If you live in America, you’ve no doubt heard of the recent National Enquirer story alleging that hot-shot politician John Edwards had a secret affair which produced a secret child. They even have pictures! However, thus far, the mainstream media has not muttered a word about the scandal, since the Enquirer story is anonymously sourced with no hard evidence. But with the Democratic National Convention coming up, and Edwards likely to speak at the event, the issue is looming larger, particularly since Edwards has chosen to ignore the story and refuses to answer questions rather than firmly deny it. Political strategists say this isn’t going to work going forward, particularly if Edwards wants a shot at the vice presidency or attorney general’s seat.
“He absolutely does have to [resolve it]. If it’s not true, he has to issue a stronger denial,†said Gary Pearce, the Democratic strategist who ran Edwards’ 1998 Senate race. “It’s a very damaging thing. … The big media has tried to be responsible and handle this with kid gloves, but it’s clearly getting ready to bust out. If it’s not true, he’s got to stand up and say, ‘This is not true. That is not my child and I’m going to take legal action against the people who are spreading these lies.’ It’s not enough to say, ‘That’s tabloid trash.’ â€
Will Edwards issue a statement like that? And will it — one way or another — finally push this story into the mainstream media? And will that impact the Democrats’ chances in the upcoming election?
I don’t know and I don’t care.
I just LOVE secret baby stories!
I have a hard time believing he stopped looking at himself in the mirror long enough to wet his wiener.
I just WANT TO KNOW.
I really wanted him to take some sort of prominent position after this election. I’ll be so sad if this screws us over.
But if it’s true, he’s an idiot.
I hope, if the baby is his, that he is man enough to acknowledge that fact. If it is his, I am thoroughly disappointed in him. He was my candidate of choice for president this year and I believe he has so many great ideas for leading this country, but if you can’t even lead your own life with some integrity…and that with a wife who is suffering from terminal cancer and who was willing to travel all over the place with you to help you campaign…. oh it is just so disappointing if it’s true…
If he was a Republican politician, the new media would be all over this. Because he’s a Democrat, he gets a slightly longer leash.
One way or the other, it will all come out eventually.
He’s beautiful, it was only a matter of time before his mistress surfaced. And just a wee bit longer now before the OTHER mistresses surface. But how fucking stupid to get her pregnant! It’s not rocket science.
Ya, condoms aren’t that expensive. hah. He was my candidate of choice as well. I really think he could of made a positive change. I think his personal life has absolutely nothing to do with how he would run a country though (same with Bill Clinton, he did a great job)
I really wish you guys wouldn’t cover this story. It may be “fun” to you but imagine being his wife or his kids. Have a heart – his wife is grappling with what is mostl likely a terminal illness, his adult daughter is struggling with losing her mom, and they have young children as well. If its true, he’s a complete @#@#$. But the family shouldn’t have to have all you guys rub it in their faces every day – they’re dealing with enought as it is.
i agree with both jojo and chuck. his political career will never recover from this if it is true- sleeping around on your totally committed wife who happens to be dying of cancer, is a serious deal breaker.
you have to believe the obama campaign is asking about it. i wonder if he would fess up to them. if he is nominated for vp, i would have to assume that this is false. i don’t think the obama machine would allow that kind of scandal to get in their way.
Even if it’s not true it could scare Obama away, unfortunately.
Very, very true. This has been whispered about on the Hill for a while now. I believe his wife knows, as well. Curiously enough, it has never been leaked, even by Republicans. I never understood why, seeing as it would have been prime political fodder during his campaign.
that’s an interesting question: why haven’t republicans gone after this? he is a strong vp choice for obama. do you think they are just waiting to see if obama picks him or will they stir it up during the convention to try and take away any leads the democrats might make?
interesting.
This doesn’t prove anything, but the so alled “spy photo” is pathetic. I couldn’t see any particular resemblance to Edwards. And the photo of the man in a sweaty blue t-shirt looked like a young Ray Manazerik.
well….just show the babys photo…if it has that stupid, wooden puppet grin of his, you’ll know he’s the johnny appleseed to her plowed field.
He admitted to the relationship today. From CNN:
John Edwards said Friday he had lied about his affair with a film-maker throughout his presidential campaign, according to ABC News.
He also said he had not fathered the 5-month-old child of Rielle Hunter, 42, although he also said he had not taken a paternity test.
In a Nightline interview set to air tonight, Edwards said he knew he was not the father because of the timing of the birth. His former aide Andrew Young has claimed paternity.
Last month, he told reporters that he had not been lying during his presidential bid when he denied having a relationship with Hunter. “I have no idea what you are asking about I have responded to consistently to these tabloid allegations by saying I don’t respond to these lies,” said Edwards.