MyDD :: ABC: Edwards admits affair!

by LeftistAddiction on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:20:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]

my sense is that we should stop with the cliches. edwards said his wife knew since 2006. they seem to have worked it out between themselves and she campaigned for him this year. let's not give her feelings we want her to have when she is might be trying to move on and might have forgiven her husband for all we know.

by reggie44pride on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:06:59 PM EST

Exactly. That's savage behavior to do that while she was going through a fight for her life.

by bobestes on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:15:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Losing a son

Fighting cancer

Having husband cheat on you

class act, Mr. Edwards

ABC news says (none / 0)

he makes a point that the affair was in 2006 when they thought the cancer was in remission.

Not that it's much better or that he is credible on that.

New Jersey politics and news

by John DE on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:16:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

by bobestes on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:19:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

What a great guy. Only cheats on his wife when she's not dying of cancer.

We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.

I am loathe to criticize others for their personal lives.

by politicsmatters on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:21:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]

by Bush Bites on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:38:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I know what you mean about privacy, but think about this:

He had the affair even though he knew he was going to run for president.

He could have gotten the nomination, then this came out.

I'm sorry, it's that kind of self-centeredness that turned me off to Bubba.

by milton333 on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:52:50 PM EST
[ Parent ]

This is what infuriates me. He KNEW that this ticking time bomb was out there, but here he was, glibly running for office. What if he'd been our nominee? Weeks before the election, here we go again, another Democrat who can't keep it in his pants, it's like a joke. Geebus, can you imagine the panic and disaster if he had been the presumed nominee, or the presumptive VP pick? How dare he do this to us?

John McCain: Bush right to veto kids health insurance expansion

Yet McCain is an admitted adulterer(he cheated with this wife on his ex-wife) and no one seems to care .. and the NY Times was shouted down when it claimed a few months ago that McCain had another affair

by Calvin Jones and the 13th Apostle on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:10:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Come on you know the rule (2.00 / 1)

For republicans it only count if it is a dead girl or a live boy

by nibit25 on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 10:14:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Come on you know the rule (none / 0)

For republicans it only counts if it is a dead girl or a live boy

by nibit25 on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 10:14:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Not a psychologist, but (none / 0)

it seems that for certain personality types, they just can't help it.

Certain uh, urges access the brain at a lower level than rational thought. Most of us can suppress it when necessary. Others can't.

Not that this excuses Edward's behavior. I'm simply offering it as an explanation as to why it may seem out of character.

Wonder why he's admitting it now. Who had the goods on him?

by corph on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:41:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

This has been rumored since the affair occurred. (none / 0)

I'm sure the republicans had the goods on him and would have been waiting for him to get the nomination before it became public.

by Tenafly Viper on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 08:13:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

by yitbos96bb on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:53:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

THAT is a very great point. I have the same issues with Bill. I don't hate the guy but I lost a lot of respect for him.

by souvarine on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:58:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]

If "that kind of self-centeredness" turns you off I suspect every presidential candidate will disappoint you. Seriously thinking you can run the U.S. requires an unusually healthy self-regard.

Re: ABC news says (2.00 / 2)

And do you know whether the proportion of politicians/presidential candidates who have affairs is different from that of the population at-large?

by Johnny Gentle Famous Crooner on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:03:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Excellent point. (none / 0)

Politicians don't migrate here from Uranus. They grow up with the values of the popular culture - and the latter is way permissive when it comes to extramarital affairs. We have top 40 hits openly advocating it - ever heard Uncle Cracker's "Follow Me"? The shock and indignation are laughable.

It is not because I cannot explain that you won't understand. It is because you won't understand that I cannot explain. - Elie Wiesel

by Sumo Vita on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 05:01:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Excellent point. (none / 0)

that's not exactly empirical data.

One could just as easily argue that because politicians are always in the spotlight and are supposed to have spotless backgrounds, there's less incentive to have affairs lest they torpedo their own consuming ambitions.

Of course, I'm just pulling that out of you-know-where, which is my point. I don't buy that "all politicians do it," or at least, do it more than the public. For every diaper-wearing David Vitter or toe-tapping Larry Craig, there are hundreds of hard-working elected politicians who DON'T cheat on their wives. But you never hear about that, because faithful marriages make for dull copy.

by Johnny Gentle Famous Crooner on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 05:12:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Excellent point. (none / 0)

What isn't empirical?

I was agreeing with the point you seemed to be making: that politicians aren't any more or less predisposed to adultery than the general population. Not to a statistically significant extent, anyway. That people are shocked and scandalized when that happens is what I don't understand.

Equally laughable: the surprise that a politician would selfishly put personal ambition before the welfare of his party or his nation. It takes more than a small measure of hubris and conceit - if not ruthlessness - to run for office to begin with. Politics isn't for the selfless - individuals with the latter bent join the peace corps.

It is not because I cannot explain that you won't understand. It is because you won't understand that I cannot explain. - Elie Wiesel

by Sumo Vita on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 05:51:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

by Bush Bites on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:05:16 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Don't project your low standards on everybody else.

Rush Limbaugh, Sara Palin and Joe the Plumber...The Triad of Republican Irrelevancy.

Bubba?

Get the F outa here with that crap....

by WashStateBlue on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:05:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]

by reggie44pride on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 04:46:18 AM EST
[ Parent ]

You shouldn't be.

by LeftistAddiction on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:21:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

have you led a perfectly moral life yourself? come on, edwards said his wife knew about this since 2006, so they might be trying to move on and if that's true she clearly accepted to forgive to some degree since they were side by side all year. so don't put your own moral self-righteousness on a woman who might be trying to move on.

by reggie44pride on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 04:48:14 AM EST
[ Parent ]

I've not cheated on my wife, let alone while she was fighting for her life (or in remission, as the reprobate Edwards suggests to mollify his guilt). I'd say that makes him a scumbag, but go ahead and justify/rationalize his behavior anyway you need to.

PS I was an Edwards guy in 2004 and 2008. So save me the speeches.

it is v. sad. (2.00 / 1)

but since the atmosphere here today is questionable i have to ask, are you celebrating this?

"Democracy! Bah! When I hear that word I reach for my feather Boa!" -- Allen Ginsberg

by canadian gal on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:07:51 PM EST

Re: it is v. sad. (2.00 / 2)

Jerome was an Edwards supporter in the Primaries after Warner dropped, so I doubt he is celebrating. This is extremely sad, especially given his young kids and his wife's condition.

by yitbos96bb on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:35:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: it is v. sad. (2.00 / 3)

No one is celebrating. No one. Some things are just sad.

by howardpark on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:47:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: it is v. sad. (none / 0)

Thanks for that concise moment of sanity.

Have some mercy her, people.

Rush Limbaugh, Sara Palin and Joe the Plumber...The Triad of Republican Irrelevancy.

by WashStateBlue on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:07:28 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: it is v. sad. (none / 0)

I never said anyone WAS celebrating... I actually said, NO they weren't.

by yitbos96bb on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:38:56 PM EST
[ Parent ]

by shyboy on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:07:57 PM EST

At the most, unless Obama is courageous and forgiving, Edwards is likely nixed for a cabinet position.

The Kennedys were notorious for their inability to keep their instincts in check, but Edwards is no Kennedy in that forgiving sense. But he is a social democrat and one of the ilk. Hope that he is still considered.

"You might well think that. I couldn't possibly comment"

Sad, especially since ABC made some reference to the campaign putting her in a high paid position. He could have made a great "fire and brimstone" AG, but this kind of behavior, given his wife's condition, really calls into question his character. Like I said, sad more than anything else

by xenontab on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:17:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

by yitbos96bb on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:40:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]

The political enviroment was a LOT different than when the Kennedys were in charge. The media overlooked A LOT of things that they never would anymore.

I doubt Edwards would get the AG spot now... but that doesn't mean he couldn't get it down the road. Afterall, McCain is a cheater and he is running for President. Newt divorced his wife while she was sick. These guys have survived... an affair isn't as much a scarlet letter anymore but it takes a cooling off period.

by Bob Beard on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:05:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

After SPitzer fiasco no way Edwards gets to be AG with this going on.

No wonder EE supported Hillary-- I always wondered about that.

by yitbos96bb on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:56:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Well there is a HUGE difference... What Spitzer did was illegal.

Tony Romo for Secretary of Awesome

It's not a live boy or a dead girl so I guess he still has a shot.

by kasjogren on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:43:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Dream for tomorrow but fight for it today.

wow, this is just wow, and had Edwards won the primaries or if he had been named the VP

wow. I am shocked Edwards would do this, and as one said on MSNBC, to do this in 2006 and THEN run for president and hold yourself out as VP?

by TruthMatters on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:12:32 PM EST

by Bush Bites on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:42:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

That was my first thought.

I don't care about his private life, but when it causes us to take a hit, it's serious business.

He let the side down.

by Dog Chains on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:13:13 PM EST

I don't know, Vitter still holds his seat, and Larry is still utilizing his wide stance in congressional John's, so what makes this any different? I feel for the kids, but I'll say it again, what goes on in other people's marraiges should be no ones business but there own!!!!!

IOKIYAR (2.00 / 1)

by JJE on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:13:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

The difference is, you're not supposed to get caught until you're already in office.

by Steve M on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:21:59 PM EST
[ Parent ]

by Lettuce on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:13:34 PM EST

Goddammit John Edwards. He should have owned up to this months ago. Now stupid Mickey Kaus is happy and the stupid National Enquirer is right. I HATE THAT.

Fight the Smears!

the nat'l enquirer (none / 0)

is more trustworthy than the MSM

by highgrade on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:13:42 PM EST

Re: the nat'l enquirer (none / 0)

Right. Just ask Bat Boy.

Visit Election Inspection for analysis, polls, and predictions!

by X Stryker on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:56:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: ABC: Edwards admits affair! (2.00 / 3)

Kinda stunned right now....but rapidly moving towards massively pissed-off at Edwards.

by blueflorida on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:14:34 PM EST

A Private Matter. Nobody's Business. (none / 0)

I am NO FAN OF EDWARDS.

That said, this is nobody's business.

by BigBoyBlue on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:15:48 PM EST

Re: A Private Matter. Nobody's Business. (2.00 / 3)

Sure, but, a guy who cheats on his wife, who previously lost a son and who is dying of cancer, is in most books, a cad.

He happens to be a public figure, but if I knew the guy at the end of the street did that, I wouldn't have much respect for him.

by bobestes on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:17:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: A Private Matter. Nobody's Business. (1.66 / 3)

I'm not an Edwards fan at all, always thought he was phony for other reasons, but in his defense from your comment, you have NO CLUE what happens or goes on within his marraige!!!

by Dog Chains on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:23:16 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: A Private Matter. Nobody's Business. (2.00 / 1)

Thank you for calling him a phony. I've always thought that about him, especially after he piled on Dean in 2004 regarding Dean's "Iwanna be the candidate for everyone including people with confederate flags in their window" remark. Then of course, after Dean was surging, Edwards stump speech magically morphed into a nearly identical rip-off from Dean's.

I was always a bit put off by the mass Edwards lovefest in some left-leaning circles.

Two riders were approaching......the wind begins to howl!

by John in Chicago on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:27:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: A Private Matter. Nobody's Business. (2.00 / 1)

yeah, I agree, not even saying he is one as that was just always the vibe I personally got from him (and my opinion means no more or less then anyone else's). I just don't like the societal implications of feeling like it is appropriate to discuss the happenings of other marraiges (obviously the person who TR'd me disagrees).

by Dog Chains on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:42:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: A Private Matter. Nobody's Business. (none / 0)

It was pretty obvious that he was trying to be a 2008 version of Dean.

I mean, he hired Joe Trippi for cripe's sake!

Surprised how many bloggers fell for it, frankly.

by Bush Bites on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:44:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I suspect that the blogosphere liked his message (none / 0)

and not necessarily the messenger.

It is not because I cannot explain that you won't understand. It is because you won't understand that I cannot explain. - Elie Wiesel

by Sumo Vita on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 05:07:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

But you don't ... (none / 0)

... repeatedly lie about it to Democratic primary voters in order to be your party's nominee. Had this come out in October, John Edwards would have single-handedly cost us four more years of George W. Bush's policies and Supreme Court appointments. That's where the line is drawn.

by Brad G on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:22:28 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: A Private Matter. Nobody's Business. (none / 0)

I agree. I was never a fan, but this is none of our business.

This makes me think that somebody was frightened by the idea of an Attorney General Edwards and dug up dirt to take him down.

I'm a Rick-o-phobe.

by psychodrew on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:53:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I feel like the whole thing was senseless... (none / 0)

I can't believe so many people are bringing up the morality aspect in the first place; most Democrats really don't care. If anything his integrity is lost because he didn't address the affair in a responsible way before he ran for office--and not simply because he had one.

The press has long suspected the affair and he's been questioned about it before. The republicans likely knew about this and were planning his October suprise if he won the nomination.

It's unthinkable that anyone who claims to care about this country would put this election at risk for our party. It seems to me that he cares more about his own ambition than America and that's the only morality issue I'm willing to raise.

by Tenafly Viper on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 08:34:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

could (2.00 / 1)

you imagine if this douche won the nomination instead of Obama?

by hocuspocus on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:17:15 PM EST

Re: could (none / 0)

I think we'd be in trouble, but we'd be gearing up for a convention fight for either Obama or Hillary if he had. Whether the short period of time would hurt us too much to win would be the question. Then again, McCain cheated on his wife with Cindy so....

by yitbos96bb on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:41:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Exactly... (none / 0)

Bad as this is, there's no way McCain or his surrogates can say anything about it.

by KTinOhio on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:12:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Ah, the superdelegates have use. (none / 0)

Now we understand.

by Brad G on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:24:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

by rfahey22 on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:18:38 PM EST

What if Kerry-Edwards had won? What if Edwards had been nominated as VP this year?

by TCQuad on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:24:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]

According to friends of Hunter, Edwards met her at a New York city bar in 2006.

So, if Kerry/Edwards had won in 2004, the affair wouldn't have happened.

I'd hope the VP vetting process (none / 0)

would have netted this fact.

It is not because I cannot explain that you won't understand. It is because you won't understand that I cannot explain. - Elie Wiesel

by Sumo Vita on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 05:09:16 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Wow... (2.00 / 2)

This isn't anyone's business...but personally, with Elizabeth's condition, the pain she had to go through...it makes it real hard for me to say I can respect this man again.

Hillary supporter for Barack Obama in 2008

by zcflint05 on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:18:55 PM EST

don't get carried away... (none / 0)

we are all human, we each have our own foibles and none of us are perfect. trying to imagine that politicians -- who have temptation all around them -- are perfect doesn't make much sense. you can respect the politician without respecting the husband (this is really between his wife and himself)...

peace. love. equality. still waiting after 40 years...

by bored now on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:36:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: don't get carried away... (none / 0)

Well, I don't think anyone's calling for a mob to tar and feather him...

I think it's perfectly legitimate to say you've lost respect for him.

I know I have.

That has exactly ZERO bearing on views on poverty and such -- but it has a whole world of impact on my view of JRE's character.

by zonk on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:01:09 PM EST
[ Parent ]

by bigdaddy on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:05:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I may be in the minority that YES it IS our business in so much as character (and lack there of) is one of the most important factors in a president. This is a guy that wanted to be 1 step from the most powerful person in the world in 2004 and then president in 2008. Character, values, morals our definitely our business--you make it our business when you decide to run for office.

Edwards I believe is Catholic, which means he believes marriage is a sacred vow of the highest order. He broke that. Removing religion from the equation and marriage is still based on trust, which he betrayed. I'm old-school I guess in thinking the leader of our country should be a role model, shouldn't betray the trust of those closest to him, shouldn't betray a sacred vow. Infidelity makes you a liar and I can't think of a whole lot that is morally dispicable than lying to and cheating on the person you are supposed to love most in the world. Its why he and people like him (Bubba) aren't fit for the office of the presidency.

by ProgressiveDL on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:13:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

That's why religion and marriage are #s 1 and 2 among biggest scams in history.

by KTinOhio on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:13:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]

FWIW, I thought JRE was Protestant -- Methodist, I believe.

by bigdaddy on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 06:49:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I don't think that changes the point I was trying to make though, but thanks for correcting me. I'm an atheist (raised catholic) so I understand what marriage is supposed to mean in terms of vows, but don't really believe in any of that stuff (I just dislike hypocrisy). In any event add his supporters, and presumably John Kerry to the list of people he lied to.

He's not Catholic. (none / 0)

If he was, I'd know.

It is not because I cannot explain that you won't understand. It is because you won't understand that I cannot explain. - Elie Wiesel

by Sumo Vita on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 05:12:28 PM EST
[ Parent ]

this is a big shame (none / 0)

because while he is not a good Presidential candidate, his message still does well to an audience when talking about poverty and two Americas. He woulda been great at the convention, and I still think he should be there, but thats not likely. Its sad that adultery always grabs headlines in the US, it is family business.

by Lakrosse on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:19:45 PM EST

Re: this is a big shame (1.50 / 2)

I think his message of poverty and two americas is about as genuine as his protestations that he never cheated on his wife.

by bobestes on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:22:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: this is a big shame (1.66 / 3)

He magically became a populist after he saw how well Dean was doing in the polls in 2003.

Anyway, I wonder if "two Americas" means you get to have one partner in each America....

Two riders were approaching......the wind begins to howl!

by John in Chicago on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:28:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Two riders were approaching......the wind begins to howl!

Whats with the troll rate, politicsmatters???

by John in Chicago on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:33:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.

I think it's a nasty insult to say what you said about partners in two Americas. Edwards did come from a working class background and talked about poverty and class in a way that many Americans resonated with. He was never my first choice, but I see no need to put him down that way. If there's anything Democrats care about, it's life chances of poor and working class Americans.

by politicsmatters on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:38:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Two riders were approaching......the wind begins to howl!

Oh it was just a joke on a blog. Sorry to offend. But I think a guy who dumps on his cancer stricken wife deserves it.

I'm not joking about there being two Americas, I'm joking about Edwards. Besides, he never started talking about the whole 2 Americas thing until it became apparent that populism was the way to go, ala Howard Dean.

by John in Chicago on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:41:23 PM EST
[ Parent ]

by bobestes on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:00:36 PM EST
[ Parent ]

A lot of the kool aid drinkers in the netroots that just want to be paid attention to bought his two americas populist schtick, but the reason why Edwards lost the nomination is because he lacked authenticity. By and large, Democratic voters didn't buy it.

Two riders were approaching......the wind begins to howl!

And thank goodness for that!

Anyway, my one friend was saying "what if Obama had picked him as his veep" to which I replied "I'm sure Obama's vetting team already knew about this".

by John in Chicago on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:04:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.

Well, he wasn't my top choice. I was for Clinton and switched to Obama in January. But I still don't think we should insult Edwards using phrases based in his very important campaign theme.

by politicsmatters on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:10:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Two riders were approaching......the wind begins to howl!

That's fine, you're entitled to your opinion. I just didn't think it was troll-worthy...

by John in Chicago on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:17:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

by onlinesavant on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:39:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

What do you base your assertion upon?

onlinesavant

Re: ABC: Edwards admits affair! (2.00 / 2)

I long ago gave up any fantasy that politicians were saints. I hope John Edwards can work things out with Elizabeth.

by souvarine on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:20:04 PM EST

by yitbos96bb on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:42:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

It sounds like they have if she found out about in 2006. This did happen almost 2 years ago.

by Angry White Democrat on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:20:17 PM EST

Well, there goes any hope of him speaking at the convention. What a shame.

It's alright - we'll get by. (none / 0)

Amazing speakers like Bill and Al won't hurt either, not to mention the Obamagician.

It is not because I cannot explain that you won't understand. It is because you won't understand that I cannot explain. - Elie Wiesel

by Sumo Vita on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 05:19:05 PM EST
[ Parent ]

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

Shame on him. By the way, I don't know why a guy who's admitting to lying is credible when he says the baby isn't his. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. If it isn't, and the affair is long over, why the heck would he be having surreptitious meetings with her at some hotel?

by Steve M on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:23:10 PM EST

John McCain: Extending SCHIP would be an "unfunded liability."

That was my question too.

Also completely unbelievable: The idea that she was living in fancy houses the last two years and that his staff or supporters might have given her some money, but he didn't know about it.

At this point, he should just come clean.

by Fuzzy Dunlop on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:24:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Agreed, those claims aren't very convincing. (none / 0)

But it's probably what he wants Elizabeth to think.

It is not because I cannot explain that you won't understand. It is because you won't understand that I cannot explain. - Elie Wiesel

by Sumo Vita on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 05:21:36 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: ABC: Edwards admits affair! (2.00 / 2)

I am as disappointed with one of my political heroes, John Edwards, having sex and lying about it, outside his marriage (to a wonderful wife) as I was when it happened to another of my heroes Bill Clinton.

I would only hope that anyone taking glee in this..
also condemns Bill Clinton...

I took and do not take glee in either.
John Edwards will not be VP or AG...
..but I hope he will have a voice with the issue of Poverty.

"harlequin speech of suicide, demanding instantaneous lobotomy"

by nogo postal on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:23:56 PM EST

Two riders were approaching......the wind begins to howl!

Disclaimer: I was never an Edwards fan

However, I would defend what Bill did and not defend Edwards based simply on the fact that his wife was battling cancer when he was cheating on her. How low is that??

But either way, it has no bearing on how one would govern, and I didn't want Edwards to govern anything even before any of this nonsense came out.

by John in Chicago on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:31:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

by yitbos96bb on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:43:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]

That's not correct. You may want to read the article. THe cancer was in remission when the affair happened.

Two riders were approaching......the wind begins to howl!

I did read the article, and you are correct that that is what Edwards claims.

a) I'm not so sure I believe him, and

b) Just because it was in remission for a whole year or so doesn't make it any less pathetic. The woman has gone through the loss of a child AND cancer, and now this.

by John in Chicago on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:45:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

by yitbos96bb on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:51:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Fair enough... dealing in the facts as we know them, I'll assume the date until proven otherwise... but I agree it was a despicable thing to do.

John McCain vows to overturn Roe

I do not get why what Bill did is OK. I'm not trying to be snarky, but it seems to me that you're saying it's OK to cheat on your spouse provided he or she does not have cancer.

by soccerandpolitics on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:56:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Two riders were approaching......the wind begins to howl!

I'm not saying what Bill did is OK. I realize my comment may seem to suggest that - sorry for the confusion.

What I am saying is that in Edwards case it is far more reprehensible considering what
Elizabeth Edwards has gone through, but that's just my opinion. Plus there's the (as yet unproven) allegations of $100,000 or so in hush money being paid to the lady in question.

Really, the worst part about it with Edwards is that he could have flushed our chances down the toilet had he been the nominee.

by John in Chicago on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 05:01:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

John McCain vows to overturn Roe

OK, I understand where you're coming from now.

For some reaon I keep thinking about whether cheating on a sick spouse is more morally reprehensible than cheating on a nonsick spouse. I can see where cheating on a sick spouse is seen as kicking them while they're down. But, I can also see where illness creates stress in the marriage that leads to infidelity. Truth is I really don't know anything about the marital lives of John and Elizabeth, so I'm really not in a position to judge exactly how reprehensible his acts were.

Agree about the flush our chances down the toilet part. It's certainly the part with the greatest potential negative consequences and the most direct connection to me personally. Since this was first reported back in October 2007, Edwards had to know he was playing Russian Roulette with Democratic presidential aspirations by running for President with this skeleton in his closet. I do judge him harshly for this.

by soccerandpolitics on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 05:46:05 PM EST
[ Parent ]

nogo - do you miss a beat? (none / 0)

why unnecessarily bring up the clintons? this is none of the public's business nor were bill's.

"Democracy! Bah! When I hear that word I reach for my feather Boa!" -- Allen Ginsberg

by canadian gal on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:31:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: nogo - do you miss a beat? (2.00 / 1)

Edwards I agree with you. A sitting President... absolutely that is our business. The leader of the free world putting himself in a position that the integrity of his office could be compromised is damn sure the publics business. Bill was absolutely irresponsible in his behavior and not only let his family down but let the American Public down. That affair left him open to all kinds of blackmail and extortion. Its was a STUPID thing for him to do. NOW, do I think he should have been impeached over the whole mess... ABSOLUTELY NOT! I supported censure for it, but the impeachment thing was a BS witchhunt by some truly awful people.

by yitbos96bb on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:47:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: nogo - do you miss a beat? (none / 0)

And you do have to admit Bill made himself a lame duck far earlier than he should have been.

We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.

by politicsmatters on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:12:28 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: nogo - do you miss a beat? (none / 0)

True... although I am not sure it was lame duck as much as the impeachment taking up all the time.

by yitbos96bb on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:58:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: nogo - do you miss a beat? (none / 0)

It certainly isn't our business. But Letterman et al will be all over it and you know they'll drag Bill in, too.

We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.

by politicsmatters on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:47:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

by zenful6219 on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:25:27 PM EST

....jeez

who cares? It's personal. (2.00 / 1)

Plenty of politicians had affairs, including Bill Clinton and John McCain.

I think it's all completely besides the point that they did - and has NOTHING to do with what they would or did do in office policy-wise.

No one every thought Dick Nixon strayed from his marriage. That didn't make him a good president.

And FDR did do so and I think he was the best president we've ever had.

We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.

by politicsmatters on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:26:08 PM EST

by yitbos96bb on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:50:22 PM EST
[ Parent ]

It is a character judgment however. As time goes away, the importance dies down... mistakes are made. But to not expect public outrage or disappointment when its exposed is a bit naive. He did a bad thing... but yes it is forgivable.

Yes though I have a problem with a sitting President having an affair. It may not affect their governing ability, but it has the potential to hurt the country and its irresponsible. Keep it in your pants for 8 years then do what you want.

by ProgressiveDL on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:19:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

And Truman was way ahead of his time (in retrospect) AND didn't have an affair. I expect him to continue rocketing up the charts and eventually displace the perpetually overrated George Washington any day now.

by yitbos96bb on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:59:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

OVERRATED? WTF??? Seriously, what a ridiculous statement.

by ProgressiveDL on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 06:11:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Washington was not an especially great president. He gets props for his military work pre-presidency, which should not count.

Presiding over the Consitutional Convention that created our Constitution in 1787 was fantastic. But again, he was not president yet.

Other than that, he was an entirely hands-off president. He gets credit for setting many traditions that future presidents would follow, which is all well and good, but does not make him a great president.

He pushed Jefferson out of the Cabinet in the Genet affair. He denied our treaties with France after they helped us defeat Britain. He appointed John Rutledge Chief Justice of the SCOTUS when Rutledge was already exhibiting signs of mental illness.

Washington was a great man, a great leader of men, absolutely instrumental to our nation's founding and separation from Britain. He was brilliant and one of the few founding fathers to liberate his slaves upon his death. We would not be where we are without him. But he was merely a decent president. Calling him a great president because of his work pre-1789 is akin to calling Reagan a great president because of his job as Governor.

by ProgressiveDL on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 06:14:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I would rank Lincoln, FDR, Teddy Roosevelt, Truman, Jefferson, Wilson, and maybe even Jackson (in no particular order) ahead of Washington on the basis of their presidency/ies. In terms of influence and importance to our nation, Washington probably has to go number 1.

by ProgressiveDL on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 06:14:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I would rank Lincoln, FDR, Teddy Roosevelt, Truman, Jefferson, Wilson, and maybe even Jackson (in no particular order) ahead of Washington on the basis of their presidency/ies. In terms of their whole lifetime's influence and importance to our nation, Washington probably has to go number 1.

Re: Elizabeth knew of the affair in 2006 (none / 0)

That's quite a leap, richmond. But then again I wouldn't expect anything less.

by rfahey22 on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:26:12 PM EST

Re: Elizabeth knew of the affair in 2006 (1.00 / 1)

How can this be bad for Obama? If anything, it's bad for Hillary since it reminds them of Bill. Or it's bad for McCain since he had affairs.

We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.

by politicsmatters on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:27:15 PM EST

Re: Elizabeth knew of the affair in 2006 (none / 0)

Richmond thinks everything is good for McCain and bad for Obama.

by rfahey22 on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:30:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

and politicmatters think everything.... (2.00 / 1)

is about the clintons.

"Democracy! Bah! When I hear that word I reach for my feather Boa!" -- Allen Ginsberg

by canadian gal on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:32:56 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: and politicmatters think everything.... (2.00 / 1)

Looks like we were right about the Enquirer.

by rfahey22 on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:40:09 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: and politicmatters think everything.... (2.00 / 1)

yep. i wish we weren't though ;(

"Democracy! Bah! When I hear that word I reach for my feather Boa!" -- Allen Ginsberg

by canadian gal on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:44:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: and politicmatters think everything.... (none / 0)

No I don't, CG.

And if you think people won't think about Bill with this news...I don't understand how you could think that! People are still making jokes about Bill and his affairs. It's very well-known and it's the very most obvious connection most people would make.

We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.

by politicsmatters on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:40:30 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Elizabeth knew of the affair in 2006 (none / 0)

I find it interesting that someone would think this would be bad for Hillary Clinton. The Hillary hate continues.

by zenful6219 on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:35:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Elizabeth knew of the affair in 2006 (none / 0)

First, let me say that I don't care a whit about this except that it was poor judgment for him to then run for president knowing what he had done.

But as a political analyst, it is pretty obvious that people will think about other politicians who had affairs in their families. Thus it would remind many people of the Clintons.

Personally, I don't care about what Bill did with whom. Not at all. And the impeachment was ridiculous.

But it's far more likely that Americans are much more likely to associate the Edwards affair with the Clintons than would Obama.

We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.

by politicsmatters on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:43:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Elizabeth knew of the affair in 2006 (none / 0)

Obviously, you cared so much about Bill's indiscretions that you found it necessary to even mention it. This Edwards confession has absolutely nothing to do with Bill or Hillary Clinton.

by zenful6219 on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:47:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

oh please, so every politician (none / 0)

whose ever had an affair will automatically make voters think of the Clintons. Thats thinking of a hardcore redneck Republican.

by Lakrosse on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:53:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: oh please, so every politician (none / 0)

You can believe that if you want. I bet if I call my mom, a life long Democrat who is 81, that's what she'll mention in the first 5 minutes.

We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.

by politicsmatters on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:11:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

not every voter is your mother (none / 0)

so stop projecting one attitude on the entire electorate.

by Lakrosse on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:17:36 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Elizabeth knew of the affair in 2006 (none / 0)

That makes even less sense than what richmond said.

While I could sit in church and pray all I want, I wouldn't be fulfilling God's will unless I went out and did the Lord's work ~ Barack Obama

by bowiegeek on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:39:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Elizabeth knew of the affair in 2006 (2.00 / 1)

troll rated because of your subtle disparagement of Hillary Clinton and Bill Clinton

by zenful6219 on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:46:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: ABC: Edwards admits affair! (2.00 / 2)

Holy god, what if he had won the nomination? How could he possibly have thought that this wouldn't come out had he won the nomination? I mean, this is political malpractice of the first order.

Poor Elizabeth.

And what does it say about the state of American journalism that the freakin' National Enquirer scooped everyone.

by rayj on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:27:49 PM EST

Two riders were approaching......the wind begins to howl!

I'm pretty confident that Obama's vetters knew all about this.

by John in Chicago on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:18:30 PM EST
[ Parent ]

by ProgressiveDL on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:20:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

In fairness, the National Enquirer just throws shit against every wall and hopes something sticks. This time, something did. But let's not pretend it was through great journalism or anything. They had someone come to them with the news because that source knew the Enquirer would pay the most amount of money for the least amount of evidence.

I'm gonna try to withhold judgment (none / 0)

But it will be hard. My gut sympathies go to the lady back in NC who was fighting cancer. The one who agreed to move forward with Edwards' presidential campaign, even after she received the diagnosis that her cancer had recurred.

In trying to "understand", I remember that the Edwards' buried a teenage son years back, and the devastating impact that it must have had on their relationship, and family. No, it doesn't justify his creepy and amoral behavior. Years ago, I lost my older brother, who died in his early 20's...my parents, and our family for that matter was never the same again. Many studies have showed that well over 60% of marriages fail to survive the loss of a child.

In that context, I hope Edwards tries to heal his family at this point; perhaps he should take a breather from public life.

by BJJ Fighter on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:27:59 PM EST

www.payd.org Keeping PA Blue

I don't know what to say.

I really wish this wasn't a big deal, but it is already.

Fuck.

by dannybauder on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:28:06 PM EST

Proof that you never know (2.00 / 3)

who is 'risky' and who is 'electable.'

I'm less stunned at the moral stuff than at the incredible lack of judgment.

by Geekesque on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:28:15 PM EST

Re: Elizabeth knew of the affair in 2006 (none / 0)

It's not as if McCain isn't above or immune to the 'Celebrity' talking points.

by zenful6219 on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:28:19 PM EST

Re: Elizabeth knew of the affair in 2006 (none / 0)

oops...double negative. I meant to say it's not like McCain's above all this crap.

by zenful6219 on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:35:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]

My wife had cancer, (2.00 / 1)

and I can tell you this is a terrible, terrible betrayal.

I suppose it's not surprising, given the massive egotism necessary to run for President, and given the massive temptations, but it's still excusable only by Elizabeth and the kids.

We don't know what the Edwards were going through for the last five years or so. But we do have standards that should be universal, whether you're a Republican or a Democrat, Newt Gingrich or John McCain or John Edwards.

You don't ever look elsewhere when your spouse is battling illness. Illness should act as a perpetual renewal of vows.

But it wasn't only his marriage that Edwards compromised. Millions of impoverished Americans and others throughout the world have lost a strong voice in Edwards.

So sad.

by maconblue on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:28:54 PM EST

Re: My wife had cancer, (none / 0)

Which is why John Edwards AND John McCain should NOT be our President.

John McCain cheated on his sick wife with Cindy McCain. The press just don't want to talk about it much...

by cowboyNEOK on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:35:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Elizabeth knew of the affair in 2006 (2.00 / 2)

Yes this is SO BAD for Obama. It will remind voters that Obama had an affair with a multimillionaire heiress after his wife became crippled and gained weight.

I voted for Hillary!

by deepee on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:31:42 PM EST

Re: Elizabeth knew of the affair in 2006 (none / 0)

Bad for Obama?

It was John McCain who "cheated" on his first wife with Cindy, then dumped her for the beer heiress with political connections...

Rush Limbaugh, Sara Palin and Joe the Plumber...The Triad of Republican Irrelevancy.

by WashStateBlue on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:31:47 PM EST

Re: Elizabeth knew of the affair in 2006 (none / 0)

"Deepee" is SO RIGHT, and "WashStateBlue" no worried, "Deepee" was just using sarcasm and satire. This is a big reminder and a gift to Obama that McCain did the VERY SAME THING to his first wife (with Cindy)

by cowboyNEOK on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:37:56 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Elizabeth knew of the affair in 2006 (none / 0)

Bad for Obama?

It was John McCain who "cheated" on his first wife with Cindy, then dumped her for the beer heiress with political connections...

Rush Limbaugh, Sara Palin and Joe the Plumber...The Triad of Republican Irrelevancy.

by WashStateBlue on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:31:55 PM EST

by cowboyNEOK on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:34:07 PM EST

ANOTHER SIDE NOTE:

What if the Republicans ran someone, like John McCain, who cheated on his sick wife with a young beer heiress???

Shouldn't the debates ask Obama and McCain whether or not they would ever consider cheating on a sick spouse, like John Edwards? Ha!

Re: Elizabeth knew of the affair in 2006 (none / 0)

Sorry bout the double post, but Richmond, if you want the correct analogy, try Newt Ginrich?

He served his wife the divorce papers while she was in the hospital so he could move on to the younger hot babe....

Rush Limbaugh, Sara Palin and Joe the Plumber...The Triad of Republican Irrelevancy.

by WashStateBlue on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:34:22 PM EST

Re: Elizabeth knew of the affair in 2006 (2.00 / 1)

Please, enough with your grade school logic. What do we REALLY know about McCain? What do we REALLY know about Pee Wee Herman? About richmond999? Inquiring (Enquiring) minds want to know.

by rfahey22 on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:05:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Elizabeth knew of the affair in 2006 (2.00 / 1)

"This does reflect on Obama campaign whether you fellas like it or not. "

No, you dork. it's YOU that want's it to reflect on Obama....

Christ, talk about projection.

Rush Limbaugh, Sara Palin and Joe the Plumber...The Triad of Republican Irrelevancy.

by WashStateBlue on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:11:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Elizabeth knew of the affair in 2006 (2.00 / 1)

I feel bad just saying this, but here it is - Obama is another charismatic, attractive young man, and a lawyer to boot. Even if they're untrue, allegations that he's got a bimbo in the closet somewhere may just sound plausible. Why? (A) The media and right-leaners accept as gospel truth that Democrats can't keep it in their pants, even if Repubs are just as bad, because the only president ever to be almost-impeached because of adultery was a Dem. And Kennedy was, too. (B) "We don't know that much about Obama" is a popular meme, seems to have traction, and is the justification for a lot of Bill O'Reilly-type crap about "some people say" that there's an Obama bimbo out there.

by milton333 on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:12:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: ABC: Edwards admits affair! (2.00 / 5)

I wonder who will be the sacrificial Democrat to say, "Look, people have their right to privacy, and it shouldn't be anyone's business whether John Edwards or John McCain or anyone else had an affair..." Nudge nudge.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:36:24 PM EST

Wes Clark should double-down. (none / 0)

Dark horse: Bill Clinton.

by Geekesque on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:00:09 PM EST
[ Parent ]

well, people do have a right to privacy... (none / 0)

i'm not sure that politicians should expect it, though. this kind of stuff is the dark side of our celebrity-obsessed culture. people who want to protect their privacy shouldn't run for president...

peace. love. equality. still waiting after 40 years...

by bored now on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:21:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

by NYNYNY on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:41:28 PM EST

So, this is the self-proclaimed "grown-up wing of the Democratic party"? Just very glad he didn't win the nomination or come in second...

"harlequin speech of suicide, demanding instantaneous lobotomy"

The media loves this shit...
You know they will play it up...

So.....
Remember this...
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/21/us/pol itics/21mccain.html?_r=2&oref=slogin &oref=slogin

It is not just Clinton or Edwards....

by nogo postal on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:44:06 PM EST

seriously, these are politicians, (2.00 / 1)

and they are men. A majority of married men admit to having an affair in their lives while married. politicians are by their nature disingenuous, at best. We should seriously just expect that they cheat on their wives. They all do all around the world anyway. This puritan shit in America has to end. Having an affair is not all THAT indicative of character, just will power as they are usually out of lust. I don't care if the person is Republican or Democratic. It is family business, not our business.

This goes for more than John Edwards. Aside from this, I did always think he's a political lightweight and an empty suit. Voters never really bought it anyway. Hence how he barely won 1 election, got destroyed in 2 nominating contests, and didn't help Kerry as the VP nominee.

by Lakrosse on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:45:40 PM EST

Re: seriously, these are politicians, (none / 0)

Still doesn't make it right...

When I hear statistics about "the majority of married men admit to an affair" - then that just means that the majority of married men shouldn't have gotten married.

I'm not a prude or a puritan when it comes to sex - I just think when you commit to a relationship with someone, you ought to... you know... mean it.

Famous, not famous, gay, straight, old, young -- I think it speaks poorly to the character of an individual that does something like this.

by zonk on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:50:21 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: seriously, these are politicians, (none / 0)

I firmly believe that people treat marriage like one of those emergency glass boxes in hotels. "In case I can't find anyone better, at least I'll have this person to take care of me. And if I find someone better, I can always just cheat." I think people go into marriage more idealistic (and naive) than that, but most people will cheat if given the opportunity/temptation. It's in our nature. To make a 100% commitment to a promise you can't keep is a bit foolish, in my opinion.

by ProgressiveDL on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:22:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

My many hands... (none / 0)

On one hand, I think this is really pretty irrelevant. Edwards is a lot bigger deal in the blogosphere than he really is anywhere else in the party. He doesn't really have a big clique/machine in the party. He's not a regular surrogate.

On the other hand, I think there were roles in an Obama administration he could have been very successful with -- Sec of Labor, etc.

On still another hand, I'm loathe to turn politics over to the paparazzi culture.

On yet another hand, I DO think infidelity speaks to one's character. I had an awful time defending Bill in the 90s because, dammit, a 50 year-old married man should NOT be fooling around with a woman young enough to being his daughter, to say nothing of one working for him as an intern.

On the final hand, I suppose this ought to occupy the freepers, Fox, and the rest of the flesh wastes for a week or so.

by zonk on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:47:39 PM EST

French perspective (2.00 / 1)

I france, affairs are mentionned after politicians die. More importantly, voters don't care.

On a side note: It's when you wife is sick and you are not getting any... (She is in pain, you don't want to push her) that affairs happen.

People that think it's the other way around probably have no clue.

by TaiChiMaster on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:48:15 PM EST

Re: French perspective (none / 0)

Disagree completely.

Learn how to masturbate then.

I saw my parents go through exactly what John and Elizabeth went through and my father never cheated on her. For 3 years until she passed away, he was a devoted husband.

Despite the fact my dad believes in the flat tax, thinks Al Gore is charlatan, and still thinks it was right to go into Iraq -- I'll say this... I think my dad's a better man than John Edwards.

That doesn't mean I still don't prefer John Edwards' politics to my dad's -- but character ought to count for something.

by zonk on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:57:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Of course you are right (none / 0)

But I can't help but notice that Divorce rate among politicians don't match with the one in the general population. There may be more that a few marriage of convenience in DC.

by TaiChiMaster on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:01:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: French perspective (none / 0)

It's not about the sex, that's what politicians have prostitutes for. It's about the intimacy, the attention, and the newness of sex with someone you don't wake up next to every morning for 30 years.

by ProgressiveDL on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:24:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: French perspective (none / 0)

I think you're overlooking the fact that extramarital affairs are rarely about sexual needs. They're about psychological ones. An adult in his 40s and 50s can abstain from sex during his wife's illness.

And, yes, politicians are precisely the kind of people who need to feel powerful, adored, appreciated, etc., and whose pathological need for that sort of approval, validation, and power leads them to having affairs. Affairs by politicians may be common, but they are absolutely indicative of character issues that should concern us - it's an open question whether that's the nature of the beast, whether every politician is so desperate for approval that he/she would risk not only his/her marriage, not only his/her political future, but the political future of his/her party and of all the individuals it seeks to represent.

by milton333 on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:20:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I still don't think this nixes him (2.00 / 2)

from an Obama administration. By then, it will be so passé that people either will have forgotten or ceased to give a shit. I still think Edwards would make a supreme Solicitor General: he can argue a case to the tune of 40 million dollars and up, and the White House will need a lawyer that good to fight Bush justices and judges who will still be on the judiciary for years to come.

by Lakrosse on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:56:37 PM EST

Re: I still don't think this nixes him (none / 0)

As someone who has taken exception to stuff you have written...
Perhaps I am a fool but not an idiot...
My mojo to you

"harlequin speech of suicide, demanding instantaneous lobotomy"

by nogo postal on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:42:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Visit Election Inspection for analysis, polls, and predictions!

I am so saddened and disappointed by this news. Just a sad day for all of us.

by X Stryker on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 03:58:57 PM EST

by W126 on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:01:36 PM EST

Michelle would eat Obama alive if this was Obama who done this!!

Obama/Biden 08

Oh, stop it with the sanctimony (2.00 / 2)

We don't know anything about John and Elizabeth Edwards' private life. For all we know, Elizabeth might have lost interest in having relations due to her treatment. She might have encouraged him to get his needs met somehow. She might not. I don't know. I also don't care.

I was never interested in an Edwards candidacy, but I could not care less about this "revelation." Number one, what a politician does in his or her bedroom or hotel room is none of my goddamn business as long as nobody's being physically injured beyond what they're okay with. Number two, a politician's love life has no bearing on his or her ability to govern.

Wasn't a certain liberal organization formed to help us move on from this sort of ridiculous non-issue back in the '90s? This is between John, Elizabeth, and whomever got romantically involved with one or the other of them. If Elizabeth knew about this previously and is still with him; obviously the sins weren't that egregious.

And that's all I'm going to say about this.

by Dracomicron on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:02:38 PM EST

Re: Oh, stop it with the sanctimony (2.00 / 1)

Sigh.

1. It's not the act of having sex, it's the lying. (As they used to say, it wasn't the break-in, it was the cover-up.) It goes to his integrity and trustworthiness. Surely you'd agree THOSE matter, right?

And even in a purely political sense, you're saying you wouldn't care if behind that bedroom door he were pulling a Mark Foley? Or a Jim McGreevey? You think that wouldn't affect us? Our party? Our downticket races? Our message?

2. MoveOn wasn't founded to pretend that these things don't matter, it was founded to say that it shouldn't be an impeachable offense--hence the original name, "censure and move on." The "censure" part is rather important: they weren't ignoring the affair/obstruction or pretending that we shouldn't expect more from politicians.

We're not loathsome, lying, sleazy republicans who ditch ill spouses, wear diapers with prostitutes or pick up men while legislating against gays. We have higher standards. I don't think it's asking too much of our Democrats not to screw around.

by Johnny Gentle Famous Crooner on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:24:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Lying about personal life is your own business (none / 0)

Foley was propositioning minors, Johnny. That's morally unconscionable. McGreevey gave his lover a very important job he wasn't qualified for. Neither of those issues were bedroom issues. They were immoral acts completely seperated from the sex issue. On a purely political level, the bad things they did were legal matters (statutory crime and fair employment violations, respectively).

While it is true that Democratic politicians are generally better people than Republican politicians, it's not monolithic, and the standards aren't immutable. I'm just saying that we haven't heard squat about what was really going on with this. The puritanical obsession with sex has gone too far in this country. Innocent until proven guilty, right? So until someone proves to me that Elizabeth, knowing that her illness made her a fragile and unexcited partner, didn't tell him to seek pleasure where he could find it, I'm going to operate under the assumption that he had the greenlight. I also still don't care. Neither should any of us.

Edwards was far from inspiring for me as a candidate, but this pile-on is stupid. If JFK could negotiate us out of the Cuban Missile Crisis while having legendary affairs, John Edwards can serve in an Obama administration cabinet after his indescretion.

by Dracomicron on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:50:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Lying about personal life is your own business (none / 0)

So until someone proves to me that Elizabeth, knowing that her illness made her a fragile and unexcited partner, didn't tell him to seek pleasure where he could find it, I'm going to operate under the assumption that he had the greenlight.

I'm sorry, but that's ridiculous. Find me anywhere in his statement where he states that his wife approved of his affair. Find me any statement his wife has given where she takes responsibility for approving the affair. Kind of a glaring omission, isn't it?

By that logic, you could also say that until it's "proven," al-Qaeda threatened to kill Elizabeth and their children unless John had the affair. He didn't exclude that in his statement, either.

by Johnny Gentle Famous Crooner on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 05:07:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I haven't read the statement (none / 0)

Here's my glaring omission: I haven't read the statement. Busy at work.

It's still none of our business, and quite frankly, given the newness of the feeding frenzy, I wouldn't expect for anyone to come out with any facts on the matter of that nature. This ridiculous country would think ill of Elizabeth for letting her husband go astray. Do you really think that all those values voters would nod and say, "Sure, that makes sense if you had lost interest in sex..."? Or would they say that she was betraying her children and contributing to the degredation of morality in our culture?

We put too high an importance on sex. Regardless of whether or not John was sleeping with someone else, he stood by his wife through her illness and through the death of their child. He provided. He didn't dump her like McCain dumped his first wife.

Johnny, I agree with you on so many things, but this is where I draw the line. This wasn't any of our business, and we should all be ashamed of being in a culture where a man's personal business gets hounded relentlessly until it becomes breaking news that his children are going to see on TV.

by Dracomicron on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 05:29:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

"harlequin speech of suicide, demanding instantaneous lobotomy"

Oh yeah...

"Bumped, so, the initial denial by Rielle Hunter and John Edwards that he was the father was correct, but then the affair turned out to be true afterall. A tangled web of lies... jerome"

This was Bumped by Jerome...
This was Bumped by Jerome...

Why the fuck would something like this be "bumped"

jerome...
Do you really want to go into tangled webs and Bill Clinton?

MyDD..
You want to pimp this?
Jerome?
If I await your post on how Edwards is not a candidate for President that cheated on his wife like McCain did.

I await your post saying what Edwards did was no worse than Bill?

by nogo postal on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:05:35 PM EST

by Johnny Gentle Famous Crooner on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 05:08:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Guess he's making sure that all other potential challengers are squelched prior to Hillary's triumphant re-entry.

"harlequin speech of suicide, demanding instantaneous lobotomy"

Oh yeah...

While I am still pissed off..
Why is a diary
by someone new ...without established credibility..
get bumped?

Who the fuck is
American1989?

by nogo postal on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:11:37 PM EST

by leshrac55 on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:15:01 PM EST

A couple points of clarification here...

The affair supposedly only started in 2006 (which makes sense, as it was after she was hired by the campaign), so the "Side Note" asking the "what if" for the Kerry-Edwards ticket is silly... This wouldn't have happened if he hadn't run.

Secondly, he's denying that it was going on after his wife's cancer had returned. He says that it was in remission when it happened. I know this is a bad excuse, but people seem to be amplifying this as even worse because his wife was battling cancer.

Overall, though... very sad, and very stupid... Whenever this happens there just doesn't seem to be any good explanation... going for the most public and scrutinized position in the world, or heck, any very public position, you would think would be enough to discourage this behavior. I can only come back to Bill Maher's explanation: they just want sex... And when it presents itself, I guess they just take the opportunity...

So very sad...

Re: Elizabeth knew of the affair in 2006 (none / 0)

In retrospect, it gives new meaning to Elizabeth's obvious annoyance with John's fawning over Obama when Elizabeth wanted Hillary. I recall an interview where she rolled her eyes when he talked about how great Obama was. Anyone know what I am talking about?

by ProgressiveDL on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:15:16 PM EST

deadender blames Obama (1.66 / 3)

From the world of weirdness:

Something ELSE, theres a rumor that BO blackmailed him (0.00 / 0)
I was just on the Clintondems.com and a comment was about BO campaign black mailing him about knowing about the affair, and that's why Edwards endorsed him and not HILLARY,

Which as you see above, BLEW me away too. I'm not sure I believe it, but with Axelrove, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.

Isn't this sad, we don't have A CLUE, what's true or NOT,

I know this much to be true, I couldn't take him or trust him with MY country and it's future.

PS also, ABC news blog, stated that Lanny from Clinton's campaign doesn't want a recall vote----God these people are THICK, how many does the lady in the pantsuit, have to SAY IT TO THEM---------------WHEEWWWW!!!

I almost can't wait till this is over. They really make me DIZZY!!!!!!
by: sammorg @ Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 14:51:05 PM CDT
http://alegrescorner.soapblox.net/viewRa ting.do?rateCommentId=8289

We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.

by politicsmatters on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:18:25 PM EST

Re: deadender blames Obama (none / 0)

bsavage - Why did you downrate this? I think the comment I posted is absolute trash but that it's useful for people to see the paranoid trash put out by purported supporters of one of our Democratic leaders.

We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.

by politicsmatters on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:25:59 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: deadender blames Obama (none / 0)

Uprated, I agree, no troll rating deserved.

Of course, when I saw who it was, he's just defending his Alegre Contingent Buds...

Rush Limbaugh, Sara Palin and Joe the Plumber...The Triad of Republican Irrelevancy.

by WashStateBlue on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 05:38:50 PM EST
[ Parent ]

"harlequin speech of suicide, demanding instantaneous lobotomy"

Why was this bumped?

There have been some amazing Diaries written on candidates other than President.

There have been amazing Diaries written with important information on realities hat effect us that have not been bumped...

There are..and have been individuals writing here for awhile that have not been bumped..

It is not as if there are not and will not be diaries on this subject...

Why bump this?
Why add your comment Jerome?
I am asking YOU to respond.

Jerome...What are your personal standards for bumping to the front page?
You are a moderator..
Can you share your template?

by nogo postal on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:24:24 PM EST

by W126 on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:25:00 PM EST

Edwards' behavior is beneath contempt. It shows outrageously poor judgement. If he began this sordid mess in 2006 with rumors surfacing last year he put the entire Democratic party at risk should he have gotten the nomination or the VP spot. Did he think it wouldn't come out or was he so egotistical it didn't matter to him? Yet on he went, lying and preening. Anyone who thunders about poverty from a 28,000 sq. foot house is suspect. A medical malpractice lawyer makes him even more suspect. He oozes sleaze. Lastly, if his wife knew in 2006, she is also complicit in this cover-up.

Obama/Biden 08

Re: ABC: Edwards admits affair! (none / 0)

Any opinions on this?
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/21/us/pol itics/21mccain.html?_r=2&oref=slogin &oref=slogin

"harlequin speech of suicide, demanding instantaneous lobotomy"

by nogo postal on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:46:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

"harlequin speech of suicide, demanding instantaneous lobotomy"

Oh yeah w126...

I don't believe you are even a PUMA..
your history here kinda shows you as a Mctroll with a PUMA skin...

by nogo postal on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:50:15 PM EST

by psychodrew on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:50:30 PM EST

When I told my conservative Christian father (who supported Hillary) about this, he had an interesting response.

Of course, he got caught. He was close to getting a powerful position in the Obama administration and that scared someone.

I'm a Rick-o-phobe.

Wise man (none / 0)

It's pretty clear that a lot of Democrats are being targetted this year. Obama is a boy scout-- he wouldn't have even run if anyone had anything on him. The best the bad guys can do is try to character assassinate the supporting players, maybe choose our VP nominee for us.

I think it's still pretty telling that no Republican operative has even brought up Hillary Clinton's upcoming 2000 Senate race campaign finance trial. Whether the charges are BS or not, it's the sort of thing that could be easily used to slime the hell out of her. Yet they go the extra mile to nail John Edwards, who is out of the running for president or vice president.

by Dracomicron on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 04:59:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

This administration is not sinking. This administration is soaring! If anything, they are rearranging the deck chairs on the Hindenburg!

He only admitted it, b/c as usual they always manage to get caught. I'm assuming the affair was ongoing, b/c he was caught with her last month at The Beverly Hills Hotel? What's that about?

He's still lying. All this BS about maybe his people were giving her money, but he didn't know about it, the kid is not his and he doesn't need the paternity test b/c the time isn't right, and hiring her for web ads when she's an amateur at best is just further proof.

And through it all Elizabeth has stood by him.(WTF is wrong with these women?)

by venavena on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 05:22:47 PM EST

Not that I'm defending him (none / 0)

but isn't it pretty well known that Bobby Kennedy had affairs, yet no one seemed to care in 1968.

I'm annoyed because he seemed like the type of guy who wouldn't do this, but if he wants to be an adulterer, he can be. Doesn't mean I have to respect him for it. For the record, it's the one thing that disgusted me about Bill Clinton, it now disgusts me about John Edwards.

But why do we care so much about this?

Oh, and about the Kerry/Edwards thing, we don't know if a Vice President Edwards would have had this affair or been able to.

The American people; they were for the war before they were against it.

by nrafter530 on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 05:28:31 PM EST

"harlequin speech of suicide, demanding instantaneous lobotomy"

Yes...
I will mention this again
We are commenting on this because Jerome bumped a diary (that of course we knew would appear multiple times) by someone new...

That in and of itself is no big deal...

But then he added his personal editorial

"Bumped, so, the initial denial by Rielle Hunter and John Edwards that he was the father was correct, but then the affair turned out to be true afterall. A tangled web of lies... jerome "

Jerome..tell me I am out of line.
Jerome..tell us that this is only about Obama/McCain...(and not Edwards)and how there is that NYT McCain Lobbyist thing and of course his current wife...

Jerome..tell us that Bill Clinton's infidelity did not diminish his leadership as our President...and how it will not diminish his speech at our Convention.

But to leave it with the "web" bullshit?
How are you different from folks who post here...and then disappear?

I am calling you out to defend your bump and editorial...

Use your intellect and moxie to put me in my place.

THIS IS NOT SNARK!

by nogo postal on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 07:18:35 PM EST

"harlequin speech of suicide, demanding instantaneous lobotomy"

I gotta go...
Last post tonight..

Who the Fuck is
American1989?

Why the fuck is Jerome pushing her/him?

by nogo postal on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 07:38:57 PM EST