The John Edwards' story

[Okami]

http://nymag.com/news/politics/63045/

I never liked the guy, but this expose is just astounding. I know we will never see anything like this from the Clintons as far as detail, though I think we will see it soon from the Obama camp circa 2011.

How did this guy get so little scrutiny? (rhetorical question since I already know the answer)

Tom Daschle has a sense of humor, who knew?

[Wookiee]

A excellet read, indeed, but sadly, not surprising. It's quite telling when such an "expose" fails to do little more than reaffirm the putridity at the core of money politics and power.

[TainanCowboy]

It's quite telling when such an "expose" fails to do little more than reaffirm the putridity at the core of money politics and power.

Quite true...but then, he is a Democrat and a lawyer.

[Okami]

In the book it is from there is suppose to be even more stuff like Bubba getting another mistress. I'm not enough of a political hack to actually buy the book, "Game Change", but it does sound like your average TV show drama from little I have seen.

[TainanCowboy]

Some funny stuff on Edwards and the book:

New York Magazine Illustrates Edwards Scandal Story With Hilarious Art

[cfimages]

It's quite telling when such an "expose" fails to do little more than reaffirm the putridity at the core of money politics and power.

Quite true...but then, he is a Democrat and a lawyer.

Could be worse. He could be a Republican.

[Mother Theresa]

I doubt that any of you have read the whole thing, as it's 15 pages. But it does look entertaining, so I printed it out and intend to get to it one of these days.

I do wonder, though, how accurate/credible/reliable it is. Not that I'm "sticking up for him because he's a Democrat" -- I'm not, I know there are plenty of slimy politicians of all parties -- I just wonder how much is fact and how much is fantasy to sell a book.

Anyway, I look forward to reading it.

[mofangongren]

I read it. Seems that most of the article focuses on the self-destruction that John Edwards went through as he refused to take responsibility for the Rielle Hunter relationship and its effect upon his marriage and public image. In the end, the article indicates that Edwards' staff did a good job of holding in the story until he finally failed as a primary candidate on his own merits. However, the affair, his difficulties in figuring who would ultimately win the primary, and his inability to see how he was coming off on others ultimately cost him the credibility he'd need for a cabinet position or even a speaking slot at the convention. And the article also indicate that he had a big, fat puffed head from being a Veep candidate in 2004 that probably impaired his judgment all along the way.

[Wookiee]

Fairly good summary, but I was astounded by his arrogance in assuming that he could pull the "I did it, but I didn't inhale" defence (I only slept with her once). Hubris!

I read it. Seems that most of the article focuses on the self-destruction that John Edwards went through as he refused to take responsibility for the Rielle Hunter relationship and its effect upon his marriage and public image. In the end, the article indicates that Edwards' staff did a good job of holding in the story until he finally failed as a primary candidate on his own merits. However, the affair, his difficulties in figuring who would ultimately win the primary, and his inability to see how he was coming off on others ultimately cost him the credibility he'd need for a cabinet position or even a speaking slot at the convention. And the article also indicate that he had a big, fat puffed head from being a Veep candidate in 2004 that probably impaired his judgment all along the way.

[mofangongren]

It'd be hard to put oneself into Edwards' shoes -- guy screws up big-time has an affair that he probably rationalizes out of horniness, being on the road, and also being somewhat aware that his existing wife might be gone soon from incurable cancer. And so he does something that, when exposed, causes said wife enormous pain, so he tries to tell her the lie that's both self-serving but also his best bets for re-assuring his cancer-stricken wife that it was a slip-up and that he still loves her by saying "it was just that one time". Given the length of the marriage, Edwards' not being generally known (as Bill Clinton was) for rutting like a rock star, and their shared history (both profoundly affected by loss of their son in a car accident), it's quite likely Edwards has very strong feelings for his wife so I find it credible that the lie came out of a mix of good and bad motives.

He comes off in the article as a systematic bumbler and far from a pro at this, and yet he was somehow so discreet that even the top advisors traveling with him from state to state are only relying upon the "vibe" they get from Edwards' interaction with Hunter and not scenes like them holing up in airplane restrooms together or Hunter sneaking into his hotel room.