John Edwards admits affair with campaign staffer - but denies fathering her child - in an interview with ABC News. I remember when this was rumoured last year everyone of my Democratic friends admitted that they believed the story. It just seemed plausible.
Doubtless, much of the mud about to be thrown at Edwards will point to the fact that his wife, Elizabeth, was fighting cancer since early 2007 when the disease, which had been in remission, returned. I imagine this is why - perhaps honestly! - he continues to deny paternity since the child was born this year... Trouble is: his denials don't cut much mustard. Nor does claiming he was "99% honest". The recklessness of his run for the presidency knowing there was an affair that might one day be uncovered.... well, it's quite breathtaking.
Anyway, does this mean that the National Enquirer, which broke and followed a story the rest of the US press considered too tawdry to touch, will win a Pulitzer Prize? Perhaps in the "Public Service" category?
Ps: Good for Obama too! A couple of days out of the headlines will do him no harm whatsoever.
"National Enquirer (More or Less) Vindicated"
Mickey Kaus probably deserves a few apologies from various quarters, too. He's been cussedly flagging the affair story for some time now and took a lot of flack for it.
Thank God Edwards didn't get the Democratic nomination! Can you imagine? One marvels at the hubris of his standing at all, frankly.
Posted by: Anthony | August 09, 2008 at 12:05 AM