Edwards' convention speaking slot at risk (Dems calling for the former Senator to address rumors)

[Unsane]

http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/1167499-p2.html

....If Edwards fails to clear up the story in short order, he risks party officials deciding not to have him speak or, if they do, creating a distraction from a week focused on Obama accepting the nomination.

“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,” said Don Fowler of Columbia, S.C., a former Democratic National Committee chair.

Edwards’ political currency, which is his value as a public speaker and advocate, declines each day the story goes unresolved, Fowler and other Democratic strategists said.

[MannyGoldstein]

1. This Could Easily Be Solved By Releasing The Results Of A Paternity Test

The fellow who claims the baby is his could prove that he actually is the father.

[avaistheone1]

46. If Edwards isn't the father a release of a paternity test would not be under Edwards control.

I don't know why DU is entertaining these rumors about Edwards, when DU shut off any discussion about tabloid rumors of Obama and Larry Sinclair.

[jaysunb]

2. I wish he'd clean this up

or confess.....

He's a good man and neither he or his family need this kind of cloud hanging around.

[PresidentObama]

3. This is insanity, they shouldn't deny him his role because of tabloid trash.

[Heather MC]

47. Not saying he is guilty but this trashy Tabloid was the first the out Jesse jacksons Love Child

even a broken clock is right twice a day

I wanted to believe Bill too back in the day, we all know how that turned out
I am not buying into the story, however what politians do no longer surprize me
disappoint yes surprize no.

Although I do think the fact that Our current president New about 9/11 32 days before it happen is far more news worthy than any kids John edwards may or may not have with other woman.

Bush being impeached should be the focus not this crap
JMO

[cbc5g]

4. Tabloid or not, he needs to clear this up now or I agree, he shouldn't speak

Our news has become more tabloidish every day. That would be a huge distraction.

[avaistheone1]

41. By the same token, are you then saying that Obama should clean up the tabloid Larry Sinclair rumors?

The tabloid rumors about Edwards and the tabloid rumors about Obama are both trash.

People get ahold of yourselves. Please.

[Connie_Corleone]

48. Last time I checked, there were no photos of Obama with Sinclair.

And no one claims to have ever seen them together.

Two very different stories here.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

5. Jesus H. Christ on a Segway

Fucking David Vitter and Larry Craig still have their Senate seats and we're going to eject John Edwards because of a stinking RUMOR??

[blondeatlast]

7. Damn, those "Some Democrats" sure have lots of power; I'd be PROUD if I had

such power...

Yet they save our Party from certain destruction anon--how utterly benificent of "them."

[Unsane]

8. Craig and Vitter aren't speaking at the RNC.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

11. At the rate prominent Republicans are avoiding it they just might be.

:shrug:

[blondeatlast]

12. Well, since they were CHARGED, I'd think the RNC would eliminate them as speakers too.

Anyone who is convinced that those sorry Enquirer reports/pics are Edwards is already convinced.

It's the Republicans trying to stick their noses where they don't belong--in OUR convention.

Don't sweat it.

[blondeatlast]

6. "Some Democrats." As in "some Democrats" (or the kind that say they are, but

aren't).

Names--I want NAMES.

[Unsane]

9. Donnie Fowler?

Gore's ex-campaign chief is also cited. I assume you didn't read the article.

[Thrill]

10. If this wasn't true, why wouldn't he be out there denying it forcefully?

Saying nothing makes it seem true.

Just think if he had won the nomination? wow

[book_worm]

13. What I'd like to know is if this is true how he could have managed to run for president

with this type of rumor out there. I would have thought the media would have been all over it.

[blondeatlast]

14. Now, don't cloud our anxiety by being sensible and asking really smart questions

'n all.

We must gnash our teeth and tear our hair out and worry what others think even if he isn't a candidate for anything, geez.

You're no fun at all (but thanks for some rare wisdom on the issue, I'm with you).

[MidwestTransplant]

18. I read rumors about this months and months ago.

[WinkyDink]

33. The media aren't "all over it" now; why would they have been on a really vague rumor?

IOW, Edwards was never a major contender.

[DevonRex]

39. I'm in agreement with you. There is no way this wouldn't have

come out before. One thing republicans are good at is digging up dirt. If there had been any dirt, it would have been all over the media.

[davidinalameda]

15. why detract from the convention with this

I don't think he should speak with this hanging over his head

[blondeatlast]

49. "Why detract from the convention with this?" That's PRECISELY

the reason we're hearing about a National Enquirer story here.

[DFLforever]

16. But won't it look strange if he isn't asked to speak?

Wouldn't that simply be giving credence to rumor?

Unless these party people know more about this than they're saying.

[TheDonkey]

29. I don't think so. Edwards' has mostly disappeared from the scene except for this scandal

and even that isn't on most people's radar.

[WinkyDink]

34. Why? Is Kucinich speaking?

[DFLforever]

43. Did Kucinich earn any delegates this time around?

[MidwestTransplant]

17. If this story turns out to be true and I am not saying is, he is a real dick for running for Pres.

[cliffordu]

25. Really. Why?

[MidwestTransplant]

27. Well let's see, imagine Edwards won the nomination and on November 1st,

incontrovertible evidence comes out that this is true. Who do you think would win?

[WinkyDink]

35. The answer is self-evident, given the premise.

[thewiseguy]

19. It would be very easy to clear up this story

Not sure why John Edwards is not doing it.

[cliffordu]

26. Maybe he's not going to dignify it with a response.

[Azathoth]

28. So he's just gonna hide in the men's room

until all the inquisitive people pounding on the door get tired and go away. That's a much more dignified way to handle it. :eyes:

[WinkyDink]

36. He opened that barn door with "tabloid trash".

[samdogmom]

20. GIVE. ME. A BREAK !

Please!

What I don't understand is the complete acceptance of the fact that the Bush/Cheney Administration has MURDERED THOUSANDS OF AMERICANS! DO YOU UNDERSTAND THIS CONTRADICTION?

While, I highly doubt this article in the "Enquirer"...I truly DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THIS IS SIGNIFICANT while news about the anthrax killer (not SOLVED!--no matter what is being reported!), etc. is breaking all around us!

What gives?

[appleannie1]

21. I like Edwards but I am disappointed he has not even attempted

to clear his name. Others that have been falsely accused by the National Enquirer have done so. Dragging this out is only giving the right wing nuts fodder and cannot be easy on his family. If it is true, say so and be done with it. If it is false, sue for libel. Those are the only alternatives.

[TexasObserver]

23. I agree. I've always been in John's corner, but he needs to either kill it or confirm it.

I'm sorry we live in an age where this kind of thing can mean his role in summer 2008 politics is over, but if it is true, let's get it over with.

It won't change my opinion of John and his heart. Human failings know no social or economic or political limits.

[cliffordu]

22. Who in the party has actually said this??

Is this complete bullshit?

Oh, I see: The article quotes two has-beens grateful for the ink and this is supposed to carry water??

WTF is happening here??

Edwards, IMNSHO be one of the finest human beings to grace this Party.

The way he's been treated here lately by some "progressives" makes me sick to my stomach.

The goings on in his personal life is NOBODYS business.

[WinkyDink]

37. You're joking, right? After all that's been on DU about McCain's adultery?

GET REAL.

[cliffordu]

38. Do you have an actual point?

[Colobo]

24. If John Edwards has nothing to hide, he should go after those who are putting

all this crap out there.

[Inspired]

32. You've always been supportive of Edwards, while not supporting his candidacy.

I have always appreciated you, Katzenkavalier. I just wanted to say that!

I admit to wanting him to do something....but wait! Maybe he IS doing something. We have no idea what is going on behind the scenes. We have no idea what it is like being in his shoes right now...or Elizabeth's shoes. Bless her heart.

Can you imagine what this must be like? If you protest too much people will speculate that you must be guilty. If you protest a little, but use the wrong words, then you must be guilty because you didn't protest loud enough or good enough. If you don't say anything, you must be guilty because, hey, wouldn't we all be shouting from the roof tops if something was written about us that wasn't true? This is a lose, lose situation.

We must remember that this is coming from the National Enquirer.

[avaistheone1]

42. Then are you saying Obama should have gone after Larry Sinclair for his tabloid trash?

What is good for the goose is good for the gander.

[jbnow]

30. I don't know why the story, true or false,

should stop him from speaking, nor that he needs to confirm or deny the story.

He isn't running for office now. If it is true...how many men who will be there have never, ever cheated. Having grown up around politicians even ugly ones can draw females to them. Would his sin be being caught? Why should he confess to us? Do Hillary and Obama answer every charge in those magazines? Should Bill be required to list every woman or answer to every rumor?

Look it might be true, for his family and especially Elizabeth I don't want him to have to say it. And if that is his child he should visit it, he should not abandon it and should not have to deny it.

He was in a no win situation if he was there to see his child. I might want to hide in the bathroom to because the last thing he'd want to do is cause his wife more pain and he's know that he was.

Can't we just have "Don't ask, don't tell"

[aaroh]

31. It could've of been worse, Edwards wins the nomination or VP nomination then the story leaks.

[Marrah_G]

40. I hate seeing this tabloid shit on DU- we are better then this.

ZOMG ! Batboy to speak at Convention !

:eyes:

[BeyondGeography]

45. Here's the headline: "Dems call on Edwards to address affair rumors"

and Don Fowler is not a tabloid figure. Get your head out of the sand.

[sandnsea]

44. What a bizarre thread

Moderators, take note.