She released a statement vowing to stand behind her man:
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.
It takes a lot to be able to stick with someone who's cheated on you. And it takes a special kind of person to not only stick with the jerk, but also to stand up and defend him. I highly doubt that the Edwards' are being completely honest and truthful, but you know what? Elizabeth is right in that it is their business. While I get the feeling that she's sticking by him purely for political reasons, it's her decision and I won't lambast her for it.
I will say, though, that I don't quite understand why so many politicians' wives do this. Once, just once, I'd like to see a woman who has been completely betrayed by an egocentric, narcissistic asshole stand up and say so. I'm all for standing by your man, but some things are unforgivable. Cheating on your wife when she's battling terminal cancer would be considered unforgivable in my book. But hey, it's her decision. Either she really loves him, or she really loves the money/power (a la Hillary).
Meanwhile, Rielle Hunter is challenging Edwards to take the paternity test. He says he's happy to take it, because, you know, he's so sure the kid isn't his. My money is on the test coming back positive though. I feel a little bad for Rielle. She's been shoved under the bus so quickly, she never had a chance to know what hit her. Boy, John Edwards is just an all-around great guy, huh?
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.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."
Of course, someone's gotta be held accountable besides John Edwards. And that means Rielle Hunter has to take the fall. Like I said, he's a real class act.
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Asshats, John Edwards
Comments (22)
You gave up your right to p... (Below threshold)1. Posted by GianiD | August 9, 2008 7:00 PM | Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
You gave up your right to privacy when he ran for office, and you went out on the campaign trail.
What's been printed that isnt true? Anything? So far, the NE has more credibility that doosh edwards.
She said he made a mistake in 06. So WTF was that visit several weeks ago, a trup to pick up dry cleaning? And, how about a doosh edwards supporter paying his piece to run and hide?
Courage is manning up, BEFORE you get caught, not after. He only 'came clean' when he knew he was caught, and further denials would only deepen the hole this turd had to crawl out of.
1. Posted by GianiD | August 9, 2008 7:00 PM |
Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
Posted on August 9, 2008 19:00
2. Posted by ClobberGirl | August 9, 2008 7:00 PM | Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
I don't feel the least bit sorry for Rielle. It's not like she had no idea the guy was married when she spread her legs to him. What good ever comes of covert marital affairs? She's just as dirty and sleazy as he is and they deserve each other's STDs. The only ones I feel sorry for are Elizabeth Edwards and all of the children involved.
As I said in the other thread, it's Elizabeth Edwards's decision to stand by her worthless husband and I'll respect that, but I think she could do much better. It's sad to see her spend the rest of her life with a guy who does not really love her.
2. Posted by ClobberGirl | August 9, 2008 7:00 PM |
Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
Posted on August 9, 2008 19:00
3. Posted by HughS | August 9, 2008 7:26 PM | Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Once, just once, I'd like to see a woman who has been completely betrayed by an egocentric, narcissistic asshole stand up and say so.
Joan Kennedy....certainly she had her own demons to deal with, but, in the end, she extricated herself from the relationship and went on to rebuild her life. Good for her.
3. Posted by HughS | August 9, 2008 7:26 PM |
Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on August 9, 2008 19:26
4. Posted by jim2 | August 9, 2008 7:34 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
The E Edwards statement does not address, let alone explain, the 2008 NE-covered events.
4. Posted by jim2 | August 9, 2008 7:34 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on August 9, 2008 19:34
5. Posted by Diane | August 9, 2008 7:34 PM | Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
1) I understand Elizabeth sticking with her husband...a terminal illness + 2 young children. There's not enough time for a messy divorce, I would imagine. However, I do not think she needed to "stand by her man" verbally.
2)I never feel sorry for the mistress. I'm sure she thought Edwards was in love with her. But he was married, had children, & his wife had already been ill previously with cancer. Rielle should have stayed away, once she realized an attraction. With his political career, he was never going to leave his wife for her...unless of course, she conveniently died first.
5. Posted by Diane | August 9, 2008 7:34 PM |
Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on August 9, 2008 19:34
6. Posted by Brian | August 9, 2008 8:10 PM | Score: -10 (12 votes cast)
Once, just once, I'd like to see a woman who has been completely betrayed by an egocentric, narcissistic asshole stand up and say so.
You mean like Carol McCain?
I'm all for standing by your man, but some things are unforgivable. Cheating on your wife when she's battling terminal cancer would be considered unforgivable in my book.
Where does cheating on your wife while she's recovering from a debilitating car accident fall on your scale?
6. Posted by Brian | August 9, 2008 8:10 PM |
Score: -10 (12 votes cast)
Posted on August 9, 2008 20:10
7. Posted by HughS | August 9, 2008 8:51 PM | Score: 5 (7 votes cast)
Where does cheating on your wife while she's recovering from a debilitating car accident fall on your scale?
Hell if I know ,Brian. In 1967 McCain was in prison in Hanoi.In 1969 Carol McCain was terribly injured in an auotomobile accident. In 1974 they separated.
So, what do we have here? A tortured POW and a subsequently crippled wife. That's enough stress to damage any marriage.
But where does cheating on your wife fit in to your polemic? Are you arguing the hypocrisy meme or the moral meme?
7. Posted by HughS | August 9, 2008 8:51 PM |
Score: 5 (7 votes cast)
Posted on August 9, 2008 20:51
8. Posted by Georgia Boy | August 9, 2008 8:58 PM | Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
Where does cheating on your wife while she's recovering from a debilitating car accident fall on your scale?
Looks like it affects you more than Carol Mccain:
She supports her ex-husband's 2008 presidential campaign, and told "The Mail on Sunday" in June 2008 that she was not bitter and that, "He's a good guy. We are still good friends. He is the best man for president."
8. Posted by Georgia Boy | August 9, 2008 8:58 PM |
Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
Posted on August 9, 2008 20:58
9. Posted by Brian | August 9, 2008 9:08 PM | Score: -5 (7 votes cast)
Looks like it affects you more than Carol Mccain:
Exactly the point. As Cassy said,
Once, just once, I'd like to see a woman who has been completely betrayed by an egocentric, narcissistic asshole stand up and say so.
I just wonder if she wants that of Carol McCain.
9. Posted by Brian | August 9, 2008 9:08 PM |
Score: -5 (7 votes cast)
Posted on August 9, 2008 21:08
10. Posted by Georgia Boy | August 9, 2008 9:15 PM | Score: 4 (6 votes cast)
Like I said, looks like it affects you more than Carol McCain.
10. Posted by Georgia Boy | August 9, 2008 9:15 PM |
Score: 4 (6 votes cast)
Posted on August 9, 2008 21:15
11. Posted by Brian | August 9, 2008 9:23 PM | Score: -8 (10 votes cast)
So, what do we have here? A tortured POW and a subsequently crippled wife. That's enough stress to damage any marriage.
I'm sure it is. So is that when it's forgivable? I just want to know when it moves from unforgivable to forgivable. Newt, forgivable. McCain, forgivable. Edwards, not forgivable. I'm just trying to make sense of this sudden reversal.
11. Posted by Brian | August 9, 2008 9:23 PM |
Score: -8 (10 votes cast)
Posted on August 9, 2008 21:23
12. Posted by HughS | August 9, 2008 9:28 PM | Score: 3 (5 votes cast)
I'm sure it is. So is that when it's forgivable?
That wasn't my question.
My question was:
But where does cheating on your wife fit in to your polemic? Are you arguing the hypocrisy meme or the moral meme?
12. Posted by HughS | August 9, 2008 9:28 PM |
Score: 3 (5 votes cast)
Posted on August 9, 2008 21:28
13. Posted by Brian | August 9, 2008 9:31 PM | Score: -5 (7 votes cast)
Like I said, looks like it affects you more than Carol McCain.
Umm, yeah, and like I said, that supports Cassy's point. And mine. Your posting of her quote helped a lot, too, so thanks for that.
13. Posted by Brian | August 9, 2008 9:31 PM |
Score: -5 (7 votes cast)
Posted on August 9, 2008 21:31
14. Posted by Brian | August 9, 2008 9:33 PM | Score: -5 (7 votes cast)
That wasn't my question.
But it was mine. Why should I answer your questions when you ignore mine?
14. Posted by Brian | August 9, 2008 9:33 PM |
Score: -5 (7 votes cast)
Posted on August 9, 2008 21:33
15. Posted by HughS | August 9, 2008 9:48 PM | Score: 7 (11 votes cast)
Why should I answer your questions when you ignore mine?
Because....you introduced the topic:
You mean like Carol McCain?
Where does cheating on your wife while she's recovering from a debilitating car accident fall on your scale?
And you haven't answered my question to your comment....engage the polemic, Brian, and drop the amateur debating approach.
15. Posted by HughS | August 9, 2008 9:48 PM |
Score: 7 (11 votes cast)
Posted on August 9, 2008 21:48
16. Posted by Brian | August 9, 2008 10:09 PM | Score: -9 (13 votes cast)
Because....you introduced the topic:
Yes I did. And you chose not to engage it.
drop the amateur debating approach.
Ha! You mean like answering my question with another question? Here's a new word of the day for you.
16. Posted by Brian | August 9, 2008 10:09 PM |
Score: -9 (13 votes cast)
Posted on August 9, 2008 22:09
17. Posted by brainy435 | August 10, 2008 12:28 AM | Score: 4 (6 votes cast)
Mrs. Edwards is every bit the scumbag that Mr. Edwards is. Yes, it's horrible that she has cancer, but that doesn't excuse what she did. Standing by her spouse after he cheated is her business. I really couldn't care less that he cheated. However, standing by a man running to be the President while you know he is outright lying to the country he wants to lead is selfish. The issue isn't the cheating, it's the coverup.
An affair is only private if you keep it private. Once it's out, you had better be upfront about it. Well, Republicans had better be upfront about it, Democrats apparantly can count on media help with shirking their responsibilities to the American people.
Dishonest hacks like Brian will excuse the worst of current political behavior by saying that personal lives should be allowed to be kept personal, then the minute that fails further try to excuse it by dredging up... personal failings of the other side that were disclosed truthfully as if they were Morally Equivalent(TM). Just as intellectually bankrupt as every other Morally Equivalent(TM) argument.
17. Posted by brainy435 | August 10, 2008 12:28 AM |
Score: 4 (6 votes cast)
Posted on August 10, 2008 00:28
18. Posted by marc | August 10, 2008 5:32 AM | Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
"It takes a lot to be able to stick with someone who's cheated on you. And it takes a special kind of person to not only stick with the jerk, but also to stand up and defend him."
Yeah it does take a lot, and with Edwards millions he has a lot.
They say money doesn't buy happiness. Horsesh*t!
In this case it buys one of two things, silence/forgiveness and a fat cat life style or... a lawyer on retainer and a still conformable but smaller fat cat lifestyle.
18. Posted by marc | August 10, 2008 5:32 AM |
Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
Posted on August 10, 2008 05:32
19. Posted by Oyster | August 10, 2008 9:30 AM | Score: 4 (6 votes cast)
Brian, Hugh is simply asking from what standpoint or what aspect of the issue are you seeking an answer. Hypocritically or morally? Because the answer could be different for both.
Where does it "fall on your scale"? I'll tell you where it falls on my moral scale. Given all the particulars, the Edwards situation is worse. On the hypocrisy scale it's hard to say. I encounter hypocrisies large and small all day long.
If you want to be simplistic, then cheating under any circumstances is wrong.
But I don't think you're a bit interested in Cassy's ranking system here. In fact, I'd bet on it. You just want to imply some form of hypocrisy is at play. That you have a low opinion of Cassy is no secret. That's easy and fun to do when you withhold your own opinion of something, isn't it?
19. Posted by Oyster | August 10, 2008 9:30 AM |
Score: 4 (6 votes cast)
Posted on August 10, 2008 09:30
20. Posted by Les Nessman | August 10, 2008 10:33 AM | Score: 3 (5 votes cast)
Same trolls highjacking threads for the same political party.
Boring.
20. Posted by Les Nessman | August 10, 2008 10:33 AM |
Score: 3 (5 votes cast)
Posted on August 10, 2008 10:33
21. Posted by Denise | August 10, 2008 10:41 AM | Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
I do feel sympathy for EE but WHY did she issue her statement on the hate-filled DailyKos?
That may backfire.
21. Posted by Denise | August 10, 2008 10:41 AM |
Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
Posted on August 10, 2008 10:41
22. Posted by Rance | August 10, 2008 3:06 PM | Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Just for the sake of accuracy, you say: "Meanwhile, Rielle Hunter is challenging Edwards to take the paternity test."
If you read the article you cited, it is her sister who is calling for the paternity test. Rielle Hunter has said (and is quoted in the same article if you read down further) that she doesn't want there to be any paternity test.
She probably knows who is and isn't the father and sees no point in knowing. Besides, why should she make that info public for free when she can sell the book and/or movie rights.
22. Posted by Rance | August 10, 2008 3:06 PM |
Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on August 10, 2008 15:06