Elizabeth Edwards Statement On Affair

[Leslie]

Text of Elizabeth Edwards' statement about husband's admission of affair:

___

Our family has been through a lot. Some caused by nature, some caused by human weakness, and some most recently caused by the desire for sensationalism and profit without any regard for the human consequences. None of these has been easy. But we have stood with one another through them all. Although John believes he should stand alone and take the consequences of his action now, when the door closes behind him, he has his family waiting for him.

John made a terrible mistake in 2006. The fact that it is a mistake that many others have made before him did not make it any easier for me to hear when he told me what he had done. But he did tell me. And we began a long and painful process in 2006, a process oddly made somewhat easier with my diagnosis in March of 2007. This was our private matter, and I frankly wanted it to be private because as painful as it was I did not want to have to play it out on a public stage as well. Because of a recent string of hurtful and absurd lies in a tabloid publication, because of a picture falsely suggesting that John was spending time with a child it wrongly alleged he had fathered outside our marriage, our private matter could no longer be wholly private. The pain of the long journey since 2006 was about to be renewed.

John has spoken in a long on-camera interview. Admitting one's mistakes is a hard thing for anyone to do. I am proud of the courage John showed by his honesty in the face of shame. The toll on our family of news helicopters over our house and reporters in our driveway is yet unknown. But now the truth is out, and the repair work that began in 2006 will continue. I ask that the public, who expressed concern about the harm John's conduct has done to us, think also about the real harm that the present voyeurism does and give me and my family the privacy we need at this time.


Link (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/08/08/edwards-affair-elizabeth_n_117864.html)

[AnnEsthesia]

Well said. She is a strong woman. You have to respect that.

[Leslie]

Absolutely! :thumbsup:

[lily]

That is one classy broad..........and she's right. There is nothing like a life threatening illness to make one realize just how much they love each other.

[AnnEsthesia]

It also should clarify the timeline for those who are claiming he was out doing it while she was sick.

[Buck Laser]

I have always had great respect for Mrs. Edwards, and this just deepens and solidifies that respect. She did not have to speak out, but she chose to do so. It also increases my respect for Senator Edwards, not that I ever lacked respect. As bad as marital infidelity is, there ARE worse things. I regard the Edwards family as outstanding people who've had great servings of hardship served up to them. Great wealth does nothing to make those hardships easier to bear.

[IndieVisible]

Link (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/08/08/edwards-affair-elizabeth_n_117864.html)

Unbiased politically Uncorrect translation:

Our family has been through a lot. Some caused by nature, some caused by human weakness, and some most recently caused by dick head husband who couldn't keep his fucking pants on!

John made the mistake of his life in 2006. The fact that it is a mistake that many other dickheads made before him did not make it any easier for me to hear when he told me what he had done. This was our private matter, and I frankly am very happy it made it to the public stage so every one knows what a dickhead John is.

John has spoken in a long on-camera interview. Admitting one's mistakes is a hard thing for anyone to do. It's even harder for my dickhead husband who took so long to finally do it! I am outraged John took so long for his honesty to surface and hope his shame follows him to his grave. The toll on our family of news helicopters over our house and reporters in our driveway is yet unknown. But now the truth is out, John is a dickhead! I can assure you I will torment this dickhead for the rest of his life even after I divorce him and take every penny he has!

[AnnEsthesia]

Um... why do you think he has to publicly share his mistakes? Do you go around publicly telling everyone what you do wrong? He admitted it to her and they have been working on their issues... privately... where they should be dealing with it.

[IndieVisible]

Um... why do you think he has to publicly share his mistakes? Do you go around publicly telling everyone what you do wrong?

No the women in my life did that part for me lol

[NIOSA]

I really feel badly for Elizabeth Edwards. While I believe that anybody running for public office should have their lies exposed, made public, I don't think the family should be drug through the briar patch with the culprit. Elizabeth Edwards was the popular part of that duo, I never heard anybody say anything bad about her & she deserves better than what she got.

[Trish]

Mrs. Edwards was certainly gracious in large part in her statement. She was also more than a bit self-serving as well.

Our family has been through a lot. Some caused by nature, some caused by human weakness, and some most recently caused by the desire for sensationalism and profit without any regard for the human consequences...Because of a recent string of hurtful and absurd lies in a tabloid publication, because of a picture falsely suggesting that John was spending time with a child it wrongly alleged he had fathered outside our marriage, our private matter could no longer be wholly private.

It remains to be seen whether or not the NE's contention that Edwards is the father of that child is an "absurd" lie. The NE wasn't lying about Edwards meeting the woman and trying to evade being caught. Maybe the child is his - maybe it isn't - but given that he's admitted he's been lying for two damn years about his relationship with Hunter, there's nothing "absurd" in questioning that child's paternity.

As a public figure Edwards' lies don't get to remain "private" even concerning personal matters. Ask Clinton about that - hell ask a dozen different political figures on both sides of the aisle. You get caught in a lie, you're going to get nailed. Period. It doesn't matter that it was the NE that exposed the lie. Tabloid it may be - be it had Edwards' number.

So while Mrs. Edwards' statement is admirable in many ways - placing the "blame" on the NE for the matter becoming public is just bullshit. The fault lies squrely with Edwards...if hadn't had the affair, if he hadn't met the woman in the middle of the night, if he hadn't LIED repeatedly through his teeth there would be no story. Mrs. Edwards' blaming the NE is just an attempt to shift the focus.

[suedanim]

Mrs. Edwards was certainly gracious in large part in her statement. She was also more than a bit self-serving as well.

It remains to be seen whether or not the NE's contention that Edwards is the father of that child is an "absurd" lie. The NE wasn't lying about Edwards meeting the woman and trying to evade being caught. Maybe the child is his - maybe it isn't - but given that he's admitted he's been lying for two damn years about his relationship with Hunter, there's nothing "absurd" in questioning that child's paternity.

As a public figure Edwards' lies don't get to remain "private" even concerning personal matters. Ask Clinton about that - hell ask a dozen different political figures on both sides of the aisle. You get caught in a lie, you're going to get nailed. Period. It doesn't matter that it was the NE that exposed the lie. Tabloid it may be - be it had Edwards' number.

So while Mrs. Edwards' statement is admirable in many ways - placing the "blame" on the NE for the matter becoming public is just bullshit. The fault lies squrely with Edwards...if hadn't had the affair, if he hadn't met the woman in the middle of the night, if he hadn't LIED repeatedly through his teeth there would be no story. Mrs. Edwards' blaming the NE is just an attempt to shift the focus.


..alrighty then..

..anyhoo.. Here's an argument why Democrats (forget Republicans for a minute) might justify being mad at John Edwards...

I was a strong supporter of Edwards. For a long while he was my top choice. What if... he'd made it to nomination and the fuckn ball dropped...oh, about October? That part ain't cool to do to avid supporters or the party.

That said... Whats settled and worked out between spouses is their business. I certainly think Elizabeth Edwards is of the highest caliber with impeccable integrity. If she has forgive him.. I can and I'll accept her view on the National Enquirer as well.

BUT.. I think its best to go ahead ASAP and deal with this kind of thing,if one is in politics, straight up, clear it up, explain it...and move the hell on. Which... is what I think they are doing, I just feel he should have done it sooner, like as he was announcing his campaign.

"lying through his teeth"

[apdst]

Liz ain't gonna give up her meal ticket. So, of course she's going to be gracious about it.

[Mia]

See? The press and people like everyone here yammering about it is more painful to her.

So if people have such 'values' and care about the impact on her so much, why not stop the gossip?

[Mia]

Liz ain't gonna give up her meal ticket. So, of course she's going to be gracious about it.

What a stupid thing to say. If everyone divorced over an affair, no one would be married.

[AlanC]

It also should clarify the timeline for those who are claiming he was out doing it while she was sick.


Right. And he arranged a clandestiine hotel meeting last month with the woman he claims he hasn't seen since early 2006, without the knowledge of his wife, to do what for .... five hours, wasn't it?

He's still lying and she's a strong woman in denial. I feel sorry for her and their kids, deeply so. This is the only statement that required courage. His was forced out of him and he's still trying rationalize his way out of it as though he was the victim.

[Easy90]

"What if... he'd made it to nomination and the fuckn ball dropped...oh, about October?" (Suedanim)

OH...Ms. Kotter! I KNOW! I KNOW! If he'd been the nominee, and this were published by that rag, "THE ENQUIRER"....in October....then, the sycophant media would have ignored it completely, John Edwards would have said "I won't respond to the ridiculous charges of that lying tabloid"...and his wife would have stood by his side, with his children...and bravely nodded her head and looked at him adoringly for being the guy who supported her through her health issues!!! All his liberal supporters would have condemned anyone who suggested that if he was innocent and a victim of lies, he could sue their pants off and simply take a DNA test...and the libs would have mercilessly vilified anyone who dared questioned his innocence...

Wait...that's what happened anyway.

He is just like Clinton (the male half)...who only admitted what he had to, after he was indisputably "caught." You can BET he's going to do what he has to to ensure no DNA testing happens...and you can BET he's paying hush money to the mother of his baby. AND....you can BET that Elizabeth knows all this...Just as Hillary knew all along that Bill was boinking any skirt within his reach...but put on the big "It's a VAST rightwing conspiracy" act...Liz is just going along with the script to be a "player."

Also....you can BET there will be a book (ghosted for Liz) very soon, telling about all this, and how she bravely kept up while it was happening and was SHOCKED and STUNNED to find out it was true...!!! (Just like Hillary's book.)

[preservanation]

I got it..."Edwards had an affair in 2006, came clean, and all is forgiven and this tryst in the hotel has no bearing at all."
Got it.

For all of those who think we're dwelling on this too much, it's hard to end a topic when half the people ignore or deny the obvious.

[Elrathin]

I don't mind conservative dwelling on this. It serves no purpose but to show how shallow and partisan you all are though. I'm personally laughing at all the attention you guys are giving this considering Edwards holds no public office. It's quite funny to see you guys try to act all high and moral when you know damn good and well your side does it as well.

[Leslie]

Liz ain't gonna give up her meal ticket. So, of course she's going to be gracious about it.

What a stupid thing to say. If everyone divorced over an affair, no one would be married.

And what does the 'meal ticket' mentality imply about marriage 'n the value of men, husbands are meal tickets? 284

[preservanation]

El, if we didn't encounter such nonsensical denials, obfuscation and the partisan namby-pamby circling the wagons from the left it would have ended a week ago.

[Elrathin]

Pres, there were I'd say 5 threads started on the Edwards Scandal when it hit. You guys were obsessed with it and still are. It's laughable at best, but like I said, keep focusing on it.

[Trish]

..alrighty then..

..anyhoo.. Here's an argument why Democrats (forget Republicans for a minute) might justify being mad at John Edwards...

I was a strong supporter of Edwards. For a long while he was my top choice. What if... he'd made it to nomination and the fuckn ball dropped...oh, about October? That part ain't cool to do to avid supporters or the party.

That said... Whats settled and worked out between spouses is their business. I certainly think Elizabeth Edwards is of the highest caliber with impeccable integrity. If she has forgive him.. I can and I'll accept her view on the National Enquirer as well.

BUT.. I think its best to go ahead ASAP and deal with this kind of thing,if one is in politics, straight up, clear it up, explain it...and move the hell on. Which... is what I think they are doing, I just feel he should have done it sooner, like as he was announcing his campaign.

"lying through his teeth"

I agree with much of what you wrote, sue. I even agree with the "Whats settled and worked out between spouses is their business...If she has forgive him.. I can and I'll accept her view on the National Enquirer as well."

I just have one question for you. If you're so willing to accept Mrs. Edwards' forgiveness of her husband's mistakes, why can't you give McCain the same courtesy? His former wife forgave him as well. Is your understanding and compassion strictly partisan?

[Trish]

I don't mind conservative dwelling on this. It serves no purpose but to show how shallow and partisan you all are though. I'm personally laughing at all the attention you guys are giving this considering Edwards holds no public office. It's quite funny to see you guys try to act all high and moral when you know damn good and well your side does it as well.

I guess that's the whole point, El. Take a look at the threads about John McCain's first marriage and how it ended. The condemnation is staggering. There's little, if any, attempt to understand and there's certainly no compassion there. The judgement by the very same people who want to be so compassionate and understanding about Edwards is that McCain is just an out-and-out scoundrel without integrity. The moral relativism is the entire issue here - and you're quite right - it IS partisan, but you're quite incorrect to label this as just a "right" tendency. IF John McCain's actions toward his first wife are so heinous, then how can Edwards' actions be given such blanket forgiveness and compassion? Both wives, the first Mrs. McCain and Mrs. Edwards, faced severe health challenges at the time their husbands made their "mistakes." Yet one can be forgiven and the other can't? Where's the equality in that? Are Republican "sins" more repugnant that Democrat "sins."

Personally, I agree with sue about this. Outside the matter of the public "lies," the matter should be a private one between husband and wife. However, IF one is going to tar and feather McCain for his lack of integrity toward his first wife, then by God Edwards should be held to the same yardstick.

[Easy90]

Near as I can tell...McCain didn't stand on a podium with his arm around his cancer stricken wife and tout family values...while he was busily getting his publicist pregnant. If you libs can find a parallel "sin" McCain is guilty of....let's hear it.

As for Edwads being just a "private citizen"...you gotta be kidding! He has more pledged delegates than any other Democrat running for president other than Obama and Clinton...he is (or was) being considered as Obama's VP running mate, and is (or was) scheduled to give a speech at the Democrat's convention in Denver. He's a Democrat of superstar dimension..and commands huge media attention whenever he speaks...(That's why the sycophant press protected him during this whole episode.) Had the Enquirer published an article about any Republican of note...fathering a "love child" while his wife goes to chemotherapy....do you think the alphabet media would have put such a blackout on coverage? Hmmm?

[preservanation]

I'm waiting for the inevitable liberal and MSM rationalization to this..."Cheating is good because it relieves stress in a marriage so Edwards could be a better and more supporting husband and father to his family..."

Wait for it, wait for it...

[ilikegw]

It also should clarify the timeline for those who are claiming he was out doing it while she was sick.

She's been sick since 2004, he had the affair in 2006..... he was cheating while she was sick. She is still sick.

Breast cancer
On November 3, 2004, the day Kerry conceded defeat in the 2004 U.S. Presidential Election, Elizabeth Edwards was diagnosed with breast cancer. She later revealed that she discovered a lump in her breast while on a campaign stop in Kenosha, Wisconsin a few weeks earlier, in the midst of the campaign. Edwards was treated and has remained an activist for women's health and cancer patients. In a November 2006 comment on the Daily Kos website, Edwards stated that on her last visit, her oncologist said that cancer was not one of the things going on in her life.[7]

In September 2006, Edwards released a book, Saving Graces: Finding Solace and Strength from Friends and Strangers,[8] focusing on the death of her son and her battle with breast cancer.

At a March 22, 2007 press conference,[9] John and Elizabeth Edwards announced that her cancer had returned, and that his campaign for the Presidency was continuing at full steam. They said that she is asymptomatic, and that she expects to continue actively campaigning while undergoing treatment.[10] Her doctor, Dr. Lisa Carey of the University of North Carolina's Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, described the diagnosis as stage IV (metastatic) breast cancer with a spot in her rib and possibly her lung. In a March 25 interview on 60 Minutes, Edwards said that there was also a spot in her hip found on her bone scan.[11] The Edwardses and Dr. Carey stressed that the cancer is not curable, but is treatable.[9][12] As of April 2, 2007, Edwards was informed that her cancer may be treatable with anti-estrogen drugs. "I consider that a good sign. It means there are more medications which I can expect to be responsive," she told the Associated Press during a campaign stop with her husband in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.[13]


He had the affair before November 2006:

In 2006, Edwards' political action committee paid $100,000 in a four-month span to a newly formed firm run by Hunter, who directed the production of four Web videos showing Edwards in supposedly candid moments as well as in a public speech talking about morality.

The payments from Edwards' One America Committee to Midline Groove Productions LLC started on July 5, 2006, five days after Hunter incorporated the firm in Delaware.

Midline provided "Website/Internet services," according to reports that Edwards' PAC filed with the Federal Election Commission.

Midline's work product consists of four YouTube videos showing Edwards in informal settings as he prepares to make speeches in Storm Lake, Iowa, and Pittsburgh, as he prepares for an appearance on "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart" and travels in Uganda in 2006.

Edwards' PAC followed the six-figure payment with two smaller payments totaling $14,461, the last on April 1, 2007.

Not only was he sleeping with her, he was paying her for it. Nice guy!!!

I feel for Elizabeth, no married woman with children, sick or not, should have to go through something like this. The fact the it was publicized, first in October 2007 by The National Enquirer (wow, they were right!!) and now on a broader scale this year, must be heartbreaking for her. I hope she can continue fighting her cancer and that the antics of her husband do not impede her recovery. God speed, Elizabeth, get well.

[ilikegw]

I guess that's the whole point, El. Take a look at the threads about John McCain's first marriage and how it ended. The condemnation is staggering. There's little, if any, attempt to understand and there's certainly no compassion there. The judgement by the very same people who want to be so compassionate and understanding about Edwards is that McCain is just an out-and-out scoundrel without integrity. The moral relativism is the entire issue here - and you're quite right - it IS partisan, but you're quite incorrect to label this as just a "right" tendency. IF John McCain's actions toward his first wife are so heinous, then how can Edwards' actions be given such blanket forgiveness and compassion? Both wives, the first Mrs. McCain and Mrs. Edwards, faced severe health challenges at the time their husbands made their "mistakes." Yet one can be forgiven and the other can't? Where's the equality in that? Are Republican "sins" more repugnant that Democrat "sins."

Personally, I agree with sue about this. Outside the matter of the public "lies," the matter should be a private one between husband and wife. However, IF one is going to tar and feather McCain for his lack of integrity toward his first wife, then by God Edwards should be held to the same yardstick.


BRAVO!! :clapper:

That's the sad part about this whole mess. McCain is a dog and should be crucified for what he did in his first marriage, but Edwards gets a pass? Why? That nifty little D next to his name give him carteblanche to act a fool?

What does that say about democrats? They can lie, cheat and steal and can be forgiven, but if a republican does the same thing they should be vilified and burned at the stake? If you look at both parties, there are scandals that mirror each other: gay politicians, cheating spouses, lying under oath, stealing and so on. Guilt is guilt and neither party should be immune to scrutiny by the masses or from taking responsibility for their actions.

[AnnEsthesia]

Did you miss the fact that McCain is running for president and Edwards is not holding an office?

[Easy90]

Did you miss the fact that McCain is running for president and Edwards is not holding an office?

Did you not know Edwards was a previous Democratic nominee for Vice President?

Also...did you know his mistress' family is challenging Edwards to take a paternity test and wants him to quit bad-mouthing his lover?


Mistress' Family Challenges Edwards to Take DNA Test
Sister of Other Woman in Edwards Affair: 'Stop Bad-Mouthing My Sister'
By RHONDA SCHWARTZ and BRIAN ROSS
Aug. 9, 2008


The family of John Edwards' former mistress, Rielle Hunter, is challenging the former senator to take a DNA paternity test after his claim that he did not father Hunter's 6-months-old child.

Former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards spoke at the East Riverside Health Center, a federally funded community clinic in Detroit on June 14, 2007. On Friday, he admitted he had an extramarital affair with Rielle Hunter.

In the first reaction from Hunter's family, her younger sister Melissa told ABC News that Edwards should immediately follow through on his pledge to take a paternity test.

"I would challenge him to do so," the sister said.

"Somebody must stand up and defend my sister," she said. "I wish that those involved would refrain from bad-mouthing my sister."

In his interview with ABC News correspondent Bob Woodruff acknowledging the affair, Edwards said he knew the child was not his because of "the timing" of the pregnancy and the affair.

"I would welcome participating in a paternity test," Edwards said. "I'm only one side of the test, but I'm happy to participate in one."

Hunter left her Santa Barbara home earlier this week in advance of Edwards' ABC News interview.

http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=5546813&page=1

[IndieVisible]

El, if we didn't encounter such nonsensical denials, obfuscation and the partisan namby-pamby circling the wagons from the left it would have ended a week ago.

I agree but in all fairness I see the same from both sides and then there is the LP who hates every one. Very few are able to separate themselves from party loyalty long enough to make unbiased posts.

[AlanC]

Did you miss the fact that Edwards was running for the same office when this first broke and the MSM first ignored it?

[AnnEsthesia]

Yes, I am aware he WAS a nominee. And?

[AnnEsthesia]

I understand. You need something to discuss that is not about how much McCain is a terrible candidate. Please continue.

[preservanation]

I think the treatment the D's get from the MSM is very different than the R's.
I know people will disagree, but they have a propensity to ignore the obvious.

[suedanim]

There is a big difference between Edwards and McCain. No strong comparison, imo.

So far as we now know, Edwards had a one time, short course fling, brief episode, he regrets deeply and which he pretty quickly admitted to his wife and togethor worked through. They both say their marriage is stronger now. He declares his love for her and that he has never loved but one woman, Elizabeth Edwards. And Edwards history has been as a stable family man and father of over 30 years. In fact... Edwards life is the very picture of success, stability, intelligence and responsibility to wife, home, family, career and country.

McCain began cheating on his first wife, according to her and personal friends, not long after he returned from Vietnam. He continued this behavior (years of it) right up until he found the heiress, who he lived with for months before filing for divorce from his first wife. ALL of which was well known and which the Reagans condemned.

John McCain showed his first wife no such love, no such devotion. In fact.. despite her condition, which even though he had been through so much as a POW, for most men, cheating would have never entered their minds. His character was made most evident by the way in which he handled his life then and that failure in his character has continued up to today.

Falling out of love, is one thing. In that case, one legally seperates and THEN pursues other love prospects. It happens, no big deal.

If it had been a one time fuckup... I could accept a comparison. But years of it, ultimately living with the heiress... while wife #1 sat at home alone.. is beyond the pale. His DUPLICITY then... replicated itself again and again with a clear pattern of a doubleminded man.

In addition... his pattern of callous, double-mindedness has continued all through his professional life and includes a history of rages, with colleagues and constuents, which have at times been violent.

The totality of the man is such any reasonable, rational person would quickly come to the conclusion he is an utterly selfish and unstable with the judgement of neanderthal. Imagining that man as CIC is truly a nightmare.

I see little to compare between the two men... on about any level.

BUT... since John Edwards has come forward and since its gotten so much publicity, its way past time to put all of John McCain's dirt out there so the American people can make a more informed decision.

[ilikegw]

First it was "She wasn't sick when he had the affair" but there is proof that she was sick. Now it's "He's not a nominee anymore, so what?" He was a nominee when he was hiding this affair and has a wife STILL sick with breast cancer when he went back to "talk" with the woman he had an affair with in a hotel room, at night.

It's sickening how that little D next to their names somehow makes them infallible and able to get away with anything under the sun.

[AnnEsthesia]

Funny. I would say the same about McCain if he were no longer a politician.

[ilikegw]

When did you become a comedienne? That was funny.

[AnnEsthesia]

Sorry if you find the truth amusing. Not everyone is blinded by their party.

[IndieVisible]

Sorry if you find the truth amusing. Not everyone is blinded by their party.

This is tooo funny! :madlaugh:

[AnnEsthesia]

How about keeping your personal commentary to yourself?

[AlanC]

Deflector shields to maximum, Captain!

Sue, You should have written for Star Trek. Edwards came forward? Oh, please.

He was forced forward by the story, by his own stupidity, and by his own party. He "confessed" with a figurative gun to his head.

The man is a total liar, to his wife, to the public, to his staff and friends and to himself. What is pathetic is even after he kind of admits he's a liar, but one that is 99% honest, you buy into it. He was lying before, but now his word is gospel again.

Trouble with your analogy is that McCain's screwups were 35 years ago. He has made peace with his first wife, and he hasn't repeated the behavior. Last time I checked, your other excuse for Edwards, McCain wasn't running for president 35 years ago either.

Edwards was still doing this and still lying about it last month. He told his wife about it and now all is heaven and light between them, right? Except he was still sneaking behind her back last month. He was still arranging clandestine meetings with his mistress last month. He was still lying his face off about it last month. You were still saying the story was garbage last month.

You are partially right though. There is no comparison between the two.

[suedanim]

BRAVO!! :clapper:

That's the sad part about this whole mess. McCain is a dog and should be crucified for what he did in his first marriage, but Edwards gets a pass? Why? That nifty little D next to his name give him carteblanche to act a fool?

What does that say about democrats? They can lie, cheat and steal and can be forgiven, but if a republican does the same thing they should be vilified and burned at the stake? If you look at both parties, there are scandals that mirror each other: gay politicians, cheating spouses, lying under oath, stealing and so on. Guilt is guilt and neither party should be immune to scrutiny by the masses or from taking responsibility for their actions.

Edwards didn't get a pass. The fuckn National Enquirer broke the story. You know grocery store tabloid with a history of being SUED for making shit up?

Can't blame the msm for being careful.

Your statement in bold in laughable. McCain's been given a pass for decades... Gingrich, likewise.

Where is your outrage for over 4,000 American young men and women who gave their lives for their country, ordered to do so by the CIC who lied to convince America to approve a decision he and Cheney had already made?? What about tens of thousands of innocent Iraqi's who died horribly during the course of a war begun based on LIES. (http://www.democracyforums.com/showthread.php?t=16394)

Right... you villify Democrats... but when its being proven again and again that many tens of thousands are dead because of Bush and Cheney lies, criminality and incompetance... we here nothing from you rightwingers but silence.

:unreal:

[suedanim]

Deflector shields to maximum, Captain!

Sue, You should have written for Star Trek. Edwards came forward? Oh, please.

He was forced forward by the story, by his own stupidity, and by his own party. He "confessed" with a figurative gun to his head.

The man is a total liar, to his wife, to the public, to his staff and friends and to himself. What is pathetic is even after he kind of admits he's a liar, but one that is 99% honest, you buy into it. He was lying before, but now his word is gospel again.

Trouble with your analogy is that McCain's screwups were 35 years ago. He has made peace with his first wife, and he hasn't repeated the behavior. Last time I checked, your other excuse for Edwards, McCain wasn't running for president 35 years ago either.

Edwards was still doing this and still lying about it last month. He told his wife about it and now all is heaven and light between them, right? Except he was still sneaking behind her back last month. He was still arranging clandestine meetings with his mistress last month. He was still lying his face off about it last month. You were still saying the story was garbage last month.

You are partially right though. There is no comparison between the two.

Telling that you have no such criticism for McCain though Alan.

This is the problem with anti-Democrats. They see things through a filtered lens that excludes their own from personal responsiblity, even when it means horror for hundreds of thousands of other human beings.

:unreal:

[Leslie]

Trouble with your analogy is that McCain's screwups were 35 years ago. He has made peace with his first wife, and he hasn't repeated the behavior. Last time I checked, your other excuse for Edwards, McCain wasn't running for president 35 years ago either.



Oh Alan, McCain's screw ups are every time he opens his mouth. :lmao:

And those screwups are the ones that count so much more than Edwards' infidelity 'n poor judgment.

[AlanC]

Telling that you have no such criticism for McCain though Alan.

This is the problem with anti-Democrats. They see things through a filtered lens that excludes their own from personal responsiblity, even when it means horror for hundreds of thousands of other human beings.

:unreal:


Anyone who says I have not been critical of John McCain has just not read my posts. The thing is, I object to McCain for those things he says and does today, not 35 years ago. If you haven't noticed that, I'd say you have some filter issues of your own.

I am hardly a supporter of McCain.

[AnnEsthesia]

Anyone who says I have not been critical of John McCain has just not read my posts. The thing is, I object to McCain for those things he says and does today, not 35 years ago. If you haven't noticed that, I'd say you have some filter issues of your own.

I am hardly a supporter of McCain.

Yep. You have been. I have seen it. :thumbsup:

[Stoner]

Deflector shields to maximum, Captain!



I prefer the Skip Over the Thread shield. When I see a lib's post I usually just scroll right past it without reading it, unless I see they quoted something I said. It saves you from insanity. Besides, 9 out of 10 times it's the same ole party line crap.

[Leslie]

I prefer the Skip Over the Thread shield. When I see a lib's post I usually just scroll right past it without reading it, unless I see they quoted something I said. It saves you from insanity. Besides, 9 out of 10 times it's the same ole party line crap.

Thanks for the explanation. :lmao:

[AlanC]

Oh Alan, McCain's screw ups are every time he opens his mouth. :lmao:

And those screwups are the ones that count so much more than Edwards' infidelity 'n poor judgment.

I don't disagree with you. So why the need to harp on 35 year old mistakes?

But to add, when Edwards announced his endorsement of Obama, I don't remember the media saying, "John Edwards who?" In fact is was hailed as the long awaited key endorsement he needed.

If he was important just a few months ago, why is he now so irrelevant that his public lying is of no consequence?

[Elrathin]

I think the treatment the D's get from the MSM is very different than the R's.
I know people will disagree, but they have a propensity to ignore the obvious.

Many many republicans and conservatives are still going to vote for McCain even though what he did with his first wife was wrong.

So who is really getting the special treatment? What if comes down to is that Republicans and conservatives say they are against politicians that cheat on their wives, yet time and time again they still vote for them.

[ilikegw]

If Edwards was still running for President the same people yawning over this like it's no big deal would be in a coma and pretend it doesn't matter.

[AnnEsthesia]

That is what you think. Too bad you are wrong.

[Elrathin]

If Edwards was still running for President the same people yawning over this like it's no big deal would be in a coma and pretend it doesn't matter.

You mean like how those that support McCain pretend what he did with his first wife doesn't matter since they are still voting for him?

[preservanation]

Many many republicans and conservatives are still going to vote for McCain even though what he did with his first wife was wrong.

So who is really getting the special treatment? What if comes down to is that Republicans and conservatives say they are against politicians that cheat on their wives, yet time and time again they still vote for them.Right now I was talking about the media.

A better analogy would be if Romney was involved in a similar situation.
My bet is that the MSM would have picked it up in a heart-beat,
defending any source which contended it, and doing investigative reports daily.
They would have had a team of reporters on it if Nick-News For Kids had mentioned something like this about any prominent Republican...especially a VP nominee and POTUS candidate...one who still has delegates and is expected to have a speaking role at the convention.

[ilikegw]

Look what they did to Romney over what happened with his dog 20+ years ago. That was a more important story for the MSM to report on for days and days than a Senator, who was also running for President, cheating on his cancer stricken wife?

[NIOSA]

Liz ain't gonna give up her meal ticket. So, of course she's going to be gracious about it.

Actually, I think Mrs Edwards brought more in the way of finances to that marriage than he did. For sure he has made a lot of $$$$ chasing ambulances in the 30 years since then, but her family were not paupers & that's probably why he married her, cause I sure don't think he's capable of loving anybody other than himself.

[preservanation]

Speaking of money...how much did this lady get and from where?
It sounds like it came from campaign cash.
Over $200,000 in a 5 month span for producing no usable video?
Sure sounds like a wind-fall to me.

[Leslie]

Oh Alan, McCain's screw ups are every time he opens his mouth. :lmao:

And those screwups are the ones that count so much more than Edwards' infidelity 'n poor judgment.

I don't disagree with you. So why the need to harp on 35 year old mistakes?

But to add, when Edwards announced his endorsement of Obama, I don't remember the media saying, "John Edwards who?" In fact is was hailed as the long awaited key endorsement he needed.

If he was important just a few months ago, why is he now so irrelevant that his public lying is of no consequence?

Honey, ask someone who actually cares, I don't.
I'm much more concerned that McCain is exposed for his mistake he'll surely make tomorrow and don't want him to have a
chance at screwin' over the rest of us if he were POTUS. It's pretty obvious Edwards ain't gonna be Pres, right? ;)

[NIOSA]

Look what they did to Romney over what happened with his dog 20+ years ago. That was a more important story for the MSM to report on for days and days than a Senator, who was also running for President, cheating on his cancer stricken wife?

It doesn't matter what a dem does ILGW, you know that.
When this story about Edwards was first whispered about the LA Times forbade their reporters to write about it. Yet when the story of Romneys dog came out, katy bar the door. then there was the lie about McCains alledged affair on the front page of the NYT.

[AlanC]

Honey, ask someone who actually cares, I don't.
I'm much more concerned that McCain is exposed for his mistake he'll surely make tomorrow and don't want him to have a
chance at screwin' over the rest of us if he were POTUS. It's pretty obvious Edwards ain't gonna be Pres, right? ;)

Well, yeah, and now it's pretty obvious he won't have any other job in government any time soon...;)

[preservanation]

Or even fake documents to smear Bush a la CBS.
They ran with that like a muskie on a mouse.

[ilikegw]

Speaking of money...how much did this lady get and from where?
It sounds like it came from campaign cash.
Over $200,000 in a 5 month span for producing no usable video?
Sure sounds like a wind-fall to me.

I posted something about that here. http://www.democracyforums.com/showpost.php?p=236071&postcount=27

[Leslie]

Well, yeah, and now it's pretty obvious he won't have any other job in government any time soon...;)


Oh hell, you believe that? :madlaugh:

I think some "Christian" will take pity on him 'n give him some token government job. :lmao:

You know the Christians will win this election, right? :D

[preservanation]

Thanks, ilikegw...$101,400 in four months.
Some of that from a PAC and the rest from an LLC.
Got it.

[NIOSA]

Well, yeah, and now it's pretty obvious he won't have any other job in government any time soon...;)

I dunno bout that, I think Edwads sort of actions is required in order to serve in a dem administration.

[Leslie]

I dunno bout that, I think Edwads sort of actions is required in order to serve in a dem administration.

Like Craig 'n Vitter! :lmao:

[bobbylien]

Are we still talking about this? The man is a liar and a total fraud. His political career is over. End of story. What a piece of trash.

[NIOSA]

Like Craig 'n Vitter! :lmao:

He stands a chance at wroking in a dem admin, he has the credentials.

[AlanC]

I dunno bout that, I think Edwads sort of actions is required in order to serve in a dem administration.

Only AFTER and election. Times have changed for national elections and appointments any way. He had already burned his local creds in North Carolina. It was pretty well assumed when he joined the Kerry ticket that he could not have held his senate seat in NC.

So he's kind of left to grope in the wilderness now. He can always become the reformed sinner I guess and start speaking on the values of marriage, but I don't know that he will be able to command 50K a pop anymore. :D

[preservanation]

I don't think a jury could separate out his personal life and any argument he could make it court, so his law practice should be kaput as well.

[AnnEsthesia]

Why? He did not lie under oath about the affair. Lying about an affair does not mean you should be disbarred.

[preservanation]

Why? He did not lie under oath about the affair. Lying about an affair does not mean you should be disbarred.No, you're right,
but for him to be effective, especially as a trial lawyer, he must gain the trust of a sympathetic jury.
This would be much tougher now for him to do.

[AnnEsthesia]

Not really. You clearly do not know many lawyers and most people have low opinion of lawyers anyway. Juries are charged with looking at the facts, not whether they like the attorney or not. Otherwise, they would always vote for the suave sexy hot attorney in the more expensive suit.

[AlanC]

No, you're right,
but for him to be effective, especially as a trial lawyer, he must gain the trust of a sympathetic jury.
This would be much tougher now for him to do.

That just means only a fool would hire him as a lawyer or as a speaker. It doesn't mean he should be disbarred.

[preservanation]

That just means only a fool would hire him as a lawyer or as a speaker. It doesn't mean he should be disbarred.Correct...the only thing that would make sense is if he represented himself...we all know the old adage.

[NIOSA]

Only AFTER and election. Times have changed for national elections and appointments any way. He had already burned his local creds in North Carolina. It was pretty well assumed when he joined the Kerry ticket that he could not have held his senate seat in NC.

So he's kind of left to grope in the wilderness now. He can always become the reformed sinner I guess and start speaking on the values of marriage, but I don't know that he will be able to command 50K a pop anymore. :D

:lmao: I think you might be right.

[NIOSA]

Edwards can always represent mob members, little gang bangers, ambulance chasing.

[Leslie]

I dunno bout that, I think Edwads sort of actions is required in order to serve in a dem administration.

Like Craig 'n Vitter! :lmao:

He stands a chance at wroking in a dem admin, he has the credentials.

Like I said, like Craig 'n Vitter work in this current administration.

Looks like you and I unfortunately agree, huh?

Oh, the horror. 287

[NIOSA]

Like I said, like Craig 'n Vitter work in this current administration.

Looks like you and I unfortunately agree, huh?

Oh, the horror. 287

I think Vitter & Craig are Senators & so far as I know, were not being considered for any appointment.
That's not to excuse them for their own debauchery.

[Leslie]

I think Vitter & Craig are Senators & so far as I know, were not being considered for any appointment.
That's not to excuse them for their own debauchery.

Appointment? They don't need no stinkin' appointments, they're Senators out to protect the sanctity of marriage. :madlaugh:

[NIOSA]

Appointment? They don't need no stinkin' appointments, they're Senators out to protect the sanctity of marriage. :madlaugh:

Naw, they're just typical hypocritical windbags, DC is full of them. Good news though, one of the windbags (Edwards) will more than likely not be seen in the "hallowed halls of DC".

[Leslie]

Naw, they're just typical hypocritical windbags, DC is full of them. Good news though, one of the windbags (Edwards) will more than likely not be seen in the "hallowed halls of DC".


Larry Craig's Hall:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1041/1449368935_69bd6940e8.jpg?v=0

[preservanation]

Because of a recent string of hurtful and absurd lies in a tabloid publication, because of a picture falsely suggesting that John was spending time with a child it wrongly alleged he had fathered outside our marriage, our private matter could no longer be wholly private. The pain of the long journey since 2006 was about to be renewed.Sooo, NE is lying and it was their fault that the journalists caught him skulking around Hunters room at 2 am and chased him into the bathroom.
The one person to blame for "renewing her pain" is John himself.

[NIOSA]

Larry Craig's Hall:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1041/1449368935_69bd6940e8.jpg?v=0

:madlaugh: Good one.

[apdst]

It's plum crazy how the Libs are coming out to defend Edwards. I mean, damn, just damn!

[ilikegw]

Because of a recent string of hurtful and absurd lies in a tabloid publication, because of a picture falsely suggesting that John was spending time with a child it wrongly alleged he had fathered outside our marriage, our private matter could no longer be wholly private. The pain of the long journey since 2006 was about to be renewed.

Sooo, NE is lying and it was their fault that the journalists caught him skulking around Hunters room at 2 am and chased him into the bathroom.
The one person to blame for "renewing her pain" is John himself.

Yea, I mean, John's not responsible for her pain, it's the damn tabloid newspaper!! I don't care how much you love your husband, once he cheats you may be able to forgive (not me, I'd kick his ass after bashing his head in with a cast iron skillet) but you would never forget it, ESPECIALLY when your husband cheated on you when you thought you may be dying.... I applaud Elizabeth for allowing him to remain in their marriage but I don't know why she acts as though the pain wasn't there, eating away at her until now.

[ilikegw]

Why? He did not lie under oath about the affair. Lying about an affair does not mean you should be disbarred.

But you can be impeached.... :madlaugh:

[preservanation]

Yea, I mean, John's not responsible for her pain, it's the damn tabloid newspaper!! I don't care how much you love your husband, once he cheats you may be able to forgive (not me, I'd kick his ass after bashing his head in with a cast iron skillet) but you would never forget it, ESPECIALLY when your husband cheated on you when you thought you may be dying.... I applaud Elizabeth for allowing him to remain in their marriage but I don't know why she acts as though the pain wasn't there, eating away at her until now.Liz has shown that she has 100Xs more strength and character than John ever had.
If the truth be known, a woman like that was probably behind his success to begin with.
If you read the sub-text of her statement...she's still defending that louse.
He owes her more than just an apology, probably his career.
Behind every great man...

[AnnEsthesia]

But you can be impeached.... :madlaugh:

For lying under oath. Which Edwards did not do.

[NIOSA]

Oh, well since he didn't lie under oath, lets call him back to the campaign. I'm sure he would get lots of votes. :madlaugh:

[AnnEsthesia]

Yea, that is what I said.

[blackbetty]

Right. And he arranged a clandestiine hotel meeting last month with the woman he claims he hasn't seen since early 2006, without the knowledge of his wife, to do what for .... five hours, wasn't it?

He's still lying and she's a strong woman in denial. I feel sorry for her and their kids, deeply so. This is the only statement that required courage. His was forced out of him and he's still trying rationalize his way out of it as though he was the victim.

I agree.

Any man who is going to cheat on his wife isn't going to come clean with the whole truth. He got caught and he's still concerned about HIS best interests. He might just figure that an affair will be "forgiven" by the public (as evidenced by some of the posts on this forum), but an affair while your wife is battling cancer might be met with a different response. ( Although there are those who would say that that is "understandable" as well )Cheating spouses usually try to absolve themselves of some of the responsibility/guilt by minimizing - and lying about - their actions. Including being honest about when the affair started and how long it lasted.

[Six]

That is one classy broad..........and she's right. There is nothing like a life threatening illness to make one realize just how much they love each other.

HUH ?? Edwards loves no one but himslf. Too bad all you liberals couldn't see through that low life when he almost became V.P. For christ sake people he's a trial attorney that earned his millions by shaking down doctors and channeling dead fetus's. He stands there and looks you straight in the face, lies pathalogically and all you can do is defend him.

[Six]

It's plum crazy how the Libs are coming out to defend Edwards. I mean, damn, just damn!



It goes to show you what they're willing to overlook when it comes to electing their politicians. Explains why they think Obama would make a good president.

[Stoner]

channeling dead fetus's.

Even fellow ambulance chasers were saying, "Damn, that's low."

http://www.dealbreaker.com/images/entries/edwards%20makes%20money%20from%20fortress.jpg

[Six]

I have always had great respect for Mrs. Edwards, and this just deepens and solidifies that respect. She did not have to speak out, but she chose to do so. It also increases my respect for Senator Edwards, not that I ever lacked respect. As bad as marital infidelity is, there ARE worse things. I regard the Edwards family as outstanding people who've had great servings of hardship served up to them. Great wealth does nothing to make those hardships easier to bear.


Holy crap ! People that share your mindset are definately responsible for our leadership in the senate today, their pathetic rating and the horrible job theyr'e doing. Does integrity, honesty, morality, personal responsibillity and character mean anything to you ? Take it or leave it right liberals ? It's all moral relativism....bull shit.

Let me clarify things for you. If you cheat on your sick and dying wife, lie about it to your family, the media and the people that you are trying to get to support you, YOU ARE A BAD PERSON.

You apologist and Edwards deserve each other .

[ECW]

I never heard anybody say anything bad about her & she deserves better than what she got.

You haven't been posting here long enough to hear what some people have said about her over the past two years.

She is a courageous lady. The same dignity she carries cannot be said for some here.

[NIOSA]

Yea, that is what I said.

I was being sarcastic.

[NIOSA]

You haven't been posting here long enough to hear what some people have said about her over the past two years.

She is a courageous lady. The same dignity she carries cannot be said for some here.

To be fair, some have treated Nancy Reagan & Laura Bush like dirt too.

[xLIBREx]

http://www.thewashingtonnote.com/archives/john%20edwards%20100.jpg
"Yeah, I'm a douchebag! Suck it motherfuckers!"

[BoogyMan]

I agree.

Any man who is going to cheat on his wife isn't going to come clean with the whole truth. He got caught and he's still concerned about HIS best interests. He might just figure that an affair will be "forgiven" by the public (as evidenced by some of the posts on this forum), but an affair while your wife is battling cancer might be met with a different response. ( Although there are those who would say that that is "understandable" as well )Cheating spouses usually try to absolve themselves of some of the responsibility/guilt by minimizing - and lying about - their actions. Including being honest about when the affair started and how long it lasted.

You have hit the nail right on the head, blackbetty.

I have seen a good number of people trying to explain away what Edwards did here, and it is a pretty sad commentary on the state of morality when, for political expediency, we are ready to give a pass to those who have willingly set aside their family for a moment of pleasure. Any man who would "cheat" on his wife is beneath contempt and it seems that we have a government full of those kinds of men.

It sickens me that society seems to be willing to allow this kind of activity to be considered normal.

Elizabeth Edwards and her children certainly deserve a better man than John Edwards has been.

[Elrathin]

Some conservatives crack me up, it is quite ok for the fraud waste and abuse to go on in congress (Because many conservatives and Republicans keep voting their guy in), but if someone has an affair, they are somehow unfit (unless they are a Republican).

[xLIBREx]

Conservatives crack me up, it is quite ok for the fraud waste and abuse to go on in congress (Because those conservatives and Republicans keep voting their guy in), but if someone has an affair, they are somehow unfit (unless they are a Republican).

No, they are unfit regardless of what letter precedes their name on the Congressional roll-call. It's about thinking as an individual and not part of some hive mentality where you do little more than toe your party's line. That isn't politics, that's religion.

[Elrathin]

No, they are unfit regardless of what letter precedes their name on the Congressional roll-call. It's about thinking as an individual and not part of some hive mentality where you do little more than toe your party's line. That isn't politics, that's religion.

If that were true, many of those same people would not be in congress for as long as they have been. Most conservatives and Republicans toe the party line.

[xLIBREx]

If that were true, many of those same people would not be in congress for as long as they have been. Most conservatives and Republicans toe the party line.

What "most people do" doesn't make it right and it isn't a valid defense for one's actions.