? I predict not very much.

[superconnected]

431. Not a bad person, just a hypocrite.

[knixphan]

458. I'm with you, Springhill.

Priorities outta whack.

His personal stuff has nothing to do with taking on corporate interests.

[ikojo]

430. Ethically he is no better than Newt Gingrich or John

McCain. What is it about powerful men who seek other women when their wives are having a health crisis. Exactly what part of in sickness and in health did the LAWYER John Edwards NOT understand?

I hope he has truly ended the affair and is trying to make things right with his WIFE, who has stood by HIS side as she battles cancer.

[Qutzupalotl]

482. He is far better than both... just not on this issue.

Look at the other things he has done and fought for.

But this does undercut.

[caseymoz]

503. It's his personal life, and if I'm not mistaken . . .

. . . this was before his wife's cancer had returned. And Elizabeth Edwards has said he told her about it in 2006, and apparently forgives him.

I don't think it's something that warrants public scrutiny. I mean, he's not a politician who makes family values the basis of his political life.

:spank:

[Divernan]

568. He had unprotected sex w/ new "friend"; his wife had COMPROMISED IMMUNE SYSTEM

Connect the dots here. He hired a woman he'd recently met, so he had no knowledge of her sexual history. He says the baby couldn't be his because of the date it was born - meaning that it could have been his child if it had been born at a different time, meaning he had unprotected sex with this little known woman. This means he risked catching a whole range of STDs from and then transmitting same to his wife. This would be horrible for any wife, but HIS wife had had chemotherapy for her cancer, meaning she had a compromised immune system, and would have been far more seriously affected by a STD than a person in good health.

So if he was having unprotected sex, what are the odds he had his new partner tested beforehand for the full range of STDs? His wife, on the other hand, had to go to HER physicians and explain that her husband had had unprotected sex with a relative stranger, and so his wife had to be tested for every possible STD.

..."When clinicians test for sexually transmitted infections, they
usually test for a few different ones. To decide what to test for,
clinicians examine their clients. They talk with them about their
visible symptoms, other symptoms they may feel, and what kind of risks
they may have taken.

Depending on what is found during the examination and conversation,
the clinician may take samples of:

blood ? to check for CMV (cytomegalovirus), hepatitis, herpes, HIV, or syphilis

urine ? to check for chlamydia and gonorrhea

cells ? to check for BV (bacterial vaginosis), chlamydia, gonorrhea,
HPV (human papilloma virus), molluscum contagiosum, or scabies

fluid, secretions, or discharge ? to check for BV, gonorrhea, herpes,
HPV, pelvic inflammatory disease, syphilis, or trichomoniasis"

[dflprincess]

587. I think you're reading a lot into that statement

I took it to mean that it couldn't be his because, if you count back to the approximate conception date, he was no longer having sex with her. That does not mean he ever had unprotected sex with her. And, as many people have found out, sometimes condoms fail.

[Divernan]

594. And when condoms fail, one is exposed to STDs as well as risk of pregnancy

There are increasing reports coming out about Rielle's claims during her pregnancy that Edwards was the father - given his history of lying about the whole relationship, a paternity test is the only thing which will definitively settle if it's his child or not.

[caseymoz]

604. He might not have been having sex with Elizabeth at all.

Which would explain why she has been so forgiving. It's really disturbing how people are trying to come up for reasons to make this worse.

[polpilot]

565. Edwards is an idiot. Mill worker's son works hard, lawyer, makes $$$$

...still an idiot....

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

452. Agreed

This hurts not only Edwards, but the progressive cause, I think.

[caseymoz]

504. It doesn't hurt the progressive cause, as much as Republicans will try to make you believe it.

Let's not make this like the new virginity, you do it once and you're always corrupted. Spouses will have affairs. This is between Edwards and his wife, who has apparently found it in her heart to forgive him.

It's conservatives who make "family values" anti-divorce, and "the sanctity of marriage" a cornerstone of their agenda. (Not to mention saving marriage from gays.) Therefore, I think there's an added burden there. It becomes a political issue when they have affairs.

[Psephos]

506. It's not about the affair, it's about the lying and the recklessness

Lying and recklessness aren't good qualities in a leader, ya know?

[marshall]

542. Puts a news spin on those "John Edwards is Good!" t-shirts

Now I know what they're talking about.

[question everything]

602. Sadly, Elizabeth is at fault, too

Both showed lack of judgment to think that this was going to remain secret.

When her cancer returned, she said how winning the White House, fighting for national health care and against poverty were more important than her health. Yet, had he been our nominee, not only would we lose the White House, but many congressional races, too.

[Lena inRI]

434. The baby takes this usual sex scandal to a worse level. . .

Rielle had to have had unprotected sex to be impregnated (great odds against a failing birth control method). What a risk-taking woman to have unprotected sex these days with HIV, not to mention an unwanted pregnancy.

So, if she won't announce who the father is and/or consent to paternity test, are we to believe John is categorically not the father because he says so?

Rielle is the one to interview, NOT John.

Yeah. . .Hester Prynne and

the Scarlet Letter A

once again 2008.


:shrug: :shrug: :shrug: :shrug: :shrug:

[Karl_Bonner_1982]

468. Maybe this is why he didn't stay in the race longer.

All of a sudden Edwards realizes he better not do anything that might get him nominated, so he drops out before Super Tuesday.

I am definitely surprised to hear this from Edwards. But his revelation seems to be quite graceful, certainly more so than the average affair scandal.

And before March, Edwards was my favorite candidate whom I was hoping would be on the Oregon ballot!

[Name removed]

479. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Taverner]

1. Well there goes any plans for Edwards as AG going after the media companies...

[BadGimp]

Why would having an affair and lying about it be an issue with the American Sheeple...oh wait

nevermind

[SpiralHawk]

185. He's not a republicon and he wasn't wearing diapers

If he was and he did, he'd be totally cool.

Jesus, and the public, forgive diaper-sex republicons. They are special.

[defendandprotect]

192. Right . . . an "affair" beats illegal war and TORTURE . . . !!

[SammyWinstonJack]

400. Right! Who the fuck cares about this? But it's okay if a repuklican does it ie Newt et al.

I could not care less. Edwards needs to answer to his wife and that is it!

[Sheltiemama]

407. (Off topic) Cute dog in your sig! (Back on topic)

[superconnected]

439. We expect the dems to be honest, or at least come off that way.

He just joined the republican hypocrites we do not want our leaders to be like.

[DavidMS]

564. I am with you on that.

Edwards sought and received forgiveness from his wife. Republicans are expected to cheat on their wives, attempt to strangle their mistresses, serve their partners with divorce papers while recovering from cancer surgery, stock their offices with pretty bimbos and get caught soliciting sex in an airport mens room.

Its a double standard. I am disappointed with Edwards but Elizabeth is the one who needed to decide what happened to him (divorced, made to sleep on the couch for 6 months, etc).

I don't understand why its such a big deal.

[knixphan]

461. THANK YOU.

Hello folks - real problems, over there, look!

[triguy46]

511. So he would still be electable?

[defendandprotect]

534. Electable now .... ? No. But I think if we had been, let's say . . . "stuck with him" . . .

as a candidate that we'd probably have to support him --

The dishonesty and hypocrisy are pretty broad in this story we're hearing ---
after all, he did run as a family man! I think we all have something to learn
from this --- about men --- and about women --- about husbands and about wives.
And about families.

I think we all still work from some illusions about sexual behavior and about
marriages. Many recognize that what we think we know isn't necessarily the truth
or at least all of it. But I think we all know we still have a lot to learn.


So . . . coming back to John . . . I would have been happy with a populist
president -- the messages are there still, unharmed by this scandal --
But the dishonesty then jumps in the way of whether he would be have been a honest and
reliable populist president. As others have pointed out, FDR had affairs.
Ike had n affair. Does it matter to governing--?

Anyway - that's my opinion --- if he had been the candidate I'd probably be voting
for him.

Just as an added question ..... What if we had known this about John BEFORE he
decided to run for president. Would that have made a difference in this "scandal"...?

[ooglymoogly]

259. We need an AG who is a pro; like Fitz.

who already has the goods and is chompin at the bit to get at these malevolent crooks who have raped this country stupid. Edwards would have made a better F B Eye director imo.

[KoKo]

376. Yeah...what about "Fitzmas." (Evil Laugh)...sad.....n/t

[Taverner]

448. Fitzmas referred to Patrick Fitzgerald's investigation into the Plame leak n/t

[KoKo]

473. Yes...I did get that...but it seemed appropriate in reply to poster...n/t

[Taverner]

478. Well I got it wrong just 2 posts down ;)

We gotta be extra careful, because he's my #3 choice for AG (Patrick, not Edwards (#2) and Elliot Spitzer (#1))

[Taverner]

446. You know Spitzer was my choice before the hooker. After that, my hope was Edwards.

Both, taken down by testosterone.

[pink-o]

462. I think you're thinking of Elliot Spitzer.

As far as I've heard, Patrick Fitzgerald hasn't had an extra-marital affair, nor patronised prostitutes.

[Taverner]

466. corrected n/t

[SharonRB]

521. I had wanted Edwards as AG, too, but that's gone now

Fitz would be a great choice, too, though.

[defendandprotect]

535. That's another tremendous loss for government . . .

and, again, amazing that he was doing that so openly and thought he wasn't going
to get caught!!! What goes on in the minds of these men????

Whose thinking has to change/adjust here for us to move another step forward in
understanding?

[redwitch]

571. You and me both.

We sure can pick 'em.

:cry:



"...Put not your faith in princes..."

[SammyWinstonJack]

404. And that is the reason this is coming to light! End Edwards chances of being US AG and prosecuting

bu$hco! I smell a rat and it isn't Edwards!

[JeanGrey]

NO. The Enquirer first broke this story way over a year ago.

Edwards knew it was out then, but as he said in his statement his "ego" (as always seems to with politicians) got in the way and he thought he could do "anything". Remember Bubba's "because I could?"

I am so sick to death of this. I want someone with PRINCIPALS and MORALS to be President or our leaders and I don't give a damn who doesn't like it.

One thing that disturbs me greatly is the way the MSM covered this up for weeks.

[Turn CO Blue]

449. What a sanctimonious pile of crap.

[triguy46]

509. Hm. I think he's hoisted on his own petard. He needed no help.

[The Croquist]

560. I smell a rat too

The Enquirer seems to spend allot of time trying to bring down Democrats.

The Enquirer helped bring down Gary Hart.
They broke story about Jesse Jackson's affair and illegitimate child.
They were always making stuff up about Bill Clinton.
Now John Edwards.

[galledgoblin]

516. Veep chances? what still remained are gone. AG chances?

I think they're still fairly high.

it's a relatively long time between now and January. the far right will always use this as a "joke", the same way they still talk about the car wreck Sen. Kennedy was in when he was young, but the general public will shrug and say "meh" in the long run, provided nothing emerges about inappropriate use of public funds.

[closeupready]

2. Very disappointing.

:mad:

[roguevalley]

254. I hope this doesn't set back Elizabeth's condition. Being bummed is

very hard on cancer patients. God, what is it about married men who can't keep it in their pants? Fuck them.

[MissDeeds]

333. Agreed

I hope this doesn't take a toll on Elizabeth. She is a terrific lady who has already been through so much. Damn him for compounding her pain.

[JeanGrey]

419. It will hurt her. I have cancer now and any stress absolutely

whacks me out, especially during treatment. THIS thing would kill me. I mean literally. I had a friend whose "wonderful" husband of 36 years got "scared" when he wife had a heart attack and he soothed his fears by screwing the widow of his best friend while she was in the hospital recooping.

It about killed her. She kicked him to the curb because she asked for counseling (to go along with forgiveness) and he refused. And he started doing it again. (leopards don't change their spots).

[superconnected]

433. Best wishes for your recovery.

[JeanGrey]

456. Thank you so much. But I won't recover. Like Elizbeth I am

stage four, although it didn't start out in the breast. I am fighting it tooth and nail and I was diagnosed 12/06, after a liver transplant 10/04. Since 12/06 I've lost half of one lung, part of another and going a year and half of chemo which is damn hard on a transplanted liver.

But my wonderful loving husband of 30 years stands by me 24/7. Without him I'd be long gone.

He fell off a two story building in 85 and broke his back in 9 places. I nursed him for four years, one year of which he could hardly turn over in a full body cast. I worked and supported all four of us, and now he is supporting me.

IT IS WHAT LOVE IS ABOUT. And Keeping it in your PANTS is part of that.
Once I am gone, he will get a lot of insurance, the house and my 401K, plus my pension. And I truly hope he finds love again.

But he would never look at another woman while I am alive.

And funny, I find people who are so unethical in their sexual lives to many times be the same way in other areas. I'm sorry but to me it is part and parcel of a man.

[sellitman]

498. You and your husband have been blessed to have each other.

I wish you a painless time here with him.

Hugs.

[JeanGrey]

530. I cherish everyday that I feel well enough to enjoy that

day with him. He is a remarkable man.

[closeupready]

563. Sending hugs your way!

:hug:

[JeanGrey]

582. Thanks! That is very sweet. This past week I'm having

bone issues and it is scaring me to death that this is the next step but I hope not. Only God is in control now.

[caseymoz]

518. So sorry to hear that.

It's good you have somebody who knows what's important to you.

[JeanGrey]

531. It should be important to everyone, and I think it is if people

are really and truly honest with themselves.

[superconnected]

600. I'm sorry to hear that. You are blessed to have such a husband. He's blessed to have you.

I can tell he knows that.

"I find people who are so unethical in their sexual lives to many times be the same way in other areas. I'm sorry but to me it is part and parcel of a man."

I never looked at it that way before. How profound. That's the way I will look at that from here out.

[Indenturedebtor]

440. Men and women have affairs at about equal rates according to Kinsey Institute

"The Kinsey Report found that the first time people were asked if they had been unfaithful 30% admitted they had. When they were questioned more thoroughly, another 30% confessed to extramarital sex, bringing the total to 60%, indicating a reluctance to admit to infidelity even for a scientific survey. While it's not clear the exact percentage of marriages affected by infidelity, it appears the percentage of people under 60 who have affairs is 50 - 60% for men and 40 - 50% for women, with the survey focusing on a middle and upper-income group."

http://www.wordscapes.net/extramarital-affairs.htm

10% difference between em... not much.

But this is pretty revolting. While I don't think that private lives have much bearing on one's work performance, his wife is dying with cancer and here he goes pulling crap like this! :grr:

[caseymoz]

520. He had the affair before Elizabeth's cancer recurred. (eom)

[Indenturedebtor]

538. And that does make it a lot less ugly - but still there is no excuse for cheating on your spouse

It's utterly dishonorable.

[Divernan]

569. Elizabeth had a compomised immune system; he had unprotected sex w/ strange woman

[caseymoz]

598. That does presume that he and his wife were still having sex.

Which would explain his behavior, if not exactly excuse it. It would also explain why Elizabeth is so forgiving; if cancer and chemo killed off her sex drive, she might have even given him tacit permission to have affairs, as long as they weren't serious.

Now all of that is just conjecture on my part, but it does go to show that you shouldn't make angry assumptions that make him far guiltier than he really is.

[The Croquist]

590. And you believe what he says because he wouldn't lie again?

Sorry but I have no trust in anything he says anymore. Besides. She's not in remission anymore. What was he doing with her the other night. It couldn't be to visit his kid because he told us that the kid isn't his, right?

[caseymoz]

599. If there's one thing that brings out the lie in almost everybody, it's sex.

The Democratic Party managed to forgive Clinton, and there's no two ways about it, he lied under oath. They were questions he should have never been asked, but he lied. Why forgive him?

I know that sounds cynical, but if there's one thing surveys on sex prove, it's that people lie about sex, that is even anonymously they lie. The numbers never add up. It's a scientific fact, and one that makes studying human sexuality such a challenge.

I remember that one survey that got heavy press coverage at the time, where heterosexual men were asked how many partners they had per year. The average was twelve. Whereas Jay Leno said, yeah, twelve: Miss January, Miss February, Miss March...

Hence, even the most truthful person will find it difficult not to lie about their sex live. It's just me, but I trust his honesty on other subjects.

BTW, I tend to think men lie about it more than women, but there's no proof of this.

[HereSince1628]

352. Well said.

Not to judge him, not to hold a grudge against him. It is disappointing.

[eowyn_of_rohan]

460. yes. extremely. And disillusioning

as if I could get any more disillusioned. what an ASSHOLE.

[global1]

3. You Know - They Just Ain't Making It Any Better For Obama.....

first the Clinton's and now Edwards. No wonder Barack went on vacation now. He probably was told that this would break this week.

[TwixVoy]

48. I am getting fed up

with the constant let downs.

And I hope to god your speculation is wrong. Wreaks of bushco going on vacation every time something disapointing happens.

[Ken Burch]

246. Well, at least we didn't NOMINATE the guy

Think how biblically known we'd be THEN!

[Patriot Abroad]

399. Absolutely . . . I voted for Edwards

What a chump I would look like today.

Not much chance of this happening to McCain - I'd say he has to take Viagra for a week to get a reaction these days . . .

[Ken Burch]

416. Thanks for an image I DID NOT want to have in my head.

n/t.

[sandyd921]

544. Actually there is evidence that McCain

had an affair with a lobbyist named Vicki Iseman. Although JRE was stupid to not keep it inside his pants, at least he didn't do it with a lobbyist! Just typical corrupt repuke family values.

[Erin Elizabeth]

317. How?

I must be missing something.

Obama didn't have the affair. Edwards is not our nominee (and now I say, thank God).

So how does this make things bad for Obama? He didn't pick him as his VP either (thank God).

[knixphan]

463. exactly.

[ronnykmarshall]

514. The fucking press.

That's what is going to hurt Obama.

Barack and the family are off on a very deserved vacation and this shit hits the fan.

Hillary gives a great speech in Nevada stumping for Barack and what do we see on the news? Hillary making a statement that she's praying for the Edwards family and that's IT!

This bullshit story .... well not total bullshit cuz I have to deal with my husband (an Edwards supporter) ranting about it.

SHIT.

I'm pissed on so many levels right now.


And to think ... Clay Aiken had a baby today. Oh the horrors!!!!

[Andrea]

347. Actually, it was probably because of the Olympics.

During the Olympics is a perfect time for a candidate to take a vacation. It's smart to take one while it's possible.

[CrazyDude]

369. I didn't know Obama cheated on his wife

In fact, I doubt he would based upon his moderate religious upbringing.

[KoKo]

387. No..they will use Edwards as a reson to "scout out" every person Obama might have had

"A relation With" and use Edwards as an EXCUSE as to why they are hunting down Obama's old girl friends.

:-( Media feels cheated that Edwards Op's denied them a story...and now it comes out what Edwards said was a Lie. They will "Crawl all over Obama" while IGNORING MCCAIN's terrible history! It's what they do..

Only Repugs are good "honest folks" and "Dems are Murderers and Philanderers" and they use the excuse that they "Held off on Edwards reporting because his "Campaign OP's were denying the WHOLE THING."

John has not done GOOD by his Dems..

He's made the STORY ...all about him...and it will go on and on in the tabloid cables as to whether Reille is the Mother or not. Everyone will be waiting for the DNA Results....

Nancy Grace will have a Field Day with this...along with the other "Crime Reporters."

Edwards STATEMENT was so lame and disgusting...it was begging for an "AGENT" to make "Him the Story" and not Obama and what Democratic Presidency could do for America to RESTORE FAITH in GOVERNMENT ...after BUSHIES!

[hedgehog]

562. Rest assured, if there was anything to be found on Obama,

she would have found it!

[Skittles]

427. LOLOL

you don't know much about religion, do you? :rofl:

[PassingFair]

459. Right, because only atheists cheat on their spouses. It's a well known fact.

:sarcasm:

[pink-o]

465. not to mention...

In fact, I doubt he would based upon his moderate religious upbringing.

Or that Michele looks a little too fit and strong to piss off!!!

[The Croquist]

591. I think he went on vacation because the Olympics are starting.

I don't want to argue about whether or not people pay any attention to them but the bottom line is that Politics will take a back seat to them for a while.

I'm sure he could use time off. Congress is in recess (not that Obama or McCain remember where the building is) but it would look bad to take a vacation when congress was pretending to do something.

If I had to guess, I'd say that it is more likely that Edwards decided to come clean during the Olympics to minimize the publicity regarding his affair rather then Obama getting out of the way during the announcement.

[bitchkitty]

4. Penis! Penis! Penis! Penis! Penis! Penis! n/t

[cliffordu]

7. yep.

[emilyg]

Put that horsey in the barn.

Lock that gate.

[TerribleLarryDingle]

100. The Penis will always get you in to trouble

Way to go Edwards! Thanks god you didn't get the nomination ol' McChickenhawk would be guaranteed a presidential position.

[cliffordu]

139. Enjoy your stay!!!

[SleeplessinSoCal]

357. Get somebody in the media to put a spotlight on McCain's affairs right now!!!

[Rockholm]

122. It is all they understand.

[GOPNotForMe]

5. Damn him. Poor Elizabeth... nt

[Duppers]

6. exactly! nt

SOB!

[cliffordu]

8. feh.

[Duppers]

14. and that means what??

you don't give a shit about how his actions affect Elizabeth?????

feh back to you.

[cliffordu]

136. Half the marriages end in divorce. The fact that we deify these people and then

go sooooo overboard when they fuck up and become human is what I reacted to.

The real tragedy is that Elizabeth is now going to drug through the slime.....again.

These should be private matters. Really.

The fact that the Russians might very well have killed over a thousand men women and children while the President hobnobs with Putin in China is the real tragedy today.

But MSNBS and the rest of the MSM obsess with what Edwards did in a motel.

And we get all atwitter with the most tragic, salacious aspects of human relationships.

[JaneQPublic]

201. I don't give a damn about the "salacious aspects"

I care about the fact that Elizabeth was busting her hump trying to get John elected president at a time when she should have been home dealing with her own health situation and spending time with her children, whom she may very well not see to adulthood.

Can you even imagine how crappy she must have felt because of her cancer, yet doing all that traveling and speaking on his behalf? Because she believed in him?

If she can make all those sacrifices for his soaring aspirations, the least he could do is try REAL hard not to have sex with another woman.

Again, it's not the "salacious aspects," it's the betrayal and humilation of of a fabulous woman -- one he obviously doesn't deserve.

[renate]

457. what you said

"the least he could do is try REAL hard not to have sex with another woman."

It's so true. That and the "he obviously doesn't deserve" part. :applause:

[caseymoz]

525. According to Edwards, the affair took place in 2006.

Before Elizabeth's cancer had recurred. She has concurred that he confessed it to her in 2006. Apparently, he was immediately contrite about it.

[defendandprotect]

203. Yes . . . true and well said . . but Edwards also had a relationship with Democrats . . .

and what he did was very risk had he been nominated . . . .

It wouldn't have mattered to me --- I'd love to have Elizabeth in the White House ---

I'd love to have Elizabeth as the candidate --- she's better than John --

but this would have hurt quite badly!

[Duppers]

244. yep, I agree with you.

This country is full of small-minded people. Reminds me of the Clinton penis era.

I've overacted because of my huge respect for Elizabeth and the shocking degree of JE's hypocrisy. I voted for him in the primary.

Yes, I know the slaughter of the Georgians is immensely more important.

Thanks.

[cliffordu]

381. Thanks - I thought I was going to be toast for my view. I too, think that

Elizabeth is going to suffer immensely over this - a very large part of it because of the lurid, pump up the volume

drumbeat the media will give this.

She will not be able to escape it, perhaps for the rest of her life.

And that is the tragedy going forward.

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

27. Pisses me off. Poor Elizabeth. He's dead to me.

[BonnieJW]

191. What about their two little ones?

How do you explain this to them??? Why don't men think of that when they unzip?

[mnhtnbb]

202. That's the problem. All that blood in the penis makes them unable to think.,

[defendandprotect]

.... a lot of thinking has to be changed, about both males and females . . .

and relationships ---

We have to get honest with ourselves in America and we have quite a way to go yet ---

Meanwhile, IMO, tho there's no proving it yet --- I think the real sexual perverts

are in the White House --- just my personal, heavily biased feelings ---

[mnhtnbb]

263. I don't think there's anything perverted about what Edwards did. Just dishonest.

[ooglymoogly]

290. This is definitely an affair to remember...

but not one worth remembering.

[mnhtnbb]

297. I think I prefer Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr

[mikewils]

484. Why don't

women think about it either? Or is it just men that have affairs?

[MissDeeds]

209. Me too

I was a hard core Edwards supporter and defended him time and time again against these "allegations". We can all remember how often he wrapped his arm around Elizabeth and proclaimed her "the love of my life". Well, you don't screw around on the love of your life, especially when she risked her life to be shot full of hormones to have two more of your children after age fifty. Or when she put aside her cancer treatment to campaign for the Kerry/Edwards ticket on your behalf. This woman is so much better than that, and now, that cancer is robbing her of a long and healthy life, for him to do this to her is beyond words. I am too angry to express myself civilly, but let it suffice to say he is dog dung to me. He is without a heart or a conscience. Jesus. I bought his lie hook line and sinker. Imagine what Elizabeth is going through - along with her other battles. A pox upon you, John Edwards, and your little weenie, too!

[texastoast]

218. Dead to me too

Unforgivable.

No matter what party you are with.

[caseymoz]

510. This is beginning to sound too much like virginity.

One time and you're corrupted for life. I just don't believe that.

Edwards is a good guy. This is something that's between him and his family and not a public matter. The more quickly we could say that and put this behind us, the better we and the entire liberal/progressive cause will be.

[Joe Chi Minh]

330. I think John and the Democats will do just fine without the people on

here, maundering about something that's none of their damn business - and they wouldn't even have known about but, for the scum of the MSM. Though, personally, I always wonder how many are Dems and how many are interlopers on here.

What is it with you people that you want nice wholesome politicians you could take home to your mother. Why don't you see them as good, poor or indifferent POLITICIANS, for crying out loud! If it attracted saints, your prisons would be full of them, Nelson Mandela clones. And HE WAS A WOMANISER, but he was prepared to spend more than 20 years in prison for his political beliefs (not for his beliefs re the sanctity of marriage).

Politics seldom, if ever, attracts mature human beings, but they often grow into them, sometimes outstanding ones. Their job is not to be NICE! They're there - though you wouldn't know it much of the time (in the UK, never) - to run an enormous and formerly prosperous country for the benefit of as many of its people as possible. PLEASE Google "Lloyd George"; and remember, he was known as The Old Goat.

When I worked in a Cheshire Home (for disabled people), I was appalled when a man I knew as Mike told me that his wife, who had just visited, was going with another man, and he was pleased for her. But now I admire his love for her. With men, it's different. It's more about libido than security and companionship, and wouldn't have to mean anything, in terms of love. It's not that I'm seeking to condone it. I don't. But neither is it any of my business, unless someone very close to me were involved and I new both the man and his wife well enough to know how it would impact on the innocent party.

[caseymoz]

512. I couldn't have said it better. (eom)

[JeanGrey]

31. Yes every woman that is dying or fighting a major

illness loves it when her husband screws somebody else. Happened to a friend of mine and it almost killed her. What a bastard.

[Christa]

133. I agree

why couldn't he have kept his dick in his pants :puke:

[caseymoz]

529. That's something (most) men know but can't explain it in a way a woman can understand.

It doesn't help when women's judgment about it is rather unforgiving.

Something you can understand better: why would another woman be there when he takes it out of his pants? I'm not trying to be vulgar or anything, but this wasn't just a matter of what John Edwards was doing.

[mnhtnbb]

196. Hubby said this morning that he could imagine how a guy

would stray with an ill wife for a long time.

I think that clinches it for me. I've always suspected him of cheating while I was confined
to bed from 17-36 weeks with risk of losing the baby. Damn him. Now instead of being
75% sure, I'd put it at 95% sure. Damn men and their penises.

[JeanGrey]

424. Oh god that is awful! I hope not!

[ScreamingMeemie]

425. Thru all of our marriage...through all of my illness, my husband

remained faithful.

[Norrin Radd]

502. You should also damn women and their vaginas, having sex with men in relationships.

[Zambero]

199. This is called a "Gingrich"

Although Newt actually dumps the ailing wife. We'll see....

[treestar]

231. Ding! Ding! And how much was the political penalty for Newt?

It should be no greater here.

[Mike Daniels]

265. Ultimately, the political penalty lies with the voters

If people are willing to put their faith in someone who betrayed their spouse that's their business.

I know I wouldn't give that person my support because if he screwed over what should be the most important person in his life what's to keep him from doing the same to me down the road?

[treestar]

596. Look at Clinton and Kennedy though

We can never know what's going on inside a marriage. It doesn't always have to be that they screwed the other person over, too. There is a theory that FDR and Eleanor led their separate lives, but their marriage continued. In a way, if we quit making these demands of perfection of politicians, they might get out of their marriages before they cheat or their spouses do, as it is, they have to try to maintain the marriage or risk that the divorce wrecks their political career. Some mentioned Sen. Feingold would be a good President, but wasn't a good candidate due to divorces.

Though this of course seems not to be an issue for republicons, who can rant about family values. There has been one divorced president and he wasn't a Democrat. And no one calls McAdulter on the carpet for his divorce or the way he treated his first wife. The M$M likes to be blind unless the offending party is a Democrat.

[triguy46]

508. Or a Gary Hart. They can all have lunch together in the political dead zone....

must have been some pretty good stuff to toss it all away. The penis is stronger than the brain.

[caseymoz]

513. Except Edwards had this affair before Elizabeth's cancer recurred

She posted to dailykos that he told her in 2006. See CNN:

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/08/08/edwards.affair/index.html

[marshall]

526. How long before the media is saying the stress of the affair brought back Elizabeth's cancer?

I don't know what doctors say about stress and cancer--it can't bode well for Senator Edwards.

The only thing that interests me now is the money trail--did the money to this woman come from campaign funds?

[The Croquist]

592. So why was he with Rielle Hunter just a few weeks ago?

If the affair ended 2 years ago it seems a little late to be returning gifts.

[pengillian101]

41. My sentiments exactly.

:mad:

[lovuian]

322. I feel for Elizabeth and its amazing how these men

fall so quickly but it doesn't have anything to do with his politics

[KoKo]

378. Edwards says in statement he told Elizabeth about this..lapse..and presume his older daughter.

I hope to hell he didn't try to "tell" the little ones. :-( ...That would have been alot for them to understand...

[Blaq Dem]

9. Well...he's a good looking guy

I'd take a shot with him myself. But I have such tremendous respect for Mrs. Edwards whose undergoing cancer.
Shame on you John!

[Blaq Dem]

46. Here's what Rielle Hunter looks like!

Can anyone say ewwww??? She doesn't hold a candle to Elizabeth.

[robcon]

60. Hypocrisy on parade...

Wednesday December 19th, 2007 4:03 PM by BHDC Staff

CBS NEWS with Katie Couric, 9 months ago:

KATIE COURIC: Harry Truman said, “A man not honorable in his marital relations is not usually honorable in any other.” Some people don’t feel comfortable supporting a candidate who has not remained faithful to his or her spouse. Can you understand their position?

SEN. JOHN EDWARDS: Of course. I mean, for a lot of Americans– including the family that I grew up with, I mean, it’s– it’s fundamental to– how you judge people and human character– whether you keep your word, whether you keep what is your ultimate word, which is that– you love– your spouse, and you’ll stay with them.

[Mike Daniels]

140. Harry T. nailed it on the head

"A man not honorable in his marital relations is not usually honorable in any other"

If a candidate can't stay faithful to his/her spouse how can we expect said candidate to stay faithful to promises made on the campaign trail?

[tblue37]

211. Actually, I don't think that's necessarily relevant. I am disgusted by this whole thing, but the

fact remains that the sort of men who get into powerful political positions are almost always the sort of men we describe as alpha male types. Evolution has selected for such men to be sexually active--and with more than one partner. The same selection process that produces males that seek leadership positions also produces males who are driven to pass along their genes, usually by "spreading their seed" as widely as possible.

But we are supposedly not entirely constrained by our genetic make-up. Somewhere in there our higher mental functions are suppossoed to operate. Men don't always have to think with their gonads, and it pisses me off that so many of these otherwise bright guys risk everything (and not just for themselves, but for everyone else) on such stupid affairs. Of course, a certain amount of risk-taking is also genetically coded for in such male types.

Frankly, I wish I could smack him upside the head.

[Raksha]

362. I disagree, because if we're really being consistent

we'd have to say that about John Kennedy, and about Eisenhower and Roosevelt and George Washington too for that matter.

Re "A man not honorable in his marital relations is not usually honorable in any other"

I'm not willing to accuse these men of being dishonorable in every way because they had extramarital affairs.

People are human and they're weak, that's all. They have ideals but sometimes fail to live up to them, especially when it comes to sex. That should be old news to everyone.

[knixphan]

490. very old news indeed -

[clear eye]

601. That's babytalk

Remember FDR? People aren't that simple. I'm afraid you have to actually look at what people do in the other aspects of their lives to know. There's no shortcut.

If I were his wife, I'd be devastated and want to wring his neck. But I'm not so I just stopped by to see DUers reactions. Getting a little bored now. On to another thread.

[Name removed]

89. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[GOPNotForMe]

161. What enlightened thinking. You are SICK! nt

[davidnc76]

103. I dunno about that...

She is an attractive woman.

[Sequoia]

342. Sure, if you're blind maybe.

[hopewell1985]

106. truthfully

I don't know about that

[KalicoKitty]

118. Ewwwwwwww!!!!

That's for sure! :puke:

[tblue37]

198. She looks like John Kerry in drag. (Did I say that out loud?) n/t

[karynnj]

260. There is not the slightest resemblance

You should be ashamed of making a despicable comment like that.

[PittPoliSci]

574. no, she kinda does.

lost that sense of humor?

[karynnj]

578. Both of you are crazy

She has a very thin, fragile looking SMALL, oddly triangular face/ Kerry's face is - as everyone made jokes of - unusually long and not triangular in the least. Kerry has very deep set eyes. There is not one feature that is similar. In fact, you could as easily say she looks like Edwards in drag. It makes no sense - but there's as much resemblance.

[LiberalEsto]

200. She's hideous

Unbelievably hideous

[Sheltiemama]

205. She looks fine. Elizabeth looks fine.

This isn't about the physical appearance of either woman. It's about character on the part of both Edwards and the other woman.

[Plucketeer]

248. You nailed it!

Of course, men would rather find themselves in bed with a "beauty", but sex is sex. Even fat, ugly gals give birth - what's that tell you? I'm sickened by this - I was SO firmly in favor of John going to the oval office. Thing is, as has already been said here, what a public servant does in his private life should be just that - private! :grr:

[mnhtnbb]

204. What a horse face. Reminds me of Camilla.

[liberal renegade]

374. she's a 2 bagger

[Codeine]

377. Who cares what she looks like?

All of a sudden we're Sexist Fuckin' Underground? :mad: :mad: :puke:

[MullenBank]

435. well it's not the best pic...

but she is kinda hot. Maybe it's made of mink. Or she can hold her breath for a really really long time.

[dixiegrrrrl]

476. triple ewwwwwwwww

[1_cali_dem]

497. O.K. I will.

EEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!! I never trusted Edwards.........amidst much bashing from Dem friends.......I feel vindicated.....He is slime and he put his dick in higher regard than his wife or his country. For Shame:wtf:

[dysfunctional press]

547. i have to disagree STRONGLY. Rielle is WAY hotter than elizabeth edwards.

it's not a matter of hotness though- if you find the most attractive woman in the world, you'll also find a guy who's tired of fucking her, and fantasizes about someone else.

[global1]

10. Lying Us Into War And Being Responsible For So Many Murders Is Not ......

grounds for impeachment - but if Edwards was our president and this came down - what do you think would happen?

[barbtries]

107. why he'd be impeached, of course

and the wide stance picks up men in airports dude whose name i can't - Larry craig, isn't it? - still holds office if i'm not mistaken.

not too much hypocrisy. th

the quote is interesting. because he talks about staying with his wife, agrees with couric with, "of course," but doesn't exactly claim categorically that he's always been and will always be faithful. just, he'll always be with her. if i read it right. too lazy to check.

[Delphinus]

135. That was my thought, too.

the quote is interesting. because he talks about staying with his wife, agrees with couric with, "of course," but doesn't exactly claim categorically that he's always been and will always be faithful. just, he'll always be with her. if i read it right. too lazy to check.

Who know what their vows were - perhaps they didn't say anything about fidelity?

[barbtries]

143. yeah, right

if one was trying to prove that he's a hypocritical liar as well as an adulterer, they could probably find a better quote to do it with.

[tblue37]

214. So does diaper-Dave Vitter. n/t

[JerseygirlCT]

154. Of course an affair isn't grounds for impeachment - or

to be compared to the horrific crimes of the Bush administration.

Then again, I had and have much higher expectations wrt the integrity of the Democrats. Maybe foolish of me.

I don't think his affair has much impact on government. But to me it says something about his character, particularly given how visible his wife has been, and her ongoing fight with cancer. On a personal level, that's not the kind of person I'd want to associate with.

So yeah, it pisses me off. I don't think we need to draw comparisons with Bush - there are none. But I don't think the crimes of the Bush administation make what Edwards did go away, either.

[kestrel91316]

11. When are men gonna learn to think with their BIG head

instead of their LITTLE head???

Jeebus H. Christ. Was this affair during Elizabeth's cancer treatment???

[FreeState]

37. Its none of our business - when are we going to learn to use our heads to stop

caring about other peoples personal lives?

[MicaelS]

84. Never, it will never ever happen

Talking about who is sleeping with who, especially the wealthy and powerful, is as old as humanity. And if Edwards didn't want to get outed, he should have keep his pants zipped. The stupidity and arrogance of those who seek public office never ceases to amaze me.

[verges]

176. If this were

Mitt Romney, we'd be all over it like a cheap suit. Edwards has demonstrated a streak of hypocrisy here.

I'm incredibly disappointed. I feel terrible for Mrs Edwards. She has been the perfect candidate's spouse, and this is how she has been repaid. She must feel crushed.

[defendandprotect]

220. The problem is that this WOULD have had a negative political impact .. .

on the ability of Democrats to win had Edwards been the nominee . . .

It is his "personal life" --- but in seeking the nomination he also had

a relationship with the public ---

[JDPriestly]

318. Well said.

[Quantess]

339. I partly agree, except in outrageous cases like

"family values" David Vitter getting his diapers changed by prositutes, or homophobes soliciting gay sex. Some are irresistible scandals. I'll never let the Diaper Dave joke die down.

But extramarital affairs are really not that exciting or shocking for politicians, in my opinion. Nobody pays any attention to John McCain's infidelities, and I honestly don't really care. Having affairs is bad for a marriage, but it doesn't mean you're not doing your job well.

[George II]

45. I think he was....

[Psephos]

113. When are women going to learn to not sleep with someone else's husband?

There are two parties to these conspiracies.

[barbtries]

137. one of them is breaking a vow

unless she was married as well of course.

[Psephos]

561. While the other willfully conspires to make it happen.

Law treats co-conspirers as guilty of the same crime regardless of how the criminal actions are divvied up. For example, if I shoot someone but you assist by driving me there to do it and handing me the gun, we both get charged with murder.

I'm not saying this is a criminal matter, but I am saying that the woman's contribution is both willful and indispensable to the "vow-breaking."

[LiberalFighter]

149. Men always get the full blame. They are both at fault.

[kiranon]

420. Agree completely with you. Two adults equally at fault.

Why on earth did he run for the Presidency with this in his background. But, do not think it should end his career or prevent him from being the AG.

[kiranon]

421. Agree completely with you. Two adults equally at fault.

Why on earth did he run for the Presidency with this in his background. But, do not think it should end his career or prevent him from being the AG.

[The Croquist]

593. Except that only one was running for President

Now which one was that?

The bottom line is many of us don't just vote for politicians on what they say they are going to do but on how much we believe what they say and how they lead their lives.

Edwards has flunked 2 ot of 3.

I wasn't planning on voting for Rielle Hunter anyway.

[hisownpetard]

523. Exactly!

[TommyO]

183. When are people going to stop their stereotyping about all men?

[krabigirl]

258. try never?

[comrade snarky]

492. Yeah

Cause women never cheat or do bad things.
I'm getting a little tired of the male bashing sexist comments around here. Please, stop insulting me because you're mad at Edwards. As I recall the studies show men and women cheat in about the same proportions.

Would it be OK with you if I made a similar statement about women?

Somehow I doubt it.

[Warpy]

12. That's what they used to force him out before Super Tuesday

Want to bet?

[musette_sf]

13. agreed n/t

[Duppers]

22. that was my guess too. nt

nt

[barbtries]

150. i don't know about that

the way the republicans work, they'd probably be still trying to put him in the white house. THEN they could go after him.

[Warpy]

175. How very odd that you'd think the REPUBLICANS forced him out

[barbtries]

208. i just blame the republicans for everything

because they're to blame for everything. okay i'm being facetious. sorta. but i didn't follow my thought all the way through. i mean with their tools the msm. for instance. dennis kucinich never stood a chance - he was locked out of the debates. like that. since i consider most msm to be tools of the republicans and i believe that most americans are gathering their information from the msm, it follows that the republicans put several good (ie should have been viable) candidates out of the running early. not that the frontrunners weren't all for that at the time...anyway. i always felt that the republicans knew where they were going to "get" clinton, and sure enough, he just had to have that woman. look at how far they took that knowledge. they actually impeached the man!

and yet here we have an unelected president throwing wars and running roughshod over the founding principles of our nation and ... yawn.

hope that clears it up. lol

[defendandprotect]

225. THEY were very upset about Edwards "populist" messages if you recall . . .

to the point where he got a public threat from the Chamber of Commerce saying

that if Edwards didn't stop the "populist" messages they were going to raise

$60 million and knock him out. So a POPULIST message in itself is a threat

to them --- they don't want that info out there!

Knocking Edwards out earlier I think would have been preferred by them ---

they couldn't have been sure that once he was the candidate that Democrats

would have abandoned him. Some resentment, for instance, re Clinton's "impeachment"

might have created a backlash support for Edwards?

[grasswire]

15. now we know why he dropped out

Was he snagged under illegal surveillance?

[Joe Chi Minh]

353. No. Have you forgotten already? The election was a Diebold-type stitch-up.

He should have been the nominee.

[lumberjack_jeff]

16. I. Don't. Care. n/t

[SusanaMontana41]

17. Very very disappointed.

My heart is with Elizabeth and the Edwards children.

[davepc]

18. What is so hard about IF SHES NOT YOUR WIFE YOU DONT FUCK HER

really. I DONT get it

[JeanGrey]

36. Neither do millions of men

[Endangered Specie]

87. Or Millions of women too

[krispos42]

Amen!

:mad: :-( :cry:

[lakercub]

486. Stop it

This isn't a "man" problem. Women do it too....and in increasing numbers. Don't be sexist about it.

[DiscussTed]

40. No shit

I have been married to the same woman for over 25 years and sure, I have had occasional temptations, but I never had trouble controlling my behavior. I just don't get this. It is not that hard to do, unless you are a narcissistic phony.

[Pacifist Patriot]

82. You and me both.

[JerseygirlCT]

160. I suspect that anyone with the self-confidence to think he or she

ought to be president also has a large chance of being afflicted with narcissism. The rules don't apply to them.

We saw that with Bill Clinton, with the Kennedys... The big ego you need to run often comes attached to the idea that you're somehow above mere mortals.

I'll take my "mere mortal" husband anyday, thanks.

[niceypoo]

197. It is a HORMONE related issue...

...monogomy in humans is not natural

[defendandprotect]

229. We have some ways yet to go to recognize that . . ..

[treestar]

235. It's the power trip

And the risk of getting caught. Some people just can't live without the drama.

[Peregrine Took]

296. My sentiments exactly. If you are a horndog - stay a batchelor. These

selfish b*stards want it all.

[WorseBeforeBetter]

608. Or... IF HE'S ANOTHER WOMAN'S HUSBAND, DON'T FUCK HIM.

Unless all parties are OK with it...

Lisa Druck is a piece of work. Andrew Young is married with three kids. Maybe four. What? She couldn't find a single guy on the campaign?

[DiscussTed]

19. Disappointed and Angry...

As a Edwards supporter (former, that is) I am soooo pissed off at him.

After seeing what the press did to Clinton YOU WOULD THINK anyone running for POTUS would have enough good judgement to avoid this type of situation.

Dumbass.

[JDPriestly]

323. Exactly, DiscussTed. My view entirely.

How stupid can you get. If you have an affair, your campaign is over. Unless you 'fess up in time, apologize, and face the music in public, not just at home.

[Julius Civitatus]

20. It's always ABC News...

It never fails.
I'm starting to believe that ABC has been the media arm of the GOP, not just Fox News.

[RamboLiberal]

81. So - ABC News didn't screw the woman - Edwards did

And Edwards could've admitted to any of the MSM - they all wanted the story.

[Purveyor]

21. This is just fucking 'ugly'. Edwards broke the trust of many who supported and defended him

when the first allegations surfaced.

At least this is coming out before he was named VP or AG to the Obama ticket.

[iamthebandfanman]

23. dont care

its his business and his family, not mine.

[kestrel91316]

The trouble with this is: HE'S A DEMOCRAT. So the MSM will

grab onto this and never let go, and it will push the frickin' OLYMPICS off the front page.

If he were a Republican this would barely merit a yawn from the MSM and the general public. Because IOKIYAR.

[heliarc]

He is a democrat..

so his indiscretions at least match with his sexual orientation...

Republicans tend to find bedfellows who are fellas if they are trying to convince you they like the ladies...

[Auggie]

315. I can just hear Pat Buchanan bullshitting about this

[Sheltiemama]

319. I'm not going to be able to watch TV tonight.

I'll just have to read instead.

[isentropic]

324. He was just on talking about it a minute ago! Said it should be nobody's business

except those involved.
:shrug:

[Auggie]

337. Maybe he hasn't been told what to say yet...

[jzodda]

50. You should care

If only for the fact had he won the nomination this would have destroyed his candidacy and our chance of winning in November. That's a huge betrayal of the public trust and for those of us who supported him, stings even more. You should also care because it seems money changed hands.

[iamthebandfanman]

172. well he didnt

so i dont. deal with it.

[jzodda]

188. Of couse you can care about what you want

But the fact he didn't win is besides the point. He wasn't running to lose was he? What would you say if next week the same story broke about Obama? Would you care?

[iamthebandfanman]

206. you were the one

who made the point about what if he was our nominee, not me. so, maybe you should tell yourself its besides the point before bringing it up?

as far as what if it happened to Obama...

of course id be pissed, but only because of as you say it could ruin our chances...
other than that, i could give 2 flying fucks what he does in his free time with his private parts.
if only more people were like me and didnt judge people morality based on sexual activity, i wouldnt have to care about our chances being ruined either...


so go on, buy into the hooplah and watch the news everytime they talk about it...
just remember, youre feeding the beast... not me...
cause i dont give a shit.

[Apollo11]

298. The idea that Barack would even think about cheating on Michelle

is so ridiculous and unbelievable that I cannot even imagine it! B-)

[isentropic]

327. I'd submit that very few of us would have imagined Edwards doing it either.

:shrug:

[Apollo11]

367. I know what you mean

but at the same time a lot of people have always suspected that there was something "fake" about Edwards ...

The guy was an effective trial lawyer and knows how to sell his side of the case, even if it means manipulating the emotional responses of jury members. His approach to public speaking also involves a lot of appealing to his audiences' emotional responses.

[isentropic]

454. Heh...well I don't think Obama has been diddling around but he's a sharp lawyer too

and it's hard to imagine anybody as good-looking as he is not getting propositioned on a regular basis. :D

[earth mom]

543. Well, one of the tabloids had a headline saying Oprah is in love with Obama. nt

[barbtries]

221. if this would have destroyed edwards's candidacy

then we need to jump all over mccain's history. if we can win just by proving he's a lying, cheating, sack of shit husband, we got it. we have it in the bag.

[jzodda]

228. The difference

is this is happening now, before and during his run for office as President. It may involve a baby and certainly involved money, and if you read post 174, the money possibly came out of campaign funds.

If that would not have destroyed his campaign had he won then what would? Its not just sex, its never just sex. Its about the lies that revolve around the act. What these guys do to keep it a secret.

As far as McCain? If your talking about his affair with his current wife when he was married to his first? Its hard to make these equal since one was 30+ years ago and one is happening right now. Unless you know something about McCain I don't.

[JDPriestly]

329. Absolutely. We should jump all over McCain's history.

He showed a total lack of empathy for his first wife. Has he changed? Little chance.

[defendandprotect]

537. No Enquirer story .... no photogs following him around in middle of night . . no baby--?

[WheelWalker]

131. We are all one.

[iamthebandfanman]

180. only in the sense we are human

hence why hes allowed to make humanly mistakes.

im not the judge of Mr Edwards, and i dare say neither is anybody on this board.

sorry, i dont believe imposing my morality onto people... especially when it comes to sex and marriage.

i dont like the ideal of an affair as much as alot of people do, but its none of my business what he does with HIS PERSONAL LIFE.

hes not running for office nor does he hold any office. therefor, it has nothing to do with me whatsoever.

[WheelWalker]

550. I think we're all connected. We're waves in the sea.

[Lucky 13]

24. Damn it!

He just ruined his political career. The person I had originally hoped would be the next President just committed political suicide.

WTF?! Why don't these guys understand that you can't get away with this shit like you used to. All of your sins will be found out and used against you. That'd be motivation enough for me not to cheat on my wife! Oh that and that I loved her and she's having a rough time because she's being treated for CANCER.

Damn it, John. So disappointed.

[JeanGrey]

38. Are you really surprised though?

There is something wrong with some men. Just wrong.

[The Backlash Cometh]

239. Surprised, shocked, appalled disappointed...

Anyone can make a mistake, but how they recover from it, I don't know. I guess you need a Jim Baker to help you out.

[barbtries]

186. what are you talking about?

look at mccain! within a month of his divorce he was remarried. does anybody anywhere think that he didn't cheat on his wife? how's his political career? oh, yeah, rolling right along, candidate for the presidency. how about giuliani? his 3rd marriage already, and didn't he actually dump his last wife in a news conference? the hero of 911? anyone else, i know there must be.

this does not have to end edwards's career. oh, wait - he's a DEMOCRAT. it's over. there's no forgiveness for democrats no matter what. republicans - they can murder people, start stupid wars, waste the entire treasury of the country, violate the constitution, lie to congress and to the people, torture, rendition, lie, lie, lie! and it's okay. it's okay. :banghead:

[tblue37]

223. Yep--especially with illegal domestic surveillance being

used for political purposes. It is bound to be discovered. And this happened after the Clinton impeachment, after the widespread domestic surveillance became known, after everything that should have made him think twice--nay fifty times--before taking a chance like this if he wanted a future in politics, especially since, as he says, he wasn't in love with her.

[GoesTo11]

25. Dumbass

What was he thinking running for President this time, that he would win the nomination and then get torn down?

What was he thinking in 2006, while preparing for another presidential run? Having an affair is a moral and conscious choice, and these guys (Edwards, Bill C., McCain, etc., etc.) know it full well. Many, many of us choose not to have affairs. It's not that difficult.

His biggest asset was sincerity. Goodbye to that.

[bean fidhleir]

61. "His biggest asset was sincerity"

Not so. It was the APPEARANCE of sincerity.

"Sincerity is the most important thing. If you can fake that, you've got it made" (I've forgotten who said it)

[JeanGrey]

26. Score another one for the Enquirer.

What a surprise. (not)

[yorgatron]

30. what botheres me the most is that the National Enquirer was right for a change.

at least partly.

[JeanGrey]

42. For a change? LOL They're right a LOT.

[Politicalboi]

93. Your right

And one of these mags has stories about Obama having an affair and a love child also.

[MicaelS]

95. No shit

They end up with the crap no one else will dare to publish. Too often the MSM are just lapdogs who just regurgitate whatever some press release or news conference tell them.

[mainer]

566. They have a bigger fact-checking team than the Washington Post

That's what a former Post reporter told me. He says that if the Enquirer says it, there's a big kernel of truth to it.

Remember OJ and those "ass-ugly" shoes?

[liberalcanuck]

28. Big Deal... so he's human like the rest of us. Let's keep it movin'. n/t

[JeanGrey]

44. Screwing around on your cancer riddled wife is not

"human". It's inhuman.

[ladywnch]

79. let's just remember Newt Gingrich still tops him ...rememeber

getting his wife to sign a divorce decree while she was coming out of anesthestia for cancer surgery? He still takes the cake. And we can't let the rethugs forget it.

mind you, I'm not condoning what Edwards did but Gingrich is worse. Hell, McCain divorced his first wife for being disfigured after she had remained faithful and waited for him to return from Viet Nam.

[jberryhill]

226. I would reserve that judgment to Mrs. Edwards

He claims that she knows, and they have apparently come to terms about the subject.

Not my business.

[liberalcanuck]

325. Nothing like a sex scandal to get the sanctimonious all riled up n/t

[JDPriestly]

340. It shows a lack of empathy for others. It shows callousness.

It indicates a certain inability to feel the pain of others. It is a very bad trait.

It does not in and of itself indicate that the person is a sociopath, but it does cause questions about just how narcissitic the person is.

[Turn CO Blue]

444. It's one of the most common scenarios out there - and

it's quite often the one WITH the cancer who has the affair. I'd say you have a very immature (petty, baby-ish, pouting, selfish) understanding of the nature of close relationships, especially the dynamics during illness, from my reading your posts in this thread.

[davepc]

67. Sure, John McCain cheated on his cancer ridden wife...he's just human move on

[WheelWalker]

141. Being human is not an excuse - it's a responsibility n/t

[slackmaster]

178. I never cheated on my wife

How about you?

[arcos]

29. So disappointing... nt

[liberalitch]

32. Ha-rumpf....

...Men!

[jzodda]

33. very disappointing

A sick wife, young children and now allegations that the campaign paid this woman $$ for a job she was not qualified to do.

I thought Edwards was different, I wanted him to be AG. Now he becomes just another politician that lets his supporters down. I wish I could get the money I had donated to him back. :(

[Dystopian]

Me too.

$ down the drain of deceit.
And that arrogant bastard had the nerve to run for president again....
He thought this wouldn't get out?
How could he ruin the lives of his beautiful Elizabeth and their children...?
I am sickened.

peace~

[NJCher]

267. here's what they did with PAC money

According to friends of Hunter, Edwards met her at a New York city bar in 2006. His political action committee later paid her $114,000 to produce campaign website documentaries despite her lack of experience.

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=6315165




Cher

[leftchick]

34. Edwards just 'visited' her last month??

Edwards today admitted the National Enquirer was correct when it reported he had visited Hunter at the Beverly Hills Hilton last month.

The former Senator said his wife had not known about the meeting.

wtf?

[JeanGrey]

53. THE KID IS HIS too. He is trying to slide out of that

by saying "oh I haven't taken a paternity test" but WHY would he visit a former(?) mistress in the middle of the night and be holding her baby? RIGHT.

John, you're screwed. And you're a shit.

[chatnoir]

63. Wow, just wow. I hadn't heard that.

What a disgusting pig.

[defendandprotect]

238. Why would he acknowledge the "affair" and not the child . . . .????

saving it for a two part blow to his reputation . . . ???

[karynnj]

275. My guess - the timing

That baby was conceived about a month or two after the stage 4 diagnosis.

[JeanGrey]

406. I think he believes he can pawn it off on a "friend". But if the

affair "ended" in 06 and Elizabeth knew all about it, why the hell is he visiting her in a hotel room in the middle of the night and holding her baby, now that she's moved on to someone else?

Come on. I was born at night but not LAST night......................he also made that comment that he "didn't give her" any payoff money but his friends "might have".

There is more to this yet.

Considering how crappy Elizabeth must feel I bet the mistress has a warm fuzzy too. Bet he promised her marriage after Elizabeth goes, she must be mad as hell.

[LonelyLRLiberal]

285. How can you tell the kid is his - the hair?

and who the frick cares - he is not a candidate for office and is not holding an office - it's just GOSSIP!

[JeanGrey]

408. No it isn't "gossip". He lied. He is no better than any other

sleazy politician who talks about doing good while he's doing crap.

[LonelyLRLiberal]

548. An affair is not on the same public interest level as being one of the Keating Five, say.

Or how about lying about WMD to justify killing and maiming thousands of Americans and Iraqis?

This whole John Edwards affair story is just a brainless distraction from the serious stuff.

[Peregrine Took]

299. And releasing it all on Friday night - with the Olympics and Russia at war -

what a slime!

[JeanGrey]

409. Well, sure. Best time for him, isn't it?

Now I look for poor poor Elizabeth to be drug out to stand behind John and give us that "oh I forgave him" nonsense like Hillary did. That poor woman. Pig.

[davidnc76]

35. Some of his supporters may have tried to pay her off?

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=6315165


This is extremely disappointing news.

[Mira]

39. in the words of Shel Silverstein :"I'm too proud of him to speak" :sarcasm:

[robcon]

43. He left us in limbo for too long.

Neither denying nor admitting - the sign of a real lowlife.

As usual for politicians, the cover-up is worse than the actions.

[Political Heretic]

47. Damn... what a huge disappointment.

[snooper2]

49. Thanks for being another pig Edwards...

And you were my #2 pick...

:puke:

[rucognizant]

112. Well it saved us...........

A lot of potential write in votes for Edwards!
Time to let the women run the country ( except Hillary), we keep our eyes on the prize better.
Because the prize is harder to win??????

[shanti]

51. another one bites the dust

:( very upset to hear this as i supported his presidential bid :(

[jeanruss]

52. our best leaders

I think it is tragic that a talented politician like Edwards has to be tossed aside because he isn't perfect. After lying us into war and killing over a million people, Bush is still accorded respect. Americans need to graduate from high school and realize this is a stupid litmus test for integrity. As an Edwards supporter, I would be delighted to have him as our President or in any other capacity in government. Do you all realize that with this as a standard, we would not have had Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, FDR, John Kennedy as our leaders? It is time to mature and leave private lives private as long as they don't involve a crime. This is a phony sort of morality and we are losing some of the best people we have. This story has been pushed by fear of what Edwards in government would accomplish. As a VP he would have pushed a populist agenda, and as AG he would have pursued this administration for their crimes. For the supposedly SHOCKED people on this site, all I can say is "oh please". If the Senate and American public can stomach Vitter and Craig, it surely can tolerate John Edwards.

[jzodda]

58. Have you lost all sense of reality?

Had he gotten the nomination this would have killed ALL our chances of winning in November! That's not a betrayal? The fact that money may have been involved does not bother you? The fact his wife is stricken with cancer does not bother you?

Bush is accorded respect by who? The 19% of people who approve of him? He gets no respect from anybody I know. You are using teenage logic here. Just because others do rotten things it makes it ok? We can't set a high standard for our leaders? I could give a fuck what Thomas Jefferson did. He's long dead. I care what the ones living now do though.

[jeanruss]

159. what about McCain?

McCain's behavior in his personal life has been lousy, yet he is certainly acceptable to millions of Americans. Clinton is still considered a superstar of the Democratic Party. I just don't understand this special standard only for John Edwards. The sexual deviants in the Republican Party are tolerated, yet Edwards isn't tolerable. It says in the interview that Elizabeth has known since 2006, yet she campaigned vigorously for him. She is mature enough to get past it, yet we can't? I think Americans are becoming intolerant hypocrites and it prevents us from having the leaders we need. I think we have to decide if we want an Ayatollah or Pope type of leader or a normal man.

[jzodda]

184. But you are ignoring the big picture here

The one over-riding element. That is that Edwards, by his behavior was risking all of us! He could have been the nominee. He was one of only 3 people at the end who could have gotten it. Had he won, and then this comes out what happens to the rest of us? We all get thrown under the bus and the Repukers win again! This isn't about McCain, or Thomas Jefferson or anybody else but Edwards. He was the one playing dice with our lives while hiding this secret that could have destroyed our chances of winning. Its not easy to forgive something like that.

So its not just a betrayal of his wife, its a betrayal of all the rest of us Dems, especially his supporters!

[defendandprotect]

245. I'm also disappointed that Elizabeth knew this in 2006 . . . and she encouraged his candidacy-!!!

That's really disappointing . . . because she certainly understands the plight of our nation!

[karynnj]

292. Partially because his family was a huge part of his attraction

He did not have a long consistent record of major accomplishments to point to. He was not a great communicator - he was mediocre on Sunday talk shows and not a standout in debates. It all came down to personality and charisma and finding causes to link onto.

He only won one primary in two election - the likelihood that he would be considered again was nil.

I feel sorry for the people who took him at his word.

[kiva]

312. No, I don't think he betrayed me, I think he betrayed his wife.

And it's a matter for them to deal with. You accuse the poster you replied to as using "teenage logic", then say you don't care about what previous leaders have done? Sounds incredibly immature to me. In the past century FDR, all three of the Kennedys, and Bill Clinton (just to name the Democrats) were unfaithful to their wives, but did some damn positive things for our country. Frankly, I don't give a flying fuck what they did/do in their private lives, and would take any of them over what we have in the White House (who hasn't been caught cheating on his wife).

By the way, about 30% of Americans approve of the job * is doing, might be good to check your information.

[jzodda]

429. Nonsense...just pure unadulterated crap

Knowingly risking the white house since he could have been the nominee is the sin here. Yeah its bad logic the original post, as well as yours. Why should I care what FDR did 60+ years ago? How does that impact today? We got lucky here, dodged a bullet. What would we be doing now had Edwards been the nominee and this story breaks weeks before the convention. Think we would have won in November? You talk about the positive things they did historically. Well Edwards was NOT president. He was just running for president. You think he would have had a fucking chance of winning this thing had this come out if he was the nominee.

Are you fucking kidding me? You think just because you don't "give a fuck" that means the rest of the country would have just said no problem? Amazing, fucking amazing.

[kiva]

455. OK, let's try this again.

You say you don't see how the fact that previous presidents have been unfaithful, but still good leaders, matters to you, so it couldn't possibly matter to anyone else. Well, it matters to me and, going by the posts on the myriad of thread here, it matters to several other people. In short, just because you can't learn from history, it doesn't mean that other people are limited by your shortsightedness.

Secondly, Edwards isn't the presumed nominee, so it doesn't matter. You can play "what if" all day, and it still doesn't matter.

Finally, I repeat, it's none of my business, or your business. Edwards won't be our candidate, so get over the faux outrage about something that could have, but didn't, happen.

[jzodda]

464. Its my business because I chose to make it my business

I won't get over it and its not faux outrage either. If it was just sex I could give 2 shits. You don't care about the "what ifs", but I do. I care that he could have been the nominee and that's what stunning about this for me. I care the he "could" have sunk this party for November.

As for previous Presidents of course I recognize what they did as leaders. I love FDR, I love Kennedy, and I loved Bill Clinton. All had affairs. In FDRs time as well as Kennedy the media didn't publish our leaders affairs. It was something not to be talked about. Clinton admitted to a past affair while running and got away with it. Facts are always different though and the facts of this case appear to be different then Jennifer Flowers.

Shortsightedness doesn't even apply to this discussion. I am well aware of accomplishments made by flawed leaders. It has little bearing on this discussion though as they lived in different times and/or were already elected. I can acknowledge that even President Nixon accomplished things as president. Grant did also, while his administration was mired in corruption. I also acknowledge something you are not able to. We don't live in those other times. You can bet though that even though that's the case had something like this happened to FDR in 1932 and it actually came out, he would have been finished before he ever became president.

Anyway this has become pointless as you don't agree with me and I don't with you. Have a great weekend.

( I edit this to mention that in time I will get over this-I just need time as I was one of Edwards biggest supporters and I feel let down)

[robcon]

73. It's not toleration. It's his worth as a politician.

jeanruss: "If the Senate and American public can stomach Vitter and Craig, it surely can tolerate John Edwards."

That's not the issue. I, and many DUers can "tolerate" a lot of infidelity. But John Edwards made his devotion to his family in the time of crisis a major part of his campaign. I tolerate John Edwards, but I wouldn't vote for him for dogcatcher.

[jkilvik]

257. Return his campaign contributions

Edwards took my campaign contribution under false pretenses. I hope he does the right thing and either returns it or donates it to an appropriate charity or to the Obama campaign.

[TroglodyteScholar]

375. Seriously?

If, in donating to a politician, you take it as a contract that they've never done anything bad that you don't know about...maybe you should reconsider ever making another donation.

And welcome to DU

[LiveLiberally]

91. I understand & agree with your points....

I only wish that the American public did as well. Our puritanical expectations re: our leaders have always existed, but until the past 2-3 decades, the same prudish expectations also protected politicians from having their dirty laundry publicly aired by the media.

Unfortunately (and I speak as a strong supporter of Edwards) this indiscretion will ruin his political prospects in a way the Vitter scandal did not. (Craig is also ruined; he just refuses to retire gracefully) The broader narrative is just too damning. His wife is not an unknown; she has millions of supporters of her own and is a powerful symbol of courage in the face of an incurable disease. To the extent Americans empathize with her, they will condemn him.

What a shame.

[JerseygirlCT]

162. He's no longer in the senate...

So the question becomes one of his personal character. This means he fails a big test, IMO.

I'm not crazy about guys who cheat on their sick wives. (See McCain for another example).

[tblue37]

234. True. FDR had affairs. Kennedy had affairs. It is just a fact that the men who go after

leadership positions are genetically predisposed to "spread their seed" widely. That doesn't mean they will be bad presidents--just selfish, untrustworthy husbands.

But in this day and age, a smart man must realize that he willbe found out and, if he is a Democrat, he will be destroyed by the media and the Republican attack machine. You'd think they could keep it in their pants at least until the election is over. Why would he take such a chance at such a time, knowing he meant to run again for president? This isn't something that happened years ago, but rather something that happened between his 2004 run and his most recent run.

Bad, bad judgment!

Well, at least his run pushed a bit more populism into the Dem campaign.

[defendandprotect]

249. "Well, at least his run pushed a bit more populism into the Dem campaign"...

Right and I think the "Chamber of Commerce warning re his populist messages" . . .

was a more important reason to the right to move him out than this affair.

In fact, had the Chamber known about it they wouldn't have threatened to raise

$60 million to get him and his "populist" messages out of the campaign.

It was a real WARNING . . .

[JDPriestly]

354. Character is controlling genetic disposition.

We have all kinds of genetic dispositions. We are naturally selfish. We are prone to bursts of anger. We have lots of biological reactions and traits. But in exchange for living in families, in social groups, in society, we control them. It is called civilization -- controlling genetic dispositions. And what do we control them with -- our reason, our superior thinking power -- that is what distinguishes us from animals. We can think. Our lives are therefore partly determined by our thoughts, by our free will, not just by genetic disposition or even by God's will, if you wish.

We are responsible for our lives. Edwards allowed himself to be governed by his impulses, by the promise of immediate gratification. We all make the same mistake he did. For example, even the most virtuous of us eat the extra piece of chocolate cake knowing full well we shouldn't. But we pay a price for that irrational moment -- in the case of the cake we gain weight.

Edwards' problem was that he did not have the courage to be honest with the public about what happened -- not even when asked about it.

By the way, the Edwards campaign spent no money on campaign materials for volunteers. We had to buy our own stuff. Yet, Edwards paid this woman over $100,000 for what? I suppose he had the right to do that, but it looks really bad. All the while, we thought his campaign had no money, but he had given a generous sum of money to Ms.Hunter. For what? To silence her? To keep his wife from knowing about her? To hide his relationship from the public? Or did he really think she would produce a usable video for his campaign?

[JeanGrey]

428. What BULLSHIT. If he'd screw over his wife, he'd screw over

US!

[barbtries]

237. that's right

thank you, well put.

[dansolo]

519. Edwards was part of that lie

Don't forget that Edwards was a co-sponsor of the IWR. He was very supportive of Bush in his plans to invade Iraq. Edwards is scum.

[Sheltiemama]

54. He just broke my heart..

I voted for him in the primary. Man ...

[AtLiberty]

102. Instead, we should all be very grateful...

...that Edwards didn't do better in the primary. If he had won the nomination, the election would have been over by now.

Before he pulled out of the race, I was ready to vote for this man. Incredible.

[Sheltiemama]

157. Sadly, you're right.

I just feel so bad for Elizabeth and their children. This can't be good for her health.

[defendandprotect]

253. Me, too --- !!!

And -- as I said above --- this "affair" would not have prevented me from voting for

him -- but there's a certain hypocrisy of running as the "family man" and betraying

Elizabeth. Elizabeth also has known about this since 2006, evidently -- and she

encouraged him to enter the race--!!! I don't get it???


I could see if Elizabeth had told him that since she was ill it was an "open marriage" . . .

but I don't see that is true --- evidently she "found out" about the affair in 2006.


It really would have been a great uphill battle had he been the designated nominee!!!

Again -- I don't think the right could tolerate all the "populist" stuff coming out of

Edwards and Kucinich and considered it urgent to move them out.

Got too many people thinking --- !!!

[ConeFlower78]

55. Not my business

...I don't care. It's between John & Elizabeth.

[kwolf68]

56. Goodbye John Edwards

You are now dead weight in political circles. You are trash, total pure unadulturated trash. You're a liar and an ass. Your wife is battling cancer and you're out banging other women? You loser, FUCKING LOSER. Why didn't you just surf to a porn web site and spank the monkey really quick and rush back to your wife's side?

America does NOT NEED YOU. Go away and goodbye.

[file83]

556. I hear your anger, but just to be clear, Elizabeth was diagnosed in 2007, John did this in 2006.

But I still agree with you - he's a scumbag.

[George II]

57. Amazing what the emphasis on this is....

"Repeatedly lied as Presidential Candidate", like that's something new from a candidate? I think the fact that he was a presidential candidate has littel to do with the underlying story here.

[dflprincess]

64. Yet a president lies us into a war

no big deal. :banghead:

[kwolf68]

78. IT IS A BIG DEAL

We should hold Chimp accountable, but we should ALSO hold people on our own side to great standards. This is why the people see no difference in the two parties...every side 'explains away' their transgressions. It's time ONE party just demand accountability and be done with it, show some actual leadership.

It is NOT an argument to merely say, 'yea, but they are lying...lying about bigger shit', or 'everyone does it'.

There ARE PLENTY OF leaders (on all sides of the aisle) who would NOT stoop to this level that Edwards has stooped. Those are the people we need to rally behind, not horndogs who wait for their wife to become stricken with cancer and then act like a sailor on leave.

[dflprincess]

181. I don't know - I think if I had had a loved one killed or maimed as a reult of Bushco's lies

I'd care a lot more about that.

I don't approve of what Edwards did, but in the big scheme of things, it doesn't affect that many people and it's really none of our business. FDR showed the same poor judgement but all things considered, I'm glad he was president when he was.

[George II]

365. So true...

and Eleanor Roosevely had an affair as well. Reagan knocked up Nancy before he divorced Jane Wyman, McCain applied for his MARRIAGE license before he divorced his first wife (and he was screwing his millionairess behind her back), Newt Gingrich cheated on his wife for a decade, Dan Burton had a bastard child with his paramour, and the worst? Mr. Law-and-Order Rudy was boinking his mistress UNDER THE SAME ROOF (Gracie Mansion) as his wife and son Andrew. That one got so bad that a court order was issued barring her from Gracie Mansion until after he filed for and subsequently was granted a divorce.

This should come as no shock to anyone and should not have any effect on Edwards' position on the issues.

[George II]

358. That Edwards had an affair is............

NONE OF OUR BUSINESS!!!!

Does it change his position on the issues?

[TheCoxwain]

442. I agree

I will not fire an employee if he/she did what Edwards did ... Honestly .. think of it .. what will your position be towards your plumber or electrician be ? I think it will have a lot to do with competence at the job .. and the rest lies within the realm of the persons privacy.


Why do we hold politicians to different standards? WHY DO YOU GUYS CARE?


Everyone who is "shocked" is not a true liberal ... I am not asking you guys to say what he did is okay ...but just acknowledge that this is something for Edwards and his family to deal with.

[chatnoir]

59. So does that mean he is the father of the child ...

that that woman had not long ago then? Where she left the father off the birth certificate? Christ. Poor Elizabeth. :(

[kwolf68]

65. Elizabeth is the victim here...

No doubt and I feel really bad for her. It's up to her and John to fix this situation, but rest assured Edwards is finished as a leader in this nation, not that he ever was to begin with, but he's outta here.

Time to move on and find some other good looking slick talker to rally behind.

[Faygo Kid]

62. Very sad. The chortling from the reich wing will be disgusting.

Not to mention the PUMA types.

Too bad.

[natrat]

90. sad but there are so many democratic scumbags in congress who deserve way more wrath

[madrchsod]

66. ain`t none of my business

it`s a family affair and i sure in the hell ain`t going to judge

[jzodda]

77. Its not a family affair

Since he was running for President. What do you think would have happened had he won the nomination? Then this comes out and then we lose in November. So sure as hell its our place to judge. This affects all of us. Had he won the nomination the McCain campaign would have sat on this as long as possible then released it to do the most harm and probably force him out as nominee.

It also looks like money was involved, he has a wife with cancer and a baby born to this woman may have been his. How much worse can it get?

[defendandprotect]

255. Edwards had a relationship with the public . . . and hyprocritcal to run as "family man" . . .

I don't personally give a damn -- except for Elizabeth and the family ---

I would have voted for him anyway ---

but it would have really hurt Democratic chances ---

[Bolo Boffin]

68. Mark Preston, CNN somebody, wins STUPIDEST STATEMENT SO FAR

"Now we have to see whether he will be given a slot to speak during the Democratic National Convention."

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?????? CNN really needs to ask somebody about that?

Jesus Fucking Christ, the media we have in this country.

[MicaelS]

69. Edwards political career is over

He has betrayed the trust that many, many people placed in him. How humiliating for his wife who has had breast cancer and his children. Thank god he isn't the Democratic nominee.

[LonelyLRLiberal]

291. Why? Look at McCain's track record!

McCain had an affair with current wife Cindy and dumped former wife after her appearance was drastically changed in an accident. Then, he cheats on Cindy with a lobbyist!

[seafan]

70. This was in the LA Times last night:

Might a John Edwards Dem convention role be in jeopardy?

By Don Frederick
August 7, 2008

As Barack Obama heads off on vacation in Hawaii, his convention planners will be hard at work ironing out not only the logistics of Hillary Clinton's presence at the confab in Denver (will she or will she not insist on having her name placed in nomination?), but dealing with a potentially even trickier question: how large of a spotlight -- if any -- to give John Edwards.

In a story Thursday, the Charlotte Observer quotes several prominent Democrats -- by name -- who urge Edwards to more convincingly confront allegations by the National Enquirer, which he has denied, that he had an affair and that his alleged mistress bore a child by him.

If he does not meet this challenge, these Democrats say, he risks losing a high-profile slot as a convention speaker.

"If there is not an explanation that’s satisfactory, acceptable and meets high moral standards, the answer is 'no,' he would not be a prime candidate to make a major address to the convention," Don Fowler, who headed the Democratic National Committee from 1995-97, told the newspaper.

Chris Lehane, a key Al Gore aide during the 2000 presidential campaign, added that "an appearance at the convention would only highlight the unresolved story."

Edwards flatly dismissed the Enquirer allegations when they first surfaced -- albeit barely, and with little evidence to back them up -- last year when he was running for the Democratic presidential nomination.

But the story resurfaced in late July after the Enquirer staked out a Beverly Hills hotel and reported Edwards had met with his alleged mistress.

Edwards has continued to deny the affair allegations, but he has done so fleetingly and in terse answers to questions that he quickly cuts short.

For the most part, mainstream media outlets have not pursued the matter, in part because Edwards no longer is a presidential candidate nor does he hold a public office. The Times National Editor Scott Kraft explained the newspaper's stance in a note today, published on the Reader's Representative blog.

Still, as the Observer story demonstrates, it could become hard for Edwards to expect to play a prominent role at the Democratic convention later this month without more thoroughly answering questions raised by the Enquirer stories.

.....

This is a kick in the gut to many, many people.

[KalicoKitty]

71. I feel so sorry for Elizabeth.

And I am so disappointed in John Edwards! :-(

[KalicoKitty]

98. Reminds me of McCain when he dumped his first wife after she had been disabled in an auto accident.

And Newt Gingrich.

[NC_Nurse]

72. What a phony shithead.

I am so glad he's not our nominee. :eyes:

I wish Elizabeth would run. I've always preferred her to him anyway.

[missTheBigDog]

74. That is so disappointing...

Even though it's a private matter, I've lost a lot of respect for the guy. Especially given his wife's condition.

[Lance_Boyle]

75. So long, goodhair affair.

I always knew Edwards was smarmy. Hoped he'd be a good AG, but not anymore. Smarmy (someone other than his kids' mother) fucker.

[NJCher]

295. I was leery of him after the big black SUV story many years ago

But I decided to overlook it to support him this last round. After all, the populist appeal wasn't coming from anywhere else.

I, too, am gravely disappointed. I also agree with the posters who say it's all the more reason to have a woman as president. I think there is something to the theory about the aggressive, alpha male wanted to spread his seed far and wide.



Cher

[TroglodyteScholar]

379. "...all the more reason to have a woman as president."

Yea, because a woman never cheated. :eyes:

[NJCher]

no, that's not why

It's because women don't have a biological predisposition to cheat. Read the references to the studies on this elsewhere on this thread.

Women have a predisposition for security. That's what the counterpart is to the male drive.



Cher

[rollin74]

76. this is terrible

I once had a lot of respect for John Edwards.

now I view him as just another lying POS politician
sad.

[Montypython]

129. Edwards the dickweed

I expected more from him too. This jerk put his own selfish desires ahead of his wife (who really deserves better), family and party. Worse, if he had been the nominee this could have put the Republicans in the White House for four more years. Alot is at stake here. This is just unforgivable.

[GreenPartyVoter]

80. Ok, now that there is a corroborating source outside of the NE, I believe it. And I am very

disappointed. :( Poor Elizabeth and kids.

[Bluebear]

83. For this I campaigned for you, John? Shithead.

You for doing it and me for thinking you were different.

[Divine Discontent]

88. ditto

[Endangered Specie]

92. He'll only fool us one at least...

[jzodda]

97. That's what has me the most. I campaigned for this guy!

and now this? Very depressing. All the long hours for nothing. While I am out working for him he is shacked up with his mistress?

[barbtries]

85. i feel for his wife.

my sister had to go through something like that - it was local front page news when her husband's affair with his boss was revealed. they were prominent people in the community, educators. it was devastating for my sister. elizabeth edwards doesn't deserve to be dragged through the mud and she will be, because of something stupid her husband did.

ehgawd. so it's true. now that's been established, maybe it can go away.

[Divine Discontent]

86. John Edwards made a fool out of his supporters

he should not have ran in '08 if he cheated on his wife. he should have known it would come out. the situation is between his wife and him primarily, yes, BUT he was running for public office, and not just an office, but the presidency.

He is a liar. Had he made a press conference about this earlier I wouldn't be so upset at him. But, he waited and knew his supporters and even his non-supporters who were Democrats, were standing up for him.

I have ripped up my signed items, taken down all my references to him off the net, and elsewhere. I believe politically speaking, he is dead this cycle, so goodbye AG spot. And I pray deeply for Elizabeth, I know she already knew, but still, it sucks to have your husband do that, and overall I'm a bit on the hurt side that she would let him run again knowing this had happened knowing it could blow up in their faces as it has done.

[Zavulon]

142. He was my first choice in 2004.

As Jack Nicholson said in A Few Good Men, "Don't I feel like the fucking asshole."

[jeanruss]

170. not a fool

I wasn't supporting a SAINT, I was supporting a man who is intelligent, self-made who was fighting for people with no voice. Iwould still vote for him and America would be better off. I thought the Puritans were a part of history.

[Divine Discontent]

252. the issues he stands for never change and he is to be commended for fighting for them

however, he lied repeatedly about cheating on his wife, when he could have maturely figured out the best way to discuss it, instead the lying, and the dodging of the enquirer nuts in the hotel, and more lying... not good. I've met him, and he truly does care about the issues he fought for, but he could by no means get elected for cheating on a wife that has cancer.

[defendandprotect]

264. Right . . . I would have still voted for him . . . but would have made it very

difficult for Democrats ---

His "POPULIST" messages were very dangerous for the right wing --- and they wanted him

out if you recall the Chamber of Commerce WARNING to him ---

[RamboLiberal]

94. Well there goes his political career

It's the Edwards business now. But I doubt I'd ever vote for him cause I feel I couldn't trust his word. I was a supporter in '04 and for quite awhile in 07-08 till he didn't look viable.

To me he's an SOB. I feel for Elizabeth and his kids.

I don't have any respect for a married man who can't keep it in his pants!

Yeah, and I have to wonder if he's still lying about the kid.

[Jester Messiah]

96. Why the flaming hell is this anyone's business but JE's?

Choice of sex partner has nothing to do with ability as a policy maker, or the soundness of one's ideology. Fugg the MSM and everyone who pokes their nose into a person's private life.

[Bluebear]

101. Because we love and respect Elizabeth, it's more personal to us

[defendandprotect]

270. ...but Elizabeth had found out by 2006 and didn't stop his candidacy . . .

Elizabeth also had to understand how this would harm Democrats ----

were they so confident that it would never be discovered --- ?????

[robcon]

108. Because he lied, repeatedly. He's a liar.

It's not the action, it's the cover-up.

[Jester Messiah]

153. And we're all saints? [nt]

[TerribleLarryDingle]

111. I have been Married for 17 years

And I have not ever once even thought about cheating on my wife.

It proves he is a weak selfish prick and that he is a liar, I guess that makes him fit for politics.

[JerseygirlCT]

167. Yup. Narcissism. Out-sized ego. The idea

that he can indulge himself because he's somehow special.

[Erin Elizabeth]

320. I've been married for 17 years, too.

And I believe you've never cheated on your wife. I've never cheated, either.

But please stop with the you've never even thought about it once. Do you have a pulse? I'm quite sure my extremely devoted and loving husband has at least THOUGHT about sex with others, though he'd never carry it out.

[TerribleLarryDingle]

572. No

I have had thoughts of having sex with other women but I have honestly never even though of cheating as an option. I love my wife more than any one on earth and I place her above all others. I repeat I have never thought about cheating PERIOD.

[JeanGrey]

432. I have been married 30 years this year. Ditto.

[MicaelS]

114. Why? Because of his wife, that's why!

He USES his poor wife as a prop for his candidacy, get her to do speeches and then has the nerve to screw around on her.

[Jester Messiah]

126. So it should be between them.

It's not anybody else's business. Is the public outcry going to make it any easier on her? People screw around all the time, people get divorces all the time, and it isn't front-page news.

[krabigirl]

262. How do you know exactly what went on between them?

Did they have an open marriage? How would we know. None of your business. Unless, of course, you are perfect.

[defendandprotect]

274. Right . . . it may have been an open marriage because of her illness . . . however,

Elizabeth knew in 2006 about the affair --- and let him go forward with his candidacy.

Were they just that confident that it wouldn't be discovered?

[bean fidhleir]

116. Ethics. It's called Ethics. People who believe they're above keeping solemn promises

tend not to be very reliable in any context.

[MicaelS]

147. Exactly!

If he lied about this, what else has he lied about. Politicians think that because they are allowed to say one thing and do another when it comes to politics that extends to their personal life. The arrogance of pols never ceases to amaze me.

[kwolf68]

120. LMAO

"Choice of sex partner"...this shows what kind of character the man has...he's a liar, he's an opportunist. This DOES SHOW what kind of policies he would promote.

And I could give two shits about 'the sanctity of marriage', but if you're gonna get married then don't fuck around on your wife (cancer notwithstanding), UNLESS your wife is ok with it (I have no problem with swingers)...I don't even care if you are married and want to dabble in gay-sex, go for it...again just verify it with your wife/partner.

That's my point, he lied to the ONE PERSON he should NEVER LIE to, he lied to her while she was in her most vulnerable state. This shows what kind of trash he is.

And I could care less about Larry Craig or G.W.Bush...they are Republicans, trash by nature...The Democrats who step out of line need to be called out vigorously. Either demand GREATNESS from our party or settle for people like John Edwards.

[Jester Messiah]

145. Sanctimonius horseshit.

Unless you've never told a lie, in which case you're not being a hypocrite at all.

[Mike Daniels]

219. People in positions of public TRUST need to be held to higher standards

I really don't care if the office drone sitting next to me in a bar cheats on his wife. His conduct probably has no bearing on me one way or another.

I do care if someone I voted on to lead this country keeps his word. If he doesn't keep his word to his wife why should he keep his word to me? Same thing with a police officer. If a police officer is involved in dishonesty in his personal life what's to keep it from spreading into his personal life where it could affect me down the road.

[iconicgnom]

182. "LMAO"?? Followed by some phony self-righteous diatribe?

There's reason for anger, for condemnation, but your post is dismissable crap.

[progressivebydesign]

163. Because I have always had more respect for Elizabeth...

you know.. his wife that's battling a terminal disease? If Edwards wanted to screw someone else, then he should have gotten a divorce a long time ago. Instead he's shallow and cruel enough to sneak around knowing that it would humiliate everyone around him... Character is who you are when no one is watching.

So... you'd be okay if your spouse/partner whatever was caught in the coatcheck room screwing someone from your office, and your entire family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors, stood there watching them in flagrante? It's the same thing.

[Mike Daniels]

165. Because one's moral bearing usually extends beyond just the bedroom

If you renege on your wedding vows why should I be inclined to believe you aren't going to renege on promises you made during your campaign?

[iconicgnom]

168. Because he was a strong candidate for POTUS, and had he won, it'd be 4 more yrs of R's.

He should have known better. The issue between he and his wife and family is private, but every politician KNOWS that the press feeds on this stuff, and so does every Dem, and the private morality of it aside, he betrayed his supporters and the Dems by acting with extremely bad judgement at perhaps the most critical crossroads in the modern history of the US.

That's why.

[FVZA_Colonel]

210. That is the most dangerous part of this.

Had he taken the nomination, it would be all over right now, and McCain could just waltz into the Presidency. He wasn't running to lose during the primaries; he betrayed all of us by taking such a dangerous gamble.

[Patchuli]

236. When a potential president lies,

it IS our business because the rightwing made it part of the whole deal with Clinton. Also, if a man will lie about an affair, he will lie about other things. I didn't care that Bill screwed around but I did care when he lied. The POTUS is supposed to be better than that.

I wish I could get my time spent working for and the contributions made to the Edwards campaign back. He is not the man I thought he was.

[robcon]

99. All the worry on DU about Elizabeth Edwards' reaction to the story was wasted

"Edwards said his wife, Elizabeth, and others in his family became aware of the affair in 2006. "

[KalicoKitty]

110. Elizabeth should have sent him packin'! n/t

:mad:

[barbtries]

117. i have a feeling

that it's worse now than it was then. now, the whole world's in on it.

[RamboLiberal]

336. No it's not wasted - cause now the story is very public

Except for her, whomever in her family knew and some whispers it wasn't verified publicly. Now her and her family are the focus of a country. She's as well known as her husband - and she is loved by many. It's got to be difficult for a woman who worked so hard politically for both John, for the Democratic party and for this country!

[Clintonista2]

104. To those many Edwards supporters who attacked Bill during the primary for his affair

I forgive you.

[Divine Discontent]

124. I don't particularly like your posts

but this one is prudent. Thank you for your comment if it's sincerely placed. And I apologize, as I think I made one comment myself. Regardless if I did or just laughed at someone else's. It's sad that I thought he sounded so much like Clinton, and when this broke months back as gossip, I was like, please not another Southern Democratic with his pants down lying to us. Did Edwards wag his finger back and forth a la Clinton, I hope not. ha...

They'll be talking about Bill and John now for a few days, won't they!

[countingbluecars]

241. This is not about Bill Clinton. nt

[Clintonista2]

269. You're right. It's about Edwards, and I hope that some of his supporters have learned

That nobody is perfect.

[Apollo11]

363. But Presidential candidates should be honest

At least - if they are going to be in a position to win a national election.

If he had been allowed by the constitution to run again, Bill Clinton could not have won back the Whitehouse in 2000 - because he abused his power over a vulnerable intern and then lied about it.

Even if John Edwards had achieved his goal of winning more delegates than Obama and Hillary, the Democratic Convention would have to be crazy to confirm him as the candidate, after he has admitted to cheating on his wife and using campaign funds to try and keep his affair quiet.

[Clintonista2]

426. Bill Clinton left office with a 70% approval rating

He wouldn't have been re-elected? LOL!!!!!

[Apollo11]

559. Bill would not have won a third term

Many people approved of his job performance at the same time as strongly disapproving of his behavior with a vulnerable star-struck young intern. It was a very bad thing for him to do as a husband, as a father, as a boss, as President. Lying about it made it much worse and 50 Senators said he was guilty of obstructing Justice.

If Bill had resigned in February 1999, we would now be in the 10th year of Al Gore's Presidency! (the Constitution allows a maximum of 2 and 1/2 4-year terms)

By holding on to the Presidency, I believe Bill hurt Al Gore's chances in 2000 and helped Bush-Cheney keep the race close enough that they could steal the Whitehouse.

W's most effective line back in 2000 was his promise to restore integrity to the office of President (which many voters understood as a reference to the Oval Office).

But I know there are many Democrats who still like Bill and are nostalgic for the 90s. In many ways I agree that the 90s was a more optimistic decade than this one.

[Andy Canuck]

105. Its sex, big deal.

People shouldn't get pushed around by puritanism. He should still be AG. My God he didn't have to do any republican tricks, like tap a toe or pay for it. He is still a great man.

[jzodda]

109. Sex, betrayal, a baby, sick wife, and possibly money changing hands. Yeah He should be AG!

NOT!

[robcon]

119. No - it's the lying, not the sex.

He claimed in the campaign that devotion to his family was his highest value. It wasn't. He lied, repeatedly.

[StateRed]

130. big deal??

cheating on a wife undergoing chemo and then lying about it multiple times

sounds perfect for DC...too bad his whole shtick was sanctimony

[kwolf68]

134. He's a great man?

LMMFAOOOO....funniest thing ive ever read.

He is a lot of things, but great isn't one. He's a pussy, a liar, a whimp, a prick. He was no leader...he was the slick talking used car salesman they warned us about. ... total fraud. The quicker he can be jettisoned out of the public limelight the quicker we can move forward.

I am profoundly disgusted with this man....what a shniveling piece of filth...cheated on his wife while she is battling cancer...there is no level of scum-da-tude that can eclipse this is there?

[iconicgnom]

190. Hmmm. I feel a bit icky after reading your posts.

[RamboLiberal]

243. Nope - I don't want him as AG now

He's tainted himself now. And I sure wouldn't want any Eliot Spitzer scandals at a national level with Obama's AG. I'd love Obama to have a "no drama" presidency of this kind.

[edbermac]

115. Watch for the collective orgasm over at FAUX.

They'll flog this for all its worth.

[Divine Discontent]

128. I'd rather DIE than watch their giddy responses

especially from those grotesque fox & friends swine, come Monday... thankfully John put this at the exact perfect day (that's the lawyer in him!) - start of the Olympics, Friday....

[Vinca]

121. Stuff happens. It's not the end of the world.

If Elizabeth has known about it since 2006, she's apparently forgiven him. It's a shame the MSM will focus on this 24/7 until the end of time.

[jzodda]

169. It could have been the end of the world

If he had gotten the nomination, which was possible. He was doing this while trying to become president. If this came out and he, not Obama was the nominee what would happen? What would happen if next week the same stuff came out about Obama? Would we win in November? That's a pretty big betrayal of those of us who supported him. Its also bad because of the way he ran and the things he said. About family, and his wife.

We got lucky as a nation by not nominating this guy, but we could have. At the end he was one of only 3 people who could have gotten the nomination.

[Vinca]

194. That's very true IF your opponent hadn't done the exact same thing.

He probably could have weathered it, but it would have been a nightmare for the Democratic Party.

[bertman]

314. IF . . . IF . . . IF . . . IF . . . IF . . . IF . . .

"IF" he had won the nomination. He didn't.

"IF" he had become the Attorney General. He didn't.

"IF" he really loved his wife. I'll bet he does love his wife.

"IF" he hadn't lied to us Democrats. Barack Obama lied to us. Hillary Clinton lied to us. John Edwards lied to us. No tellin' who else lied to us.

"IF" he was moral. Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah.


This whole thread is a joke. How many of you actually know John and Elizabeth Edwards? Oh, excuse me, I meant the-candidate-formerly-known as SAINT JOHN and his wife, SAINT ELIZABETH. For all you know he AND she could be the biggest buttheads in the world. What you and I saw of ALL THE CANDIDATES AND THEIR FAMILIES is a scripted, made-for-TV production complete with happy, smiling families and big, fat, ugly realities safely hidden away in the closets. OOPS, one escaped.

It's sad and scary to me that so many of us Democrats have taken on the mantel of moral arbiters for our politicians and other public figures. This reeks of Puritanical Christianity at its most venal.

Everybody take a deep breath and relax. John Edwards, son of a mill worker, extraordinarily successful lawyer, not-so-great politician, and twice-failed Presidential candidate got caught lying about an affair. So fucking what!

[bean fidhleir]

305. When was Elizabeth diagnosed? If after 2006, maybe this contributed.

[Blue State Blues]

123. To the Best of My Knowledge I Am Not Married to Him

nor am I his child, his sister, or his best friend. Therefore, I fail to understand why this should make any difference in my life. And i completely fail to understand why it was rated newsworthy enough to be sent out as a WaPo email alert.

[sandyj999]

125. Why Can't these men keep it in their pants? What the hell is wrong with them?

I always thought he was too slick but felt it was because he was "pretty". And he didn't father the child so that makes the affair OK? It seems that these politicians let the power carry them away. Elizabeth really needs this, doesn't she? I am totally disgusted with him.

[MicaelS]

158. It isn't being dumb, its simple arrogance.

Politicians think that because they are allowed to say one thing and do another when it comes to politics that extends to their personal life. The arrogance of pols never ceases to amaze me.

[progressivebydesign]

127. Well I was right... sadly...

I didn't want to be right. One of the reasons I had been a tentative Edwards supporter this time was because of an incident I saw at the last Democratic Convention. One evening of the Convention, a speaker was on the stage and the camera panned up to John and Elizabeth. John saw that he was on the big screen right away and flashed his big smile and waved a bit.. then (judging by the look on his face) to his horror, Elizabeth had not seen the camera and was drinking a soda. Oh.. you should have SEEN his face change in an instant! His expression turned to absolute anger as he must have told her to put down the soda and smile for the camera. Then in an instant his megawatt smile was "on" again for the camera.

I talked to others who saw that moment, all women, and we got the same reaction. Our blood just ran cold. I saw it again, oddly, at the press conference for Elizabeth's cancer diagnosis. He was so uncomfortable with her and rather than showing any warmth, he directed her around and looked so detached.

I wanted to be wrong, because I wanted to believe that there was a male politician out there that did not think that extra-marital sex was a perk of being powerful. And believe that a man with an amazing wife and kids like his, would never jeopardize it for an ego boost and sex. But I was wrong. Edwards was not one of the good guys.

He has two beautiful little kids, and an amazing wife that's fighting cancer. He is no better than Newt Gingrich. In fact, it's the same story. I know a lot of people have affairs... it's rampant, but I have no respect for someone that would do that to his family, and his supporters, and friends, who have sacrificed so much and believed in him.

What a jerk.

[sandyj999]

138. And A Phony. n/t

[KalicoKitty]

148. He is no better than John McCain, either!

McCain cheated on his first wife after she had been disabled in an auto accident. (With many women, including his present wife.)

[progressivebydesign]

155. Of course the idea of sleeping with McCain is so revolting...

I think they had to tie $100 bills around his neck to get him any action.

[Divine Discontent]

156. and every DEM they have on the air today and tomorrow about this

had better EFFING bring that up (politically speaking), b/c if they're going to talk about this in a negative light against Obama, then they better be bringing up John McCain committed adultery himself and divorced his wife to get rich

[backscatter712]

132. And I should give a shit about this for what reason?

[robcon]

144. Read most of the 133 other responses.

Lying in his campaign. Dishonoring his family. Cheating on his seriously ill wife. Scum.

[jzodda]

152. And risking our chances in november!

Besides the obvious reasons, he was risking us all by this behavior. Had he gotten the nomination and then this came out? We would be toast.

Lets face it because he could have been the nominee, he was playing with all our lives here!

[robcon]

166. You're right. Fortunately his campaign never caught on.

He was my 2nd choice, as I feel he was for a lot of Democrats.

[humbled_opinion]

383. Wow such cynasim.... N/T

[Muttocracy]

207. and taking campaign contributions that could have been spent elsewhere. nt

[StateRed]

151. because humans have empathy for one another

you are human?

[backscatter712]

540. Sure.

It's just that I feel this is something that rightly is handled solely by John Edwards and Elizabeth Edwards. I have no stake in this - while it could have been a problem if he became the nominee, he's not the nominee. I don't like making private matters like this into tabloid gossip.

Sure, it was wrong, and it was deceitful and nasty, but guess what - humans do that to each other all the time. He's not the first, won't be the last, and I fail to see how making a huge circus out of this will solve our nation's problems.

[JerseygirlCT]

146. I wish I could say this surprised me.

To me, there was always something less than genuine about John Edwards. While Elizabeth seemed the real one.

Boy, what a lousy thing to do to his wife.

[sandyj999]

171. I felt exactly the same. n/t

[Lifelong Protester]

164. very disappointed

I supported him all the way, and now I feel duped. Sorry, I can't get with the 'it's just sex' idea~he cheated on his wife. What else would he cheat at? It could be just 'a family affair' if he wasn't running for President, especially in a year where the character (as in honesty)of the sitting president is such a factor. But it isn't! How we live our lives when nobody is looking is called 'character'. He just failed the test.
When you are in certain positions, you are held to a higher standard. Period. I am a school administrator, and I know that I am held to a higher standard~ nothing I would do in my home life would be shrugged off with a 'well, it's personal, none of our business'. So let's just see this clearly, he lied to us,he has impugned his own character, he has shown himself to be opportunistic, and frankly, not too bright about what he does in his 'free time'. I cannot feel good about supporting someone with such poor judgment, not too mention, poor character.

[SunDrop23]

173. Dammit. John.

[chapel hill dem]

174. Scuttlebutt from Chapel Hill: When Elizabeth found out in 2006, she took control of all bank and

brokerage accounts. The hush-money was provided by friends at John's request and paid from their accounts to Reille and Andy Young to evade detection by Elizabeth. There are tax issues involved as well as Freedom Act cash transfer issues. John is not going to admit anything that he does not have to.
Some of the people named elsewhere are highly respected folks in our 60K person town. They somehow thought they were protecting Elizabeth. One is a member of my church. The fallout will be big here in Chapel Hill, even if the story dies nationally.

So far, there is no reason to have a DNA paternity test done. If the baby is John's, then Reille will be asking for child support and demand a test.

Elizabeth is a smart lawyer, too. Never forget that.

All of this is scuttlebutt for now, but the actions of the major and minor players in our community give me no reason to doubt it.

FWIW, reporting from Chapel Hill...

[jzodda]

213. So it gets worse the more we learn

Damn. What the hell was he thinking?

[barbtries]

242. i'm sitting in chapel hill

at work. why did i think this was going on in CA? lol

[JeanGrey]

441. You see? THIS IS HOW ADULTERY MATTERS.

This money trail could lead to real trouble..................

[ryanmuegge]

553. Wow. Thanks for the "inside" information.

[missTheBigDog]

177. But wait...

Didn't McCain do the exact same thing to his first wife who was ill?? He still got nominated to be president. I think Edwards can still get past this. It's not political suicide as some of you may think.

[iconicgnom]

215. Yup. But it's also a plain fact that there IS a double standard.

People expect this kind of stuff from the R's, and for all their (and the MSM's) yapping about "family values", the only value they actually care about is private profit. McCain votes their way on issues that make for huge private profits for the rich, so the MSM lets EVERYTHING else slide.

[MicaelS]

179. Shades of Gary Hart...

Yup, just like Hart, stick a fork in him, he is done. Edwards will be lucky to make it on the news as a guest political analyst now.

[mnhtnbb]

187. A$$hole. And to think I gave him money. My condolences to Elizabeth.

[rox63]

189. I feel so bad for Elizabeth and the kids

He really stabbed them in the back while she was fighting cancer. It's bad enough that his family has known about it for a while. But now they have to suffer the public scandal as well, since it's all over the news.

This only shows that he's an asshole. He may have made a fine president. But he's still an asshole. I thought the same about Bill Clinton when his affairs were made public. He made a fine president, but a lousy human being.

[tblue37]

193. I was an Edwards supporter during the primaries. Now I am glad he didn't win

the nomination, because although such affairs are never considered deal-breakers for Republican candidates or politicians, they inevitably are for Dempocrats. I am appalled that he would take such a chance considering his national political ambitions, and even more appalled that he would do so while his wife was dealing with cancer. Why the hell can't these men ever keep it in their pants?

I had hoped to see Edwards as AG in Obama's administration, and I think he would have done an excellent job, but now I imagine that Obama would not dare give him a prominent position in his administration. Again, a Republican president would not be hampered by this, but a Demcorat would be barbecued for it.

[AzDar]

195. Wow. Was it worth it, John?

:puke:

[The Backlash Cometh]

212. AAAAAAAAARGH! Someone quick, I'm in need of an intervention.

Doctor, please up my meds!

Where is Batman to take the blame when you need him?

[CitizenPatriot]

216. so it matters if you lie while running for office?

has anyone told McCain?

[JNelson6563]

217. I'm saddened by this

But, as an Edwards supporter during the primaries, I am relieved he didn't win the nomination.

My heart goes out to the lovely and devoted Elizabeth Edwards.

Julie

[d_b]

222. he couldnt do better

than that swamp donkey?

[FunMe]

224. So National Enquirer was right!

Not that I read that (wink/wink). It sure gives the National Enquirer more legitimacy with their stories.

Meanwhile, have none of our politicians learned anything of the GARY HART affair when he was running for President in 1988? EVERYTHING will come out eventually.

Meanwhile, I wonder how long it will be before McCain admits to HIS affair with Vickey?

[underpants]

227. Very disappointing

[femmocrat]

230. One word: PIG

I was an Edwards supporter. He is dead to me now.

[ieoeja]

232. Regarding "we would have been sunk had he gotten the nomination", four words:

Bill Clinton in 1992.

[jzodda]

277. Bill Clinton didn't pay hush money, or possibly have a baby, or have a sick wife

He also admitted to a past affair. This one appears to be ongoing or over only recently since Edwards met the woman in a hotel just a month ago? So he was cheating while running. So far as we know BC did not do that.

[ieoeja]

304. He met her recently. That doesn't mean they did something.

She appears to have been paid hush money, but it's not certain John knew about it. Given that the affair ended in 2006, then the baby sure as hell isn't his. And Elizabeth's cancer was in remission when the affair took place.

[jzodda]

311. You try and take your wording which tries to minimize all of it

and turn that into a winning campaign, and if you succeeded it would be a miracle. All Bill did was sit down in an interview and admit to an affair long over. He didn't have to worry about hush money, or $100,000 for a campaign job that she was not qualified for or a sick wife or a possible baby. So I think the circumstances are vastly different. We a lucky Edwards didn't win, really lucky.

[JeanGrey]

445. ROTFLMAO! The affair ended in 06 did it? That is why

he met her in the middle of the damn night in a hotel by sneaking through the service elevator holding her baby. Yeah. He's just a buddy.........................

He already said some of his friends paid her, he didn't know? Come off it!

And sure! Elizabeth being in remission, well hell, yeah! Go for it.

I may puke.

[defendandprotect]

287. No . . . we would have voted for Edwards anyway --- McCain had same problem . . .

Affair while still married to ill wife --

I have no problem with his affair really --- it's family business ---

but he also had a relationship with the public --- Democrats --- and

that there is kinda betrayal of us ... especially re the hypocrisy

of his being a "family man." Probably is ... actually -- just a little

differently than the way we've been thinking about things ---!!!

[KamaAina]

233. At last! The Clenis can retire!

From now on, all evil in the world will be ascribed to the mighty Ednis!!

:sarcasm:

[bitchkitty]

240. She has a pretty smile and a sweet expression.

I can see how he was attracted to her.

[JeanGrey]

451. Huh? She's a dog compared to Elizabeth. Not attractive at ALL.

This always puzzles me because men usually pick skanks when they are unfaithful and most of them have beautiful wives. I don't get it.

[bitchkitty]

552. I don't know about all that -

I don't see monogamy as a natural state for the majority of men and some females. As far as her being a "dog" I don't think she's any such thing, but I guess our opinions differ.

[JeanGrey]

583. She ain't no raving beauty.

[bitchkitty]

597. Well again, I don't know what to say.

Maybe Edwards, in spite of having the urge to have sex outside his marriage, is not shallow, and does not choose his sexual partners based on how "cute" they are. This wasn't a jr. high school student deciding he wanted to make out with the cutest girl in school, you know?

[chatnoir]

557. My mom said the same exact thing today

On the phone while watching all the coverage of this and seeing the pics of this woman, that if they cheat its usually with fairly unattractive women while they have lovely wives.

[JeanGrey]

584. Yup. Happens time and time again.

[ooglymoogly]

247. This is wall to wall....even saying "this just proves corruption is

evenly divided amongst Dems and pukes. Another stinking pile is being dumped on us.

[windoe]

250. Of course this couldn't wait until after the election...

it has to come out now.

I do not understand how anyone can run for office expecting such a huge skeleton to stay in the closet. I say lay out the truth to begin with and if you survive at least you are not a liar!!!! Jeebus.

edited to add: How come in Europe and other places officials somehow survive having affairs, it is because of the way they handle it. The freaking stats show hoards of married people have affairs. Affairs happen. It is not ideal, it is not great, but if the family can handle it, and everyone sticks to the truth of the matter (like ADULTS do). then life can go on!!!

Next!!

[tblue37]

271. In the US officials ALSO survive having affairs--as long as

they are Republican. Only Democrats are toast for such things. After all, IOKIYAR.

[elle1sf]

251. So disappointed

I am just so disappointed. I never liked what Bill did but I looked at it like this: It is between Bill and Hillary and has nothing to do with how he runs the country. I truly didn't care other than feeling bad for Hillary and Chelsea.

This time it hits me in a much different way. I feel that his love and devotion were all a lie and I feel very deceived. I feel that the fact that I gave him a break on the gay marriage issue because of his religion was all a waste of my time. I saw that he was struggling with it and really wanted to do the right thing but his beliefs held him back. Now I feel that he is just another "religious" hypocrite. So, what John? It is a sin to be gay but not to cheat on your wife???

I hate feeling so fooled. I suppose all those calling him a phony were right. I hate feeling like such a bad judge of character.

It is so different this time. Sorry John but I hope you continue to work on poverty but at this point I am moving on as a supporter of you as VP, AG or anything else. If you recover from this and do good for the country, great, but I am done. You brought me into the world of politics. I am now going to try to go back to the land of the ignorant.

Elizabeth, I have you in my heart.

[pjt7]

280. Edwards did not deserve the massive support

he got during the primary. The guy voted for the Iraq war & then worked @ a Hedge Fund.

I don't understand how anyone could have thought he was a anything exceptional. Just beacause he has a fantastic wife, doesnt mean he is a fantastic politican.

If Kucinich had his support, real change could happen in DC.

[chelsea0011]

256. Media Code Red. This is a Media Code Red. We are now in 24/7

coverage. Fuck Georgia. Fuck China. Fuck that Iraqi bombing that killed no Americans. Fuck that liar McCain and his friggin' tire pressure. We have sex and yes, she may be blond. And the baby is an unresolved story. Happy Days! This could go to October. Ad time, baby.

[Outlier]

282. i hope it does go to october

no woman alive would vote for john edwards now. and when they find out about mccain they won't vote for him either.

[ooglymoogly]

302. They have finally found a Democrat to crucify....

and it ain't going to be pretty.

[jwirr]

470. This is so true. Once again we are raving about something that does

not effect most of the world while ignoring the real issues. I also am disappointed in John Edwards but I think this thread should cover it. Tomorrow let's talk about something more current. We are with you Elizabeth.

[napsi]

261. Get ready....

The kid is his. What do expect from an ambulance chasing lawyer? He is the same kind of lawyer who sues to get rich while you and I get a check for $1.48 from some class action law suit that we never partcipated. I could never warm up to him.

[krabigirl]

268. LOL, so it would be OK if he was a corporate lawyer?

Protecting those poor insurance companies? you make me sick.

[samplegirl]

266. Walking in Newts shoes...

I feel very sorry for his family.

[gauguin57]

272. We can act all European about this, but the fact remains: He'd have been running in the U.S.!

Yes, people's sexual relationships should be no one's business. Lots of Europeans (the French, for example) don't give a rat's ass who their leaders sleep with, as long as they can lead.

However, THIS IS AMERICA, and people ARE obsessed with such things. Had he been nominated, he'd have been nominated to represent the Democratic Party in an America that would turn from him had the scandal broken in mid-campaign.

Had he been our Democratic nominee, we'd be totally screwed.

He acted without thought for his wife OR for the Democratic party. Yes, he's human. But being HUMAN also means we're not animals, and we have the power to CONTROL OURSELVES, if we so choose! Edwards chose not to ... he's hurt his family and our party.

For these reasons and more, I am VERY disappointed in John Edwards, and very angry at him.

[ooglymoogly]

273. The puritans are coming, the puritans are coming...

Oh wait they are already here.

[smitty]

283. So are the liars.

[blueatheart]

606. the liars NEVER left..

[Peregrine Took]

278. When you think about it - what kind of a massive ego does it take for you to

think you can be president of the US AND leader of the free world? Pretty big.

[smitty]

279. Yeah, other politicians lie, but this was a politician I supported.

He looked me in the eye and lied to me, and that I don't forgive.

[Name removed]

281. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Danieljay]

346. no, man's inability to control himself and make good choices is always his downfall. n/t

[Joe Chi Minh]

284. SO WHAT?

[Codeine]

382. His wife deserves better, that's what.

We deserve better from our leading figures.

His children deserve better from their father.

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

286. YOU FUCKING DUMBASS.

Aaaaaaaaagh!

Well at least it wasn't a teenage boy. At least that's something.

[Dover]

289. Did Elizabeth know this while she was working so hard, despite illness, for John's election?

Ya see, it's not so much that he had sex out of wedlock, an affair.
It's so much more...about his character.
But then he lost me long before this on character issues, when he worked for and profited from a hedge fund company.
"Populist" indeed. I just don't trust his motives, nor his fidelity to the American people.

http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/05/09/for-poverty-101-edwards-went-to-a-hedge-fund/


http://www.nypost.com/seven/08182007/news/nationalnews/edwards_hedge_fund_oaks_cane_victims_nationalnews_andy_soltis__post_wire_services.htm

...The populist candidate - who has denounced such lenders - invested $16 million of his $30 million in assets in Fortress Investment Group. The Wall Street Journal reported that 34 New Orleans homeowners struggling to overcome Katrina's aftermath faced foreclosure suits from subprime-lending units of Fortress.

[debbierlus]

293. Who the hell cares? It is none of our business

I don't care, Republican or Democrat, this is all bullshit.

It is NONE of our business.

[Peregrine Took]

306. He wanted to be president, remember? He's a liar and a cheat - don't you

care?
Do you think those are acceptable qualities?

Haven't we had enough lies and deception in the WH?

[debbierlus]

370. I don't think a person's private sexual behavior is anyone's business but theirs and there spouses

The reality is that people sometimes cheat. Do I like this fact? No. I think it royally sucks for Elisabeth.

However, this type of stuff should not dictate the discussion of our politics and it certainly has to stop being wielded as a weapon against political candidates.

I have been through enough in my life to know 'judge not lest ye be judged'.

[Dervill Crow]

294. SO EFFING WHAT????!!!!!!

Geez. After the way the Bush cabal has f*cked the country??!!

:banghead: :shrug: :banghead:

The American people are like frogs in a pot on the stove when it comes to big things like Repuglicans and their lies, torture, lies, war, lies, war profiteering, lies, murder, and lies, but OH MY F*CKING GAWD, let someone mention something about a Democrat's sex life and it is Big News.

I hate this for Elizabeth's sake, but it really is no one else's business. Our clucking over it isn't helping any.

[Prophet 451]

300. No VP slot for him

OK, a VP slot was pretty unlikely anyway.

I'm a Brit, we're far too used to this for it to raise any eyebrows.

[DWinNJ]

301. I'm waiting

to see Fox News claiming that the liberal blogs are giving
Edwards a free pass because he’s a Democrat.

[Auggie]

313. Welcome to DU, DWinNJ

[BrklynLiberal]

307. Just makes me feel so very sad.....

:(

[piesRsquare]

308. I figured this was the case all along...

...and it doesn't bother me. It's none of my business.

Feel bad for Elizabeth? No--she doesn't need me to "feel bad" for her. This is her marriage, her business. For all we know, Elizabeth could have no problem with this; she might even have lovers of her own. Ever heard of an "open marriage"? It's a lot more common nowadays than people around here may think.

Harry Truman was no saint. His statement about infidelity reflects the very same arrogant, all-or-nothing thinking as Bush's "You're either with us or against us" mentality that has pissed off our allies and increased global terrorism.

If the (male) President isn't sexually fulfilled/satisfied in his marriage, better for him to have an affair than drop bombs on another country for sexual gratification. Sexual repression leads to pathological behavior and violence; I'd choose a womanizer over a war monger any day.

[Vinnie From Indy]

309. It is quite amusing to read the gratuitous male bashing taking place on this thread.

Yeah, us guys with our naughty penises are the worst.

[last1standing]

310. Hypocritical puritans as far as the eye can see.

I've got to do something about this virus that sends me to free republic every time I click on DemocraticUnderground.com.

[jzodda]

332. Maybe some of us Hypocritical Puritans are angry that Edwards could have been the nominee

And if he was all the people who come in here saying "I don't care" or "none of my business" or "Its just sex" would be wondering why Edwards would have to step down as nominee or why we lost in November because of it. Just because you don't care doesn't mean that his actions in his personal life does not affect all of us. Had he won, this would have come out and destroyed our chances in November.

Its not just sex. It never is really. Its the lies and deceptions that surround the act. Its the way he ran his campaign and the things he said to our faces while looking us in the eyes. Its the fact that money was paid to keep the woman silent, and campaign money that you or maybe I donated to his campaign. Its the fact this woman he meets in a bar gets a $100,000 job in the campaign she's not qualified for. Paid again with money donated to that campaign. Its the fact that he does this to a sick wife. This could not certainly help this woman's morale trying to survive cancer. Knowing that this info released could implode his chances the sin is greater because he wasn't cheating on his wife he was cheating on all of us, especially all of us who supported him and believed in him.

Had he become the nominee then this would have sunk our chances and for him to constantly talk about our nation in crisis and then risk the Repukers getting a free walk into the WH for another 4 years this November? Its hard to forgive.

[last1standing]

443. Ah! The purity that emanates from you is intoxicating.

It's good that you've never betrayed a trust or made a mistake.

It must also be wonderful to be able to read into a stranger's soul so well that you know everything there is to know about them and their motivations.

[jzodda]

450. I don't give a fuck about his motives

How his actions effect my party and its chances of winning in November is the only thing that concerns me. Where he puts his dick otherwise is his problem. He can go fuck a tree for all I care.

He could have been the nominee so this is stunning. The other stuff bothers me as well: sick wife, baby, hush money. I can get over that though. Its much harder for me to get over that had he won the nomination this would have sunk our party in November. You can speak of purity all you like, but it would have been little comfort to you on election night had Edwards won the nomination.

[gauguin57]

344. It's not being a hypocritical puritan to be concerned for my party.

If John Edwards wants to skank around and endanger his marriage, that's his business. But he ran for the Democratic nomination right after lying about an affair and, apparently, paying hush money. Jesus Christ! F*** with your own life, John, but NOT with the Democratic party during this, a vital election year.

Sen. Edwards KNOWS how this country reacts to stuff like this. He watched a bunch of asshole GOPers nearly bring down Clinton's presidency over a sexual relationship. He KNOWS someone always finds out. It was arrogant of him to risk becoming our nominee with this hanging over him.

He knows we're NOT France, where folks wouldn't care who he slept with. Behaving this way when he's about to run for president shows REALLY BAD JUDGMENT, and a blatant disregard for his party (not to mention his wife and kids).

I reserve the right to be ROYALLY PISSED at the guy -- and there's nothing puritanical in my anger!!!

[tidy_bowl]

579. Exactly....

.....as many have said, its his and Elizabeth's business and no one else's. But, when you lie about during the course of an election you make it everyone's business. All he had to say back then was, "Yeah, I screwed her, so what? Elizabeth has forgave me so what?! It's none of your damn business." But he didn't, he made it our business by lying. That is the difference.

[Outlier]

316. Obama wins

Today obama wins the election. Edwards gross infidelity would have cost him the general election, and if we push this it will win it for obama.

Mccain cannot like this bit of news coming out. The M$M in their lust for sex stories unwittingly torpedoed mccain. their line of thinking that it was all ancient history, and she still likes little mac, she voted for him, and oh how nice he, (his rich wife) paid for her health care, does not change the fact that he was a soulless prick and divorced his wife because she was a cripple. This sheds new light and will force them to ask the questions and if they don't oprah and tyra should, they have the ear of every women on the planet anyways.

mccain needs to be asked about this at every stop, and explain how he is any different than edwards.

Bill Clinton should be out their hammering on edwards. "I cheated on my wife, but at least she had the strength to pick up the lamp to throw it at me. John cheated on his because she had small boobies from cancer, and mccain's wife was a bedridden cripple who couldn't get close enough to mccain to hit him with anything"

We benefit by keeping this story up and playing.

Sacrifice the pompous arrogant bastard (that would be edwards) on the altar of democracy.

John edwards, taking one for the team, no doubt the first time he's ever done anything in his life for anyone else.

Watch to see how limbaugh attacks this on monday. I bet he is quiet about it. He had a little blurb on his website earlier this week on the NE story, nothing today. This story does them nogood.

The day mccain is accepting the nomination edwards should admit the kid is his and do a mea culpa on oprah. , explaining what a bastard he and all other men who do this are.

we win.

hooray.

[humbled_opinion]

371. Oh Please Give that Stuff Up....

We will be lucky if Obama hasn't had some transgression that the media are about to blow up in his face prolly right after the convention.

[RamboLiberal]

321. Edwards Statement

In 2006, I made a serious error in judgment and conducted myself in a way that was disloyal to my family and to my core beliefs. I recognized my mistake and I told my wife that I had a liaison with another woman, and I asked for her forgiveness. Although I was honest in every painful detail with my family, I did not tell the public. When a supermarket tabloid told a version of the story, I used the fact that the story contained many falsities to deny it. But being 99% honest is no longer enough.

I was and am ashamed of my conduct and choices, and I had hoped that it would never become public. With my family, I took responsibility for my actions in 2006 and today I take full responsibility publicly. But that misconduct took place for a short period in 2006. It ended then. I am and have been willing to take any test necessary to establish the fact that I am not the father of any baby, and I am truly hopeful that a test will be done so this fact can be definitively established. I only know that the apparent father has said publicly that he is the father of the baby. I also have not been engaged in any activity of any description that requested, agreed to or supported payments of any kind to the woman or to the apparent father of the baby.

It is inadequate to say to the people who believed in me that I am sorry, as it is inadequate to say to the people who love me that I am sorry. In the course of several campaigns, I started to believe that I was special and became increasingly egocentric and narcissistic. If you want to beat me up – feel free. You cannot beat me up more than I have already beaten up myself. I have been stripped bare and will now work with everything I have to help my family and others who need my help.

I have given a complete interview on this matter and having done so, will have nothing more to say.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0808/12405.html

I think Edwards showed his egocentricity and narcissism in thinking he could run for president in 2008 after seeing what Clinton went through for his infidelities, and for the way he dangled his support before Obama and Hillary. Like your support means crap now!

[Erin Elizabeth]

334. Wow.

That's a pretty hardcore apology right there. "If you want to beat me up – feel free. You cannot beat me up more than I have already beaten up myself. I have been stripped bare and will now work with everything I have to help my family and others who need my help."

[Erin Elizabeth]

326. I just can't even make myself have strong feelings about this.

Yes, it's disappointing. But it's also....meh. He's not our nominee. He's no longer in congress. He wasn't picked to be Obama's VP (thank the Lord).

This seems to be a bigger tragedy for the Edwards marriage and family than for me or anyone else outside of that small group.

Republicans have placed the bar so low that unless it involves animals or 14 year old boys, I'm not even shocked.

[Dangerously Amused]

328. What's interesting is that in most other countries,

...the fact that a politician had an affair would be shrugged off, but a politician insulting and humiliating his wife (to whom he is "happily married") by calling her a "trollop" and a "cunt" in front of reporters WOULD receive the media attention it deserves.

[ixion]

331. Notice how they go straight to the 'LIED' verb

no "misspoke" or "wasn't entirely straight with" or any other one of the vast array of synonyms they've come up with to avoid saying that BUSHCO LIED.

[FlaDem83]

335. Absolute scum

As I said yesterday, I am not surprised. I too have been the victim of infidelity - and, as part of trying to get over it, I belong to a wonderful on-line support community....the stories I saw there were horrible. I couldn't believe there were men that would cheat on their pregnant or sick wife, but I've since learned, and Edwards doesn't surprise me. It was not a lapse in judgment but a conscious abdication of fidelity - and it is fucking disgusting.

[SemperEadem]

338. I am so disappointed in him.

Dag. Just dag.

And he'd better not drag Elizabeth out to stand by his side when he makes his statement. And he can stay away from the convention while he's at it.

Dag.

[Botany]

341. Hey John can I have the $100.00 back now?

I thought my one memory of John was in 2007 when visiting Columbus, OH
of John holding an elderly lady's head in his hands and thanking her for coming
to see him .... real kindness but now that thought is gone and replaced by the
idea he was fucking around on his wife as she had cancer and lied about it.

Yes, he is very human and suffers from what almost all man do .... thinking
w/ his "unit."

[mhatrw]

343. Why should I care? n/t

[followthemoney]

345. Obama gave the speech to black audiences that it is time...

For men to stop acting like boys.

I eagerly anticipate his lecture to the white audiences on this topic.

[hamerfan]

351. After this November, I am done!

John Edwards was the guy I wanted in, my knight in armor, THE GOOD ONE! I will vote this November, then I am washing my hands of the whole "politics" scam and going to move very far away from any mention of politics. Agnostic would be a good term for me. Wow, just wow......
dumpbush

[NorthCarolina]

349. He's against gay marriage to protect the institution of marriage though

so doesn't that make his infidelity a wash? :eyes:

[humbled_opinion]

350. Do you Think This Means That He...

won't be considered to be Obama's VP? Lets get beyond the personal issues and focus on what these people stand for and how they will serve the people....

[Quantess]

356. That ship sailed away.

More than that, this is probably why Edwards dropped out of the Presidential race months ago. He knew this story would blow up.

[humbled_opinion]

368. Yep You are Right...

His campaign would have never given in but then I guess he figured he might as well Back Obama then have this blow up right before the election... Oh well ... Shame really cause he was the champion of many of us on the lower end of the income scale.

[shayes51]

355. Don't guess we'll be seeing him in Denver.

What a disappointment he is.

[malcolmlandry]

373. Selfish dumbass

[Ken Burch]

360. The worst thing is that he'd do this while Elizabeth was fighting cancer.

Still, he's not the only politician in history that's ever done this.

[pegleg]

361. I can only say is that there is no such thing as a perfect person

and that he is still with his wife. It was a dumb act , it was a huge mistake. But he murdered no one. He didn't invade a sovereign nation under false pretenses. And I think you get my drift. If anyone is looking for a superman or woman - they won't be found.

[David__77]

364. That's too bad. I'm not sure if this matters too much politically though.

I never really saw Edwards as an important Democratic leader. He positioned himself to fulfill a certain ideological role, but I don't think it would have lasted or led to anything. There are others with a better track record. I'm certainly glad he's nowhere near this ticket. I'm regret that this hurts those who supported him, and of course it sucks for his spouse.

[humbled_opinion]

366. Does anybody think it is strange...

That the National Enquirer broke this story? What's up with that tabloid gossip....

[janetblond]

395. Not strange. Nat'l Enquirer breaks news before everyone else. nt

!!

[JeanGrey]

410. They have broken many stories. Like the photos of the

Bruno Magli shoes that OJ denied owning and wearing, and the woman who shot up John Belushi with the fatal speedball - she consequently went to prison on their stories.

[liberal N proud]

372. Lied about sex, would have been impeached

What a fucked up society we live

[theNotoriousP.I.G.]

380. Really disappointed

What a complete schmuck. I can only imagine how utterly devastated and bereft Elizabeth feels. Short shrift, I guess that he didn't love this other woman or that the whole thing was taken down to another level of tawdry when one of John's staff members admitted to an affair with the same woman and is claiming to be the baby's father.

Talk about shit for brains.

[RamboLiberal]

384. F*ing David Gregory is trying to lay it on Obama and Democratic Party

F you Gregory. Why don't you bring up McCain's marital history? And what the F does Edwards have to do with Obama. Edwards has long been out of the race.

[PerpetuallyDazed]

385. Dude, at least Edwards can admit it.

Ole McSame still hasn't come clean about his second wife & Vicki Iseman! I think we should keep this in perspective, people.

[shayes51]

392. Admitted when he had no other choice.

That gets him no points in my book.

[PerpetuallyDazed]

401. Crappy husband, but at least he's an honest politician! n/t

[StrongBad]

437. He came clean only when there were photos implicating him

He denied this story many times in the past.

Not very honest, imo.

[lmarcotty]

386. Hello?

Excuse me, BUT WHO GIVES A SHIT??????????????? AND WHOSE BUSINESS IS IT BUT EDWARDS' AND HIS WIFE'S AND THE OTHER WOMAN'S??????????

Jesus, people, mind your own fuckin' business!

[AtheistCrusader]

483. He believed he was being 99% truthful about this.

99%. You know, just that little 1% lie about the whole screwing another woman thing. I really don't even know where to begin with this. Does he take himself so seriously that he actually believes what he was saying? That this indiscretion was so unimportant? That he thinks so little of his own wife, OR the woman he was having an affair with?

Where does the 1% of guilt work in here? Can we believe ANYTHING he says ever again? Can we believe anything else he has ever said before now? When you campaign on your integrity, this becomes the public's business.


What a waste. All the money that was contributed to his campaign. All the face time he got in the debates and on the news, all of it a distraction. All of it a waste. He's done. No one is going to remember his causes around poverty. Nothing about health care. All wasted. It's going to overshadow our convention. It's going to dog us for the election. It's going to be used to question the integrity of democrats in general. It's empty bullshit, but it's the kind of empty bullshit that moves votes around.

Looks like he was shuffling money to her, hope that had nothing to do with his campaign money.

[MilesColtrane]

388. Fuck you, Johnny.

Fuck you for damaging our party.
Fuck you for nullifying any attention that you once brought to important causes.

But, most importantly, fuck you for hurting your wonderful family.

Now why don't you and Gary Hart start meeting every week for lunch to talk about how you could have achieved greatness and made much needed changes, but you decided to piss it away for some nookie.

[SlingBlade]

389. Wow, Too Bad

I was an Edwards supporter. This is a BIG let down

[Tarc]

390. The flip-flopping in this thread by supposed forward-minded people is staggering

Y'know, we can criticize one of our own for fucking up. It won't kill anyone.

[SunDrop23]

391. Unfortunate, but I have more important stuff to worry about...

Yes this upsets me because I was a dyed in the wool Edwards supporter from the word go. I wish the ticket had been Edwards-Kerry in 2004...

BUT

He's a human, just like you and me. And I refuse to hang on to every word on every news show about this. I will not let this become my focus. I will not analyse or say what I would have done or what he should have done because no two instances in time are exactly alike.

Besides I'm taking my kids to the park today. A beautiful Friday afternoon in central North Carolina.

[The Croquist]

603. I guess you've been "blinded by the light"

Go ahead and ignore the news shows and that he is a lying ass.

[Politicub]

393. Holy crap! John Edwards is human?

Who would have thunk it?!

It doesn't change my view of him one bit. I still think he's a great advocate for the poor and disadvantaged. It's too bad all of the good he's done will be marred by his indiscretion.

As far as I'm concerned, this is between him and Elisabeth. My opinion (and yours and Katie Couric's) mean squat.

[sendero]

394. I told folks...

.. not to dismiss the NE but no, I was the dumbass. Who's the dumbass now.

[robcon]

398. Who has less credibility than the National Enquirer? John Edwards.

Serial liar.

[Haole Girl]

396. My first thoughts were worry... for Elizabeth

Then, after it sank in, I was - and I am - just sad... very sad that this is what our country has become... that tabloid news rules.

I might add: I'd like to take a match to every National Enquirer I see.

[OwnedByFerrets]

397. Although wrong if it wasnt with Elizabeths permission....

I still admire the man for what he has done and wanted to do for our country.

[RamboLiberal]

402. Makes me wonder how much of that was a scam

Isn't he ending the poverty program? Thought I heard that recently.

[RamboLiberal]

403. Bonior “disappointed and angry” over Edwards denial of affair

Former Rep. David Bonior, who was campaign manager for John Edwards’ unsuccessful bid for the Democratic presidential nomination this year, said today he’s “disappointed and angry” at news that Edwards had an affair with a woman that he had previously denied.

“Thousands of friends and supporters of Sen. Edwards put their faith and confidence in him and he has let them down,” said Bonior, who has endorsed Barack Obama for president, as did Edwards following his leaving the race earlier this year. “Young supporters who put their time and energy into his campaign with a newfound energy and idealism for politics have been betrayed by his actions.”

Bonior said the issues the Edwards’ campaign fought for – worker justice, an end to poverty, a cleaner environment and universal health care “are issues worth continuing to fight for.”

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080808/NEWS07/80808068

[robcon]

412. What a selfish bastard John Edwards turned out to be.

He mislead his supporters and those who worked for his campaign like Bonior.

If he had won the nomination, and this came out after the convention - it would have guaranteed 4 more years of Repuglican maladministration.

[ramapo]

405. What an idiot

But he's human and he fucked up...not all so unusual. I think his apology and statement is sincere. I really wanted him to be AG :(. I don't think that will be happening.

[Jefferson23]

417. I wanted that too sooo bad, he is an awesome attorney, they all would have been

shaking in their boots if he were AG.

[superconnected]

436. He's an adult, he didn't need to fuck up. All of us are human but many

of us make better choices.

At this point he's as ass.

[Jefferson23]

411. My heart goes out to his wife and children, it's sad.

I heard Elizabeth may be speaking at the convention and that Edwards may not be attending at all, but who knows how true that is.

[happygoluckytoyou]

413. NO EXCUSE.... and sad to see him gone.... (glad she was over 14)

[stlsaxman]

415. Stupid, John.

Stupid and selfish, John.

[Chovexani]

422. But will they go on Maury to find out if he's the father of the baby?

God this is so trashy. So fucking trashy.

Stupid, stupid Edwards. And his stupid dick.

[BRLIB]

423. Bush lied repeatedly. When are we going to get the MSM assholes

to say "lied repeatedly" about that piece of excrement?

[Snotcicles]

488. As soon as they find out he got some sort of sexual gratification out of it. nt

[rainbow4321]

438. He blames feeling "special, egocentric, and narcissitic"

and that all led to the affair. That is right up there with the Hollywood celebs who blame their divorces/drug use/breakdowns on "being" a celebrity.
And...his affair was in 2006. WHAT exactly was he running for as a candidate in 2006????


http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0808/12405.html

In the course of several campaigns, I started to believe that I was special and became increasingly egocentric and narcissistic

-------------------
Jesus F'n Christ. How did/does he look his wife and kids (especially the little ones) in the eyes??

[BAPhill]

447. So what....

He is human...at least hes not toe tappin in the airport bathroom.

[matt007]

453. Didnt change my opinion of Clinton or Vitter

Still think Clinton was great, Still think Vitter is a tool ruining my state (with gracious help from Bobby Jindal), and I still believe in the causes Edwards championed..........he should be the AG.

[knixphan]

472. SECONDED.

Let's grow up and play this game called Government.

[KillCapitalism]

467. Well I guess it's a good thing Obama is our candidate instead.

I supported Edwards until he dropped out. It's good he didn't win the primaries because this kind of thing will totally destroy a candidate.

[Voltaire99]

469. LOL @ all those who were in denial over this putz

'It's a tabloid liiiiiiiie!!! etc. etc.'

No: Edwards is a deceitful, corrupt putz who has set back the populist cause. He shamefully used his trophy-cancer wife for his own career, and quite nearly sank the party's electoral chances in the process. Imagine if he'd already been named Obama's running mate...

So, a big laff at the party-hearties here for their illusions.

And a big thanks to the National Enquirer for doing the journalism that America's useless MSM wouldn't and, apparently, can't. Those MSM job losses and closures can't come fast enough.

[JeanGrey]

585. It is really sick when a tabloid does better reporting

than the major news media.

[TheCowsCameHome]

471. A few observations here -

I liked John Edwards.

I would have voted for John Edwards.

I'm saddened by his actions.

I'm especially disturbed because of what his wife has already gone through with her bout with cancer, and what this will do to her and their children.

I guess the only good thing to come of it (if there even is such a thing) is he that hadn't been become our nominee for President or VP.

The whole mess make me feel physically ill.

When will these politicians EVER learn?................

[Hulk]

474. This is all such BULL SHIT

I never cheated on my (ex)wife. (Wish she could say the same.) Cast your stones, those of you who have not sinned. Pick it up and throw it his way. The same bullshit for Clinton's affair.

What goes on between a man and a woman in their marriage IS BETWEEN THAT MAN AND THAT WOMAN! It is nobody else's business.

What percent of men and women married for as long as they have been married have NEVER had an affair?? I'll bet we are looking at a pretty hefty percentage. And who gives a rat's ass? In some societies, it's the norm to have affairs.

I am so sick of this self-righteous society of ours condemning another person for what is personal in their lives. E.g. vitter, etc.

Grow up America. Stop being such a dumb ass prude.

I don't condon it....but who am I to condemn it? Get a grip!

[knixphan]

493. Hear hear!

I'm with Hulk.

Can we NOT do the rightwing's job for them?

Let's solve some real problems - our kids dying in Iraq.

This stuff was trivial when it was Bill Clinton, and it's trivial now.

Next millennium, folks.

[blueatheart]

607. thanks for posting what i do not have time right now to post..

[Don Davis]

475. Bill Clinton Redirects His Jealousy, to John Edwards

http://satiricalpolitical.com/?p=2533

[eowyn_of_rohan]

477. Should I burn my Edwards campaign poster?

or will this make it more valuable?

[SHRED]

480. His wife has a terrible cancer...

...and he screws around on her.

What a jackass.
I have lost all respect.

---

[ozone_man]

481. Impeach him!

So, he's a human being after all, just like the rest of us.

[Hugin]

485. I am very disappointed.

:(

[lonestarnot]

487. Stupid pig!

[neuvocat]

489. Mrs. Edwards, I am sorry for your pain and grief right now.

[NEDem]

491. SO what

If he was a repug it would have been a guy in a public bathroom or a kid that he screwed around with.

Sorry folks, I can't jump up and down and feign moral outrage over this. It's just sex.

[knixphan]

496. plain and simple.

[knixphan]

494. Stagecraft! Kabuki theatre!

[swag]

495. Oh. That ain't too cool.

It's nice that he is not the nominee, I guess.

[Historic NY]

499. Well it wasn't with some hooker or escort. Adultery is becoming America's past time

[YDogg]

500. bastard

[whistle]

501. SO WHAT!

[triguy46]

505. What a lying sack of shit...

He wanted us to support him. We were to vote for him. And all along he knew this was in his past. The collateral damage today will not be much, but could have risked another decade of repug control. What an egoist. Self centered. Liar. Bite my ass, dickbrain. His credibility on all is zero as far as I'm concerned. It's true, he just wanted to get elected.

[Dukkha]

507. did you really expect ethics from a trial lawyer?

a natural born liar & cheat. I'm glad I never supported him.

[SunDrop23]

515. Thought about it some more while the kids played at the park today...

And I've pretty much lost confidence in all of them.

Politicians that is.

John Edwards having an affair? While Elizabeth is fighting for her very existence? Not possible...

But yes it is. And more and more we are seeing that the people we put so much faith in, these "politicians" as we call them, are really all shitbags.

[ellie]

517. For fuck's sake.

I liked him! These assholes need to learn to keep it in their pants. Disgusting.

[madrchsod]

522. ellie--it takes two to tango

she`s just as guilty as he is

[ellie]

528. True

She is as big a scumbag as he is.

[Maestro]

524. Well I am disappointed, but

at least he is cavorting in bathrooms doing the foot tapping thing or hanging out with prostitutes in diapers. If Elizabeth forgives him, then it is a done deal and personal matter.

[IsItJustMe]

527. So what? He's human. NEXT!!!

[AngryOldDem]

533. I don't know about you....

...but I feel so very humbled to be in the company of such ethically impeccable and perfect people.

We don't know the dynamics of the whole situation. We probably never will, and that is just as well because it is really none of our business.

Meanwhile, a war goes on; another one breaks out; the economy continues to sink...

[ryanmuegge]

532. The affair is no big deal, really. I'm more surprised that it's true because she isn't hot.

Not in the least. You would think Edwards would be pulling hotter chicks than that.

[ScreamingMeemie]

536. Nice...

Real nice.

[aaronbees]

539. Incredibly sad for the family

My heart goes out to Elizabeth and their kids.

This would be none of our business (and I would not care to know about it) if John and Elizabeth were not public figures with power and prestige within the Democratic party and, recently, for progressive and populist causes.

But fact is they are, and John Edwards' private actions have public consequences. So to John Edwards (whom I've respected even if he wasn't my choice this go around as the nominee) I say: you are a damn louse for betraying the trust of your supporters and chancing this revelation as, potentially, the nominee of the party. And thanks for nothing to get this out in the open right before the Dem convention. Pretty damn unforgivable in a public role of so much importance.

And to mainstream media idiots: get off your hypocritical asses and grill McCain just as hard for his indiscretions. I won't hold my breath there.

Sad all the way around.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

541. I'm tired of tabloid politics

Admittedly, I'm disappointed that he would be so naive as to think he could have an affair without anyone knowing. But I honestly don't care to delve into politicians' personal lives that deeply, unless they've been involved in criminal activity.

We will hear no end of this story, yet the assholes who are responsible for the illegal invasion of Iraq, the murders of thousands of people of many nationalities, including Americans, and the abuse of our military will be ignored.

Can't we all grow up now?

[ryanmuegge]

555. Yeah, this is trivial bullshit, but it's good that Edwards didn't get the nomination.

This would have killed him. It's one thing to do this shit when he's actually president, but to do this under the microscope of a campaign wasn't smart. It shows a certain weakness, a lack of will and strength.

[Seldona]

545. You mean he is human?

Well no way I would vote for him then!

:sarcasm:

[Name removed]

546. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[MrSlayer]

549. I said I would be shocked if it wasn't true.

As it is I'm not shocked nor do I give a damn about it. I just don't see what the big deal is.

[junior college]

551. Check out the weird house that he livse in

Such a strange man. I like his politics for the most part, however

[miyazaki]

554. its like The Overlook Hotel or something, ha n/t

[chatnoir]

575. Odd Place. I thought the same

Some compound carved out amongst trees/what appears to be a forest like that? Strange man.

[Wabbajack_]

558. Men have needs

of course he's not gonna make his private life public. Don't be so cruel.

[JeanGrey]

586. I knew it. I was just waiting for the perverbial "oh honey men

just can't help it" bullshit. :rofl: :rofl:

[Wabbajack_]

589. I'd say women have needs too.

my point wasn't "all men need to cheat it's ok". His wife was undergoing cancer treatments, she likely wasn't in the mood. John needed some lovin'. I'm sure it was all very stressful for him.

He's no longer running. Why is this even a story? If Huckabee admitted an affair I bet it wouldn't be such a big deal (outside of wingnut circles anyway).

[GeorgeGist]

567. In other news, Elizabeth Edwards ...

endorsed his lie.

[skooooo]

570. Imus was right.

Total phoney.

[ohio2007]

573. ABC news; Family wants a DNA test

This should settle the issue once and for all , right ?

[WriteDown]

576. I've reserved my comments until now...

For many of us from NC, this is no surprise. There was all sorts of talks about his affairs for years. It was only a matter of time. I never really cared for him due to personal reasons, but he seems to be a special piece of slime. Not only is he cheating on his cancer ridden wife, but he has the audacity to pay his mistress 100K for 5 months of work for videos that were never used. That just leaves me speechless. Good by John Edwards. There are better democrats like Hillary and Barrack who will be glad to carry on without you. Hope Elizabeth files for divorce today and takes you to the cleaners.

[Cherchez la Femme]

577. Remind me...

...how many of Bush's 900+ (almost a thousand, I believe) lies were made while he was a Presidential Candidate
or President?

[Hekate]

580. Christ on a Trailer Hitch, folks.There are almost 600 posts in this thread. Are we nuts?

Ah, don't answer that. :-(

Hekate

[robcon]

581. Elizabeth has some 'splainin' to do, too.

"If you're an Edwards supporter, let me put this bluntly; if you gave John and Elizabeth Edwards time, money, support, or goodwill, they played you.

They made a conscious decision to make their relationship a focus throughout the campaign. That emotional goodwill you feel for them? They not only let you feel, they took actions and made statements specifically so you would feel it.

Then when the rumors first surfaced, they made the worst decision of all; they decided to lie about it and to keep lying about it for months. They lied in a way that made the people who were telling the truth look like the real liars. They lied in a way that turned their supporters into attack dogs. They only started to tell the truth when John Edwards was caught at the Beverly Hills Hilton and even now both John and Elizabeth Edward are calling the people who caught him the liars ..."

from a former Edwards supporter
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lee-stranahan/say-it-aint-so-elizabeth_b_117867.html

[Doctor_J]

588. The Repukes & their media minions probably timed this to get Suskind off the front page

Just like they planned a media event every year around the time of Clinton's SOTU

[poppysgal]

595. thank you

for pointing out what I saw immediately.:applause:

[robcon]

605. That's a ridiculous comment.: not a serious one.

The timing was Edwards' - to minimize publicity on the day of the opening of the Olympics, a Friday (the day you release harmful info so it gets buried over the weekend.)

[Diresu]

609. Edwards was about to F! the entire Democratic Party!

He knew the love baby story would come out. If he had received the nomination he would have F'd up everything! What a piece of garbage. He only cares about himself.