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So Edwards did it -- not really a surprise, given the lack of denials over the past few weeks, .
I don't really care what people do in their private lives and nobody can know what the relationship is between two people, so unless their personal lives are at odds with their voting records -- demanding that people do one thing while they do another (like being, you know, not gay or something) -- I figure that's their business.
But Edwards did play the family card quite heavily during his campaign, and if he'd gotten the nomination, the Democrats would be sunk right now and we'd be looking at four years of John McCain. So on that count, I'm profoundly grateful that he didn't get it. He was risking a lot for all of us by doing this stuff and running at the same time. It was incredibly stupid.
What more can you say?
Go Obama.
Maybe we'll get this kind of inquiry into the Vicki Iseman story?
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What an ass. Unforgivably stupid, reckless, and dangerous.
Taking down my Edwards poster in the kitchen right now. Wow, did we dodge a bullet or what?
Thanks, Barack.
phew!
My Email to John Edwards - it may be harsh but god DAMN, what the FUCK was he thinking?
Mr. Edwards,
How can a guy as smart as you are, still be such an IDIOT? WHAT WERE YOU THINKING? I know, it was the little head.
Thanks for handing the election to the Republicans.
You’re an IDIOT.
ThatGuy
Never trust a lawyer.
oh wait…
Obama’s short list just got shorter.
Bad judgement John.
-G
Obama
Obama
Obama (Berlin style)
Best wishes to his families.
We are just barely out the trees. Not just dangerous/reckless, Teddy. Those who live in glass houses know it’s not so much the stupidity that haunts one forever, though that’s a lot. It’s the selfishness.
So far, I’d say that his admission has been a textbook case of how NOT to admit to an affair. He went out of his way to say he didn’t love his mistress, which was (at best) unnecessary. I don’t know why anyone would go on television and say that they don’t love a woman that they were having sex with. It seems like a slap in the face to me.
I also don’t understand the denial about it being his child. The was also unnecessary, and it sets him up for the inevitable talk-show-style paternity test.
If this is how he handles a crisis, I’m glad he didn’t win the nom.
of course now I’m wondering if this is why he dropped out - when was that baby born ?
I’m speechless.
What a shame. I really liked him. However, I’m not so sure he would have made it all the way to being the nominee. If he had gotten into or near the lead, I don’t think he would have been able to hide the affair any longer.
I really had hoped he would be AG.
what a letdown, by someone who seemingly oozed integrity.
He said he didn’t love her for Elizabeth, I’m guessing.
The child was born February 27, 2008.
Edwards claims they ended the affair too soon for him to be the father.
Mark Ambinder wrote this article back in December — this passage caught my eye.
http://www.theatlantic.com/doc.....nton-obama
After the 2004 election, it was obvious where the GOP attacks on Edwards would come from — rich lawyer, phony, pretty boy Breck girl. The haircut incident was evidence that Edwards was not ready for prime time; this turn of events only reinforces that sentiment.
we’ve been talking about this downstairs and a few points were raised
the only real reason edwards wasn’t our candidate, (imho) is that the republican spin machine wouldn’t cover him, they insisted on covering hillary and obama becuase they thought they would be the most beatable
they have to be kicking themselves in the butt right now
point two;
had edwards been our candidate and proven unelectable we would have forced him out and “a hero” would rise, step in and save the day
my heart tells me we might have yet been allowed to field the greatest president we ever elected, the one who didn’t get to serve, al gore
and point three;
I had been defending our “delegate” system the entire primary race, telling everyone it is a stop gap, that the delegates don’t vote as a block and if a candidate demonstrates they are unelectable the delegate system would save our butt
if edwards was our candidate and he refused to step aside, (not a liley scenario, I think edwards would step down), but if he wouldn’t step down then the delegate system we have in place would save our butt
on this, arguably the most important election ever held in our history
Wasn’t it February? But that was my first thought - somebody in the party talked to him about it and told him to quit. If he didn’t love her and the baby is not his, why did he just recently go to spend a few hours with her and the baby?
That said, I totally agree with Jane. He’s not handled this well but it is his personal business. I still think he would make a fine AG and I hope Obama keeps his name on the list.
I am certain that is true.
Great. Another self-destructive Democrat.
I adore Elizabeth. Screw John. She should run for President.
one week after he left the race
although from the (eek!) Enquirer reporting, there was lots of careless emailing and phone calling by the woman and what little instincts he had may have led him to believe he was to be outed
nice try Johnboy, - he was cornered by the NE weasels while visiting the woman at a hotel about 10 days ago
Very sad news.
At least he was no Eliot Spitzer.
Damn, that’s about the best thing I can say about this mess. Thank god he didn’t get the nom.
Dumbshittedness isn’t strictly a Republican disease.
EPU’ed
I know people have affairs. I know not everyone’s marriage is perfect. I know that it isn’t always possible to think with your head. But when you are a progressive candidate representing the hopes and aspirations of millions of concerned Americans is it really too much to ask to keep your pants on or at least get out from under your marriage first? This isn’t just about one man’s lie or peccadillo. Edwards’ behavior undercuts his credibility and along with it his message and the progressive ideas he espoused and that the country needs. It was not simply stupid. It was incredibly selfish. I can not convey the degree of disappointment I feel.
So tell HER. Not the other 300 million of us.
His wife has been facing unbearable challenges and while he had to satisfy his ego. Sorry there is no mercy from me. Zip it up bub!!!
You can say, how very sad for Elizabeth! Not only has her husband cheated, he’s been doubly stupid about the timing. What made him think he could go through this race while having an affair?
Guess there just really are no heroes left in our society.
I couldn’t care less what people do in their private lives. But c’mon, when you catapault yourself into public eye, with that level of scrutiny, and the stakes being what they are…I’m pissed. When I think of going door to door in New Hampshire, ponying up with money I could not afford, I’m just pissed.
And they wonder why we’re cynical.
to quote Jane
my bold
Just goes to show what a $400 haircut will get you.
Best post of the day.
I nominate waxman
Guess there just really are no heroes left in our society.
au contraire Sister Ann
nearly Gingrichianly callous.
Ouch. He and Vito can start a club, I guess.
Money bomb just under $107K!!
I wonder if he is going to have a press conference w/ Elizabeth at his side?
She is a strong lady and I wish her great strength now and kick his butt out the door
Feingold isn’t?
Vito? Oh, Vitter.
I thought this was an oblique “Godfather” reference.
Sure there are. I would nominate Elizabeth Edwards for a start.
Also, there ARE men capable of self-control and ethical behavior. They don’t make the cover of National Enquirer
Now just OVER $107K.
Very well said, Hugh. A perfect summation of my feelings.
Feingold, with his two divorces? You sure you want to bet on that?
Politically, he’s a hero. But we know nothing about his personal life.
I posted that before I read that he denies paternity. Time will tell. In any event, best wishes to the mothers and children.
Ann, I do think there are heroes, if you can believe it after this baloney. He’s a total ass, yes. But the problem is, most of the really good people (and I know several and am lucky enough to be married to one), would never consider running for office because of what it’s become. The burden it requires. The ego one must have. That’s what’s sad.
Does anyone else see the parallel to McTelepropmper here?
I am bitterly disappointed in JRE. What hubris given how much a part of his campaign the family was.
Also do not understand why there has been no paternity test despite the “timing” of their affair.
Having no definitive answer to whether he’s the father (plus the late night visit to the hotel) will just further fuel the speculation/story. We do not need this distraction from the issues in the presidential campaign.
And no, I no longer trust his word on the “daddy” issue.
Breaking news John and Elizabeth to make statement shortly
I suppose the one thing he could/should have done. Admit to this publicly before entering into a presidential campaign. This is old news in terms of family knowledge. (2006)
I wonder why it is that I would prefer to vote for the wife over the husband?
I think Elizabeth Edwards is far smarter than John
I felt the same about Hillary over Bill.
And feel the same about Michelle Obama over Barack.
And thanks EW for the reminder about Feingold. He’s lucky to live here in the most liberal part of Cheeseland…we’re quite forgiving about personal foibles. And, his second ex-wife leads her own, relatively quiet life.
I guess I should stop cutting my own hair…I never get laid :)
One would think he’d have had the test prior to making a public statement. On the other hand, my previous estimations of his intelligence were apparently somewhat exaggerated.
agree and amen
I’m ashamed to say I voted for this clown. What a monumental ass. Says he told Elizabeth in 2006. If it’s true, and they both went ahead with the campaign, that speaks very unwell for both of them. Just unbelievable.
At the same time, let’s not lose sight of the fact that McCain’s private life is messier still. I’d love to see Obama put out a statement saying something like…
We’re saddened that our friends John and Elizabeth Edwards have encountered difficult times in their marriage. We believe, though, that private matters are best left just that: private. We also believe that remaining faithful in marriage is a bedrock family value, but we reject the views of those who would say that failing to remain faithful should disqualify people from seeking public office, or serving in public office…
McShame’s story is far more onerous
God, they must have their cocks out.
Keep ‘em away from Laura Ingraham’s ear.
-G
I supported Edwards and gave money. I am extremely
disappointed and sad for Elizabeth. I would also like to say that the “mistress” is not without blame. I don’t think highly of women who have affairs with married men.
Yeah, I kind of regret posting that. Better to save the snark for stories lacking the elements of tragedy and betrayal. Elizabeth Edwards is a gutsy lady. She deserves better.
No, Fossella. The GOoPer from Staten Island with two families and too much alcohol.
can actually hear their little cloven fists pounding under the desk
As far as that goes, there’s even evidence Cindy is a much more human person than John. And don’t forget Nancy Reagan supported embryonic stem cell research.
Not sure what the terms of Feingold’s recent divorce was. Don’t know the cause of the divorce.
One bright spot is I doubt that Obama is having an affair. I figure that because he’s alive. Michelle doesn’t look like the type to be nice and quiet about it. She looks like the type that would knock him on his skinny ass if she caught him messing around.
Don’t think it would be wise for Obama to go there.
Like Cindy McSame
Momma Obama say knock you out.
-G
BOMB now over $113K !
Reminds me of a limerick… let’s see - something about Nantucket…
Perish the thought. Infidelity is depressingly common but I try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt.
Fidelity is not that hard - Everyone should try it.
Personal disclaimer: 25+ years faithful.
…and I have a radio face.
;~P
Exactly like Cindy. I won’t express my full opinion and get modded.
keeerist! just now dawned on my always slow ass - that this very shit is how we wound up with Liebushman on the ticketin 04 -
we are forked !
If Obama issues a statement like that, it will be a stake through his heart.
I would issue a statement more like this:
The personal lives of the Edwards family are their own business, and our campaign will have no comment on this matter.
Anything else gives the ‘pukes some ammo.
Absolutely it would, if he had the stones to follow up this line:
with this:
“After all, Senator McCain has been a dedicated public servant despite his own infidelities during his first marriage.”
D
LOL!!! I’m guessing he’d be missing body parts. Chicago women are tough–I don’t care which part of the city they’re from.
A lot of trim.
OMG, never thought of that. Hmmmm. Sigh.
Yeah. Sure we will. Right after all the little devils freeze their tails off ice skating.
bom dia pups
Queue the fainting couches for the family values folks
Hmm, the “facts” on the “news” shows right now said they only met in 2007 while he was running for president so the 2006 affair is a different thing altogether.
My questions is this: Haven’t we gone through this enough times that before anyone runs for president in the future we should hook them up to a lie detector and ask them all the incriminating questions and broadcast it on live TV? And while we’re at it, let’s throw in a few geography questions to weed out the morons like W.
:D
repouso bem-vindo, grande vê-lo wobbs !
numerous infidelities (and how do you know there haven’t been any during his second
Still think O shouldn’t go there
So glad you are back! How was the vacation?
Breaking News:
MSBC reports that Rielle Hunter is at “an undisclosed location”.
No comment from Dick Cheney as of this hour.
-G
One more thought, a little personal I guess. But why isn’t he “fixed”? I don’t know too many men of his age who haven’t had the snip done. Odd. And unbelievably reckless.
muita obrigada cbl2
Good to see you all and to be back at home (well settled at home)
I hate to say it but odds are the National Enquirer probably looked into it. That they didn’t break a story doesn’t rule out the possibility but indicates they couldn’t substantiate it. Anyway, McCain’s impropriety on every other front SHOULD be enough to scuttle him.
It was wonderful. I came back relaxed, a deeper shade of bronze and woefully ignorant to the political happenings.
I’m fixed and I still have a libido (?)
sounds like bliss, particularly that last part.
Get caught up - we need you commenting.
Honestly?
Who gives a fuck? None of us are married to him, and none of us know what kind of private life the Edwards lead: lord knows there are plenty of people married to a sick spouse who get permission to go get some strictly sexual action on the side (especially if you read Dan Savage’s column in the Stranger).
Furthermore he’s not running for anything, so really who cares?
You know a lot more enlightened men than most. Anyway, so far Edwards denies being the father.
yeah…what fresh hell did I come back to??
Gave mine up for Lent. Unusual for an atheist but I’ve always marched to a different drummer.
Gee, I dunno wobbly
I’m here talkin’ about vasectomies and such
Why do you ask?
sigh, so I see.
umm meant just the political stuff not the ummm pickle trim *g*
What about McCain and all the affairs he had after returning from Viet Nam? He was involved with several women before meeting Cindy Lou Who and was dating Cindy while still married to his first wife. There are rumors about his affairs post Cindy. The media is in a frenzy over Edwards right now. No one mentions McCain’s little excursions. MSM bends over backwards to protect McSlippery.
Whihc is why the McCain campaign won’t touch this with a ten foot pole. But then again….
I was an Edwards supporter from 2004 and again this year. What I feel now is incredible sadness for him and his family. But I will not judge him only to say he seems like a good man who’s made a tragic mistake.
I agree with ThatGuy at 72-Obama needs to say something (cable news will be salivating for a “reaction”), but as little as possible and move on. The Pukes had better shut-up too. They’re not exactly the upstanding citizen’s brigade on fidelity.
Oh yeah. DUh.
It’s Friday and I’m slow on the uptake.
Business as usual. :-D
The picle was spared the knife, however, the grapevine was severed irrepairably…
;~P
willing to bet most of us feel the same - but you know damn good and well what the Republics are gonna do with this - especially in light of their current political fortunes
- ‘liberal media kept this hidden while NYT slandered McCheater’
- and they are gonna put his endorsement speech of BO vid in a rotation 3 times heavier than Rev Wright
and there’s that whole Vice President Scold concern of mine mentioned upthread
yeah it’ll pass, but jeebus thank dog for the Olympics !
“pickle”
road trip. back in 60
mr wobbs refers to them as ‘twigs and berries’
Comedians will have a field day with this, and they should. Most of the jokes write themselves. ”Well, he said he didn’t love her so I guess that makes it OK.” ”When Bill Clinton was told there was some bad news about Edwards and that he had had an affair, Clinton replied, ”Sorry to hear it but what was the bad news?” Add your own rimshots.
John Edwards has helped to fan the flames of every dipshit that now wants to make accusations about Obama.
Great work. Putz.
-G
P.S. Republicans are entitled to do whatever pleases them, it’s their right.
Would be a beautiful thing to hear confirmed just after McSame accepts nomination.
I sympathize
Huh? If he were fixed he couldn’t have a ”love child”. I don’t get men who aren’t fixed trusting that their mistresses won’t get pregnant.
Resist the temptation to over-think this. Edwards is does not hold any office, nor is he in contention for one. Actually, this might have something to do with the fact that he pretty much ruled out joining the ticket.
Not to mention still being married to wife 1 when marriage license to wife 2 taken out
except for the part where he DID run for office.
I’ll pass that along to him *g*
(though Redwoods have some pretty big twigs)
Please ascend one flight.
Thank you
agree.
Scarecrow! upstairs
Energy Stupid Vs. Energy Smart: It’s About What People Do
Doesn’t matter, now he’s just an also ran. Private citizen… albeit not as private as we would like.
Have to admit that I just used this talking point against John McCain. A friend who thinks he is the less of two evils talked about how she would not vote for a candidate who did this and I said guess what????
some people trusted him and believed him and had hopes in him and gave money to him, he betrayed all that.
Sigh!!!! I am beyond disappointed - so when will he admit that the baby is his after all?