John Edwards (Finally) Admits Paternity and Separates from his Wife
You really have to ask yourself, has there been a bigger sleaze personally on the political scene than John Edwards? After a zillion denials and evasions he finally has admitted that the baby his former mistress had was indeed his:
Former senator John Edwards on Thursday admitted paternity of a daughter with former mistress Rielle Hunter, despite his previous denials, in a statement given to the “Today” show.
Harrison Hickman, a trusted Edwards adviser, went on the show to discuss the statement from the former presidential candidate, who also served as the vice presidential nominee for the Democratic Party in 2004.
“I am Quinn’s father,” Edwards said in the statement. “I will do everything in my power to provide her with the love and support she deserves…. It was wrong for me ever to deny she was my daughter.”
He also apologized to his daughter, now nearly two, saying he hoped she could forgive him one day, and to the public. “To all those I have have disappointed and hurt, these words will never be enough. But I am truly sorry,” he said.
“I know it’s not possible,” Edwards previously said over the question of whether Frances Quinn Hunter was his child.
Hickman said that Elizabeth Edwards, who is battling cancer, and John have separated and that she is supportive of him coming forward about the child. “Elizabeth thinks he should acknowledge this,” Hickman said.
Just think about the millions of people who were touched or wept at the devotion of Edwards during his campaign — how he so loved his wife and how she was bravely battling cancer. Now it has come out via the National Enquirer and other published accounts that the lovey doved Edwards’ weren’t because John Edwards felt he could have an affair and lie to the media and those who trusted him politically.
America has had its share of politicians, celebrities who had affairs. But seldom on the same level of Edwards who was a)two timing his sick wife b)addressing her illness and his devotion to her in appearances.
The sleaze quotent is so high he could sell the sleaze on Amazon.com and still have enough to sell on www.overstock.com
Here’s the AP’s video report:
CBS’s blog Political Hotsheet wonders what would have happened if Edwards had been President?
FOOTNOTE: Edwards’ story is an incredible story. Here was a dynamic politician who moved a segment of America with his stated compassion for the poor, argued his case well, had a (seemingly) wonderful family life, plus supporters who trusted and idolized him.
He had it all.
Even great hair.
Now at least he has his hair.
7 Responses to “John Edwards (Finally) Admits Paternity and Separates from his Wife”
First Tiger and now Edwards…man, all of the media appointed heroes are falling to earth.
and F' Dr Phil too!
It certainly shows the gullibility of many people and the active complicity of the media in selling the American people a bill of goods.
What Edwards did is between him and God and his family.
What ought to be our business is why the National Enquirer, generally regarded as the sleaze bucket of the tabloids, actually investigated and broke this story while the rest of the media tried to ignore it and cover it up. That should be a profound wake-up call to America how in the tank the media is for powerful politicians.
Is there any chance that the folks at the Enquirer will win a Pulitzer for investigative journalism? Hah! Those kinds of prizes only go to those who further the liberal political agenda.
SHEESH! Hell freezing over again! I had the same thought (though I wouldn't call it gullibility), have from the start, in part because I've never been an Edwards groupie, at any time at any level. We have only ourselves to blame for these kind of disappointments, when we forget that people are human and have flaws. Every single one of us. No one should over-promise and if it sounds too good to be true, ask more questions.
Blue moon alert!
I read through parts of your blog. Excellence on wheels. While we disagree substantially on many issues you are clearly one of the very bright lights in the dark corridors of liberalism.
My apologies for my initially boorish introduction a few threads back. I misjudged you.(/grovel)
Now just you wait 'enry 'iggins! This ain't over. lol
I'll have to write sometime about how I told my 74 year old father that he better do my lit drops exactly as I demanded or we'd turn around and go home. I was hell on wheels during my campaign – well – around everyone who needed to either steer clear or do exactly as I said.
I think this could be why I won't get much past City Council though! lol
“What Edwards did is between him and God and his family.”
I 100% agree. Not that it gives him a pass, but I agree with the statement. I am sure God didn't place me on this earth to judge the failings of others. I have plenty of my own to deal with!
What I don't get is what I read as a contradiction with the rest of your comment. If what Edwards did is between him, his God and his family, why would we want the mainstream media to cover it? Just an honest question. Maybe we have the right to know, but then should leave him and his family the F alone? That works for me too… You?
Good point. My response.
Because he is running to for public office, and integrity is/should be a key part of the qualifications. And the media is responsible by design and its own appointment to assist in vetting a candidate.
I'm not saying the media should be peeping in bedroom windows, but there were indications of what was going on that were ignored. When Edwards made the public denials, he was lying, the media knew it, but failed to report it.
Legal issues aside, I lean toward your 'report it but leave the family alone' but unfortunately that is unlikely. We love to gawk. It's the selective gawking that I was objecting to.