John Edwards admits to affair with Rielle Hunter
So much for that speaking engagement at the Democratic National Convention. John Edwards is admitting to an affair with Rielle Hunter, AP reports:
Edwards told ABC News that he lied repeatedly about the affair but said that he didn't love the woman. He said he has not taken a paternity test but knows he isn't the father of her child because of the timing of the affair and the birth.
Uh, wow. So, if he doesn't love the other woman, that makes it okay? And he said this to the media? Out loud?
Okay, we've heard enough about John. Here's my question:
Tell us why below.
John Edwards political career has been over for at least a year if not two. He couldnt even carry his own state in this years democratic primary and he only received a handful of delegates. I dont think he was ever seriously considered as a VP candidate. He can have a career in law or in television but not in politics.
Posted by: Jonny | August 08, 2008 at 01:22 PM
because he is a lawyer and a politician who exhibits the worst traits of both- no ethics: he's a liar, no loyalty:He abandoned his wife when she needed him the most. Creeps with such a lack of character have no value as leaders. No matter which political party they belong to- weed them out...we will all be better off.
Posted by: rl hosier | August 08, 2008 at 01:30 PM
Funny you guys at the TIMES buried this story for MONTHS now you have to eat it.....Left wing nuts....
Posted by: chris wilkey | August 08, 2008 at 01:32 PM
Gee TIMES looks like you cannot BURY this story anymore.....funny how that works. Sometimes life is FAIR...to bad left wing wing nuts
Posted by: chris wilkey | August 08, 2008 at 01:34 PM
I won't vote for hypocrites.
Sigh. We have McCain who cheated on his first crippled wife - and may still be doing so (Vicky) , plus suggests wife # 2 to be Miss Buffalo Chip, - and now this.
Thank God for Barack, Michelle and family values. They have my vote.
Posted by: Denise Oliver-Velez | August 08, 2008 at 01:39 PM
What makes him any different than Bill Clinton. I never thought he would be relected after his numrous affairs came out. I guess the American people, Democrats in particular do not care about morals.
Posted by: June Cannon | August 08, 2008 at 01:40 PM
We're talking about Democrats here remember? Does no one remember Ted Kennedy, Marion Berry, Bill Clinton, Jesse Jackson?? Of course he can still be elected. How short our memories are.
Posted by: JDBinOKC | August 08, 2008 at 01:42 PM
only way edwards wins another election is if he becomes a born again christian and joins the republican party
Posted by: dp | August 08, 2008 at 01:44 PM
He doesn't have a chance of winning an election because as much we pretend to be so forgiving no matter how agregious an act a politician has comitted, we hate when he/she's a big fat liar about it beforehand. And he doesn't love the woman?? Aww, that should make Elizabeth feel great..you know while she's getting over cancer. No married man who spends $400 on a haircut and primps the way he does isn't looking at other women, sorry.
Posted by: Patty | August 08, 2008 at 01:47 PM
I always wondered why he dropped out of the race before Super Tuesday. At the time it seem premature.
Whether, he can come back, it will depend on what else is out there (is the baby his) and how he handles it.
If he goes away for awhile and then spends time working on his campaign's original message of ending poverty, I suspect people will forgive him. Remember, Bill Clinton?
Posted by: Gorefan | August 08, 2008 at 01:48 PM
John Edwards still has a chance to continue his political career for 3 reasons: 1) He is a good-looking dude with lots of money, 2) He will say and do anything (as long as it's not too burdensome) to ensure his political life is not destroyed and 3) The voting public in America is predominately an amalgam of various lazy and ignorant individuals who want to be given promises of a better life rather than to work for it.
Posted by: Gus Levy, New Orleans, LA | August 08, 2008 at 01:49 PM
I don't think he'll win another election because he's not done lying (and being caught) yet. The National Enquirer was not wrong about the affair, or the hotel visit a month ago, why would they ONLY be wrong about Edward's being the "baby daddy" to Lisa Druck/Reille Hunter's daughter?!
Also, I find it suspicious that no father's name was listed on the baby's birth certificate, and that the the fellow who has claimed paternity is a former Edwards aide. Not to mention Edward's statement that while he did not pay off Hunter, "friends" of his MAY HAVE!
The dumbest thing Bill Clinton, and now Kwame Kilpatrick and John Edwards have done is lying about an affair. Sure, news of cheating can be death of a politician (Gary Hart is an example), but lying about it is worse. Way worse. Lying about fathering a child would be the ultimate.
Also, I guess John Edward's thinks that cheating on his wife when she's in remission from cancer (so he claims) and that he doesn't love the woman he's chosen to screw around with makes it somehow better. For me, it increases the yuck factor for him.
By the way, why would he be visiting an ex sexual partner who he didn't love and her baby at a hotel room? Sigh...
Posted by: NJ from LA | August 08, 2008 at 01:51 PM
1. You cannot claim contributions to political campaigns for tax exemptions. John Edwards allowed people to contribute to his presidential campaign knowing full well that he would never make it in light of this affair. He had to know that this would come out and obliterate his presidential (and vice-presidential) chances. Yet, he let working people spend their hard earned money on him— a millionaire.
2. What about this baby? Far from clear that it doesn't belong to him. Will he have to make another apology or revelation later? When? After the presidential elections?
3. Apparently, he loves neither his wife nor the woman he committed adultery with.
Frightening to think what kind of people aspire to the highest political office in the land — if not the world.
Posted by: Sam | August 08, 2008 at 01:52 PM
Heard enough about John? Come on LA Times...pretend the Silky Pony is a republican. MSM drops the ball again.
Posted by: LT | August 08, 2008 at 01:59 PM
Everyone, everyone deserves to learn, and deserves from everyone else grace. Redemptive acts of grace. It is the better part of our natures.
rob
Posted by: rob | August 08, 2008 at 02:00 PM
It didn't seem to have affected the political careers of other politicians (Gavin Newsome, Antonio Villaraigosa, David A. Paterson, Bill Clinton). It shouldn't affect Edwards either as long as he spins it correctly.
Posted by: zeke | August 08, 2008 at 02:02 PM
This is so typical, almost a cliche. It just show how stupid Edward is. He did not have the gusts to divorce his wife... He choose to lie and pretend he was the loving husband with the sick wife. Why don`t americans stop being so moralists! It would be less cruel. Hypocrasy knows no bounds.. poor rich, powerful people.
Posted by: Natasha | August 08, 2008 at 02:03 PM
I need someone who has character. Someone who can cheat on his wife and family can cheat the United States for their own selfish needs. So goodbye Edwards you are used goods to me.
Posted by: American Patriot | August 08, 2008 at 02:05 PM
He's through. Because he's a liar and a cheat.
Posted by: Anne | August 08, 2008 at 02:10 PM
really, with ALLLL the other political drama going on right now, this really is not a big suprise nor do I see it as a big deal. People cheat, lie, and have sex with people they aint married too all the time. Just because WE dont hear about it doesnt mean it doesnt happen. I'd re-elect Bill Clinton in a heartbeat if it was an option.
They should just go on Maury, get it all over and done with. LOL
Posted by: raissa | August 08, 2008 at 02:12 PM
Here in North Carolina we can't stand this guy. He couldn't get elected to any office in this state. We have always known that he is slime packaged in a suit.
Posted by: maryo | August 08, 2008 at 02:16 PM
oh dp, you're a creep
Posted by: maryo | August 08, 2008 at 02:17 PM
dp nails it. Edwards is getting (rightly) blasted on left wing web sites and has zero future getting elected to anything including local dog catcher, but if he were a Republican he would get a standing ovation from his fellow senators as Larry Craig and David Vitter did after their travails in an airport men's room or while wearing adult diapers with hookers.
Posted by: Eric | August 08, 2008 at 02:21 PM
Lets remember people...Democrats have affairs, Republicans conspiracies. The only difference between the two is that the Republicans are boinking millions of people at a time instead of just one.
Posted by: Ron Bull | August 08, 2008 at 02:22 PM
I backed and voted for Edwards, todays news removes my support ever for this man. I have no tolerance for those who have no regard to honor their personal commitments. Also that is why I have no respect for McCain and his adultery with his first wife (even if he did marry the other Bimbo Cindy).
Posted by: FRANK R | August 08, 2008 at 02:26 PM