Is John Edwards' political career over?
Click the play button to see what Jack and our viewers had to say.(PHOTO CREDIT: AP PHOTO)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
In the end, he was too good to be true. John Edwards rode onto the national stage with a compelling message about poverty, about corporations that prey on the vulnerable. He had a record of standing up for the little guy…and he got very rich doing it.
He was tailor-made for politics – good looking with "aw-shucks" kind of country boy charm. He got to the Senate, onto the ticket as vice president in 2004 and was in the running for the White House himself for a while earlier this year.
Now it's all over. After denying it for months, John Edwards has finally admitted in an interview to be broadcast on ABC's Nightline tonight that he had an extramarital affair with a woman who worked on his campaign.
Watch: Cafferty: Edwards career over?
When the National Enquirer first reported this story in October of 2007, Edwards denied everything, saying "The story is false, it's completely untrue, it's ridiculous."
Interesting the story breaks late on a Friday and the ABC interview will be broadcast the same night the opening ceremonies are running on NBC. None of this is an accident.
Speculation around Edwards had included a possible spot on the Obama ticket as Vice President, or perhaps as attorney general in an Obama administration.
By tomorrow morning, he'll be lucky to get his calls returned by Howard Dean's housekeeper.
Here’s my question to you: Is John Edwards’ political career over?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Stephanie from Philadelphia writes:
I think politicians' private lives should remain private. If we persist in uncovering every detail about candidates' sex lives, we will limit our supply of good candidates. In today's climate, FDR would not be elected, and might even have been afraid to run. No one is without skeletons in the closet, and unless they are acting feloniously, I don't want to know.
Roger from Baltimore writes:
The morality issue is between John and Elizabeth Edwards. But the man was willing to risk having his party lose the election had he been nominated and the story come out shortly before the election. His supposed commitment to the poor wasn't really his first priority after all.
Mary in Pennsylvania writes:
I don't know if it's over, but as a former supporter and contributor to his campaign, I am certainly disappointed and don't know if I could trust him again. He presented himself as a loving, devoted, husband and father. Makes me wonder how else he misrepresented himself. His wife and family certainly deserved better.
Kelly in Des Moines, Iowa writes:
I don't think John Edwards career is over at all. It proves he is nothing more than a normal guy to me. I don't necessarily condone the action, but you have to look no further than President Clinton to see that there is still a light at the end of the tunnel for John Edwards. Edwards was a candidate for president. Clinton was the president. Bill Clinton is just fine, and is possibly more popular than he was before the incident. I believe John Edwards will be just fine as well.
Sharon in King George, Virginia writes:
Mr. Edwards has joined Newt Gingrich and other heels in the adultery hall of fame, sorry shame. It’s bad enough to cheat, but when your wife is battling a life-threatening disease? Sorry, John. Join Newt, its over.
Elaine in Lahmansville, West Virginia writes:
Jack, Let me see if I understand this. Russia is attacking another country right now but we're worried about John and his zipper? What a world!
@jackcafferty on Twitter
most definitely, unfortunately.
Yea...game over.
Jack
It was over after 2004 when he lost. What is the reason that a politician running for office thinks that they can hide anything from the 24 hour news/blog cycle?
What happened to the forecast of the economy? Jeez.
Edwards should be the next vice-president, but he will not. His political career is over for the time being. Soon he will be re-elected to the Senate and continue his good work.
Going by today's standard I think it is once the MccCain camp gets a hold of it. Poor mistake by a good manand he is one of the main ingredients the Dems need to win the Whithe House, I guess the search continues.
Brooklyn N.Y.
If John Edwards career is over then John McCain's career should be over also. Let me remind you that he and his present wife Cindy had an adulterous affair. He threw away his first wife and three children to marry a rich woman 15 years younger.
I am sad for him and his family. What a nice caring human being. I hope this does not take away from his work with the poor. I feel that is Elizabeth can forgive him, and God has forgiven him, it is none of my business. I have always admired him for his work. I sure I always will
ABSOLUTELY! There is no way he will ever have credibility with a female audience ever again. It's the lowest of the low.
Madison, WI
No it isnt over, cause he can be Mccains vp they both cheated on ailing wifes. So the Mccain lovers will get an extra bonus that way.
Going by today's standard I think it is once the MccCain camp gets a hold of it. Poor mistake by a good man and he is one of the main ingredients the Dems need to win the Whithe House, I guess the search continues.
Brooklyn N.Y.
Yep. I was a committed supporter of John Edwards but I am totally disgusted by this revelation. He is an attorney so I should have known. I've had it with these fools. You can't even trust the ones who seem trustworthy. Yuck!
Tom M.
Las Vegas
Hey, media, let's make a deal! How about you talk about Edwards' affair exactly as much as you talk about McCain's?
I am sad for him and his family. What a nice caring human being. I hope this does not take away from his work with the poor. I feel that if Elizabeth can forgive him, and God has forgiven him, it is none of my business. I have always admired him for his work. I sure I'm always will
Hey Mister Edwards,
IF Georgia trusted itself to the UN, and this should not be a feared function of a government or the UN and can be a regular practice in situations where a state/people of state-verses-nation referendum would be called. Lead the way 'The United States of America' and trust yourself to the UN as well, so letting them validate your and all the other nations constitutions so confirming your national mandate for sovereignty by denying or re-affirming your standing or seat on the Security council; and this is the other side of the trust issue: international verses national.
Oh, and I need to file with the many nations for an few different Article 57's under the Charter of the United Nations.
It's done! Over! Kaput! Finito! But then again, Bill is still hanging around.
Jack,
NO WAY!!! I think it brought "good ole boy" back down to planet earth where the rest of us live. We'll soon get over it, besides we have a war we're wasting billions on, and we should be counting down the tyrannical reign of Bush!!
He'll be ok
IF you read the above on air and he answers, is it?
I was only slightly annoyed at the sensationalism that your program displayed with the breaking of the John Edwards affair story, but I was particularly and outrageously appalled by how you repeatedly interlaced the discussion with clips of Senator Edwards' comments on faith. I know that people love stories involving politicians, sex, and hypocrisy, but that was a low blow unbecoming of CNN and unrelated to the real story. Please save that kind of classless commentary for the tabloids and your other cable news competitors.
– Andrew
Oklahoma City, OK
Edwards is old enough to know what he does, we don't need to judge him.It's his life and his problem.To jump at someone's private life like its the most important thing on earth just shows how empty your life is...it won't change Edward's behaviour.So who cares.After all, if he'd lived in Utah nobody would be surprised annyway!
As a breast cancer survivor, I find John Edwards' behavior disgusting. When his wife needed him the most he was off messing around with some hoochie mama. To make matters worse, he told one lie on top of another. Be a man, John. Step up to the plate and tell the truth. And, it wouldn't hurt to hear you give a public apology to your wife, too.
My wife says"Hopefully so, because this is yet another case of the little head telling the big head what to do". She dares you air this which is the real truth.
Yes, for the time being until the next politician is led astray by their "other brain". This is why men are the preferred politicians..they're the gift that keeps on giving.
San Angelo, Texas
I certainly hope not. It is time that we stop invading the private lives of politicians. Lies are only newsworthy when they concern public matters.
Perhaps he didn't see anything wrong with it. After all, in a land of 2 America's, why aren't you allowed 2 lovers?
Who care's, really . Im still paying 4.15 for gas, we are still in a bad war, people still dont have health care, jobs are being lost , our governemnt is selling this country out to the highest bidders and we want to know if Edwards career is over, get a life . You media head's just don't get it. Use your power for real meaningfull change not gossip. Oh I forgot it's your owned by a big corporation so you can't talk about real issues.
Yes. This is it for him. Sad to say, but this country is so pathetic in their tabloid hysteria that a personal choice, whether it be bad or good, sells newspapers. If our journalist could get their heads out of the smut and report on substance instead of rumor and whats sells. Maybe we could focus on what really matters. US!!!
Absolutely, NOT! He made a mistake and he's still a decent man.
Hi Jack:
John WHO??
Ron San Diego
With what is going on I think a sex scandal is the least of the our worries. Congress is on vacation, the White House is watching the Olympics, and Russia is attacking Georgia. I guess as long as the price of a barrel of Oil goes down and stocks rise momentarily we are just peachy keen. So sex scandal it is.
I hope not. I feel that he is a decent person. The female accomplice did not need to make the affair public. Why did she do it?
The question more to the point should be: Should having an extra marital affair disqualify a person from serving in public office?
Edwards clearly has a future as head of the Philanderer community in the Democratic party. He could run a PAC; raise funds to support Philanderer causes; lobby for Philanderer planks in the platform, etc.
The Four Horsemen of the Philanderer community would be of course John, Bill Clinton, Jesse Jackson, and Gary Hart.
Not at all, I think that he has a good shot at running with Obama for VP.
I also think that he can appeal to the blue collar working voters that Hillary was able to round up.
However, if Obama looses in the election, or if the supreme court says he did. I think loosing twice for VP will have a significant impact on the remainder of Edwards political career.
No way, this stuff only serves as a resume enhancement in the Democratic party.
Jack, I think that John's political career is done, and if I were him I'd find a comfortable cabin in the hills and retire with my family and millions. He doesn't need us, but I think we needed him. My prayers are with John, Elizabeth, and their family.
What he did is unexcusable, but pales when compared to what many politicians have done and are doing today. In John's case it's him and his family that have to live with his mistake. In too many other cases of politician's mistakes, it's the country that has to suffer.
I don't believe you guys!! Russa invades another country and it is mentioned in passing. Between bowing to Obama, you spend all this time yacking about a man'e sex-capades.
Let him without sin---.
Barbara
No! Nobody is perfect. It's unfortunate that his marriage has ended. Life goes on , But I think that he should be ordered by the courts to see if the baby is his.Any female that goes to the Human Services Department and claim that the father is denying that the baby is his they are ordered to do a blood test. We still Love you Edwards. Get involved in the other child's life if he/she is yours.Rasheed O Anoka, MN
Why should it be?
I disagree with his reasons of why he had the affair, but just like with Bill Clinton's ordeal with Lewinsky, he'll have more personal issues with his wife to contend with that will far outweigh his political career.
Isn't this a norm for Washington politics; whether it is a republican or democrat?
One last thing, I think this will clinch him not getting the VP nod now if he was being considered, and I don't think either Hillary or McCain will comment too much on this since Hillary was on the victim side of an affair while McCain was the cheater in his affair....
Jack
I can only speak as a man. I believe as the male species we have a physical compass that if it is left to direct our life we would be hard pressed to find a meaningful direction in life..
Those who ask us to place them in positions of power regardless of the capacity Religion or Politics we take for granted that they will lead by their moral compass. Power becomes an opiate and as the old saying goes power corrupts. I truly believe in the world of men that when the moral compass is corrupted the physical compass takes over.
Tom Gaglione
Kerrville Texas
Not really. McCain's isn't and he's had at least one affair that we know of. However, it is despicable. His wife was ill. Why do men pick woman that could not hold a candle to their wives?
It was over when he lost the primary. He needs to go home and care for his family. And everyone else needs to just leave them alone.
Jack, I can't believe people have the nerve to point fingers at this man personal life. It's not America's business in his personal affairs. Frankly, I couldn't care less. I bet most negative posting come from women. We are more judgemental than any human being. I for one think he don't owe the public anything regarding this personal matter. Your not his wife or GOD so who are you to say anything or judge him. Some of you women still think your husband has never lust,I feel sad for you. Pray that you are forgiven and let it go.
Not really. He is just following the trail blazed by politicians that came before him. Shameful and you betcha it is over.
Annoying, when they are personal and don't address the real issues of America! (War, Peace, healtcare, high gas prices, restoring American trust)
He's toast! Not only is John Edwards' career over, he's also having a pretty bad hair day!
I certainly hope not. It is time that we stop invading the private lives of politicians. Lies are only newsworthy when they concern public matters.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Who cares if Edwards' career is over – maybe he can speak with Bill Clinton at the convention.
He will survive this and most likely be around to face Obama in the Democratic primary for the candidate who will run against McCain in 4 years.
Most unfortunate episode both on the personal family life of the
Edward's and Edwards political life.
I realize to err is human but why in the world would seemingly intelligent public figures repeatedly commit this kind of character
assasination against themselves ? Supreme Stupidity !!!
Yes. What a sad thing for all. It never ceases to amaze me the way these men in the public eyes think that they can get by with this stuff. They run this country the same way they do their lives..with selfishness,arrogance and down right meanness. God bless Elizabeth she deserved better and so do we. He looks like Jimmy Swagart to me, Hope God forgives him and Elisabeth Kicks him to the curb.
To Tom, Why don't you move to another country? I'm not paying $4.15 for gas it has dropped for 23 days in a row! I pay for my own health care. A bad war? Where are you living? Smut? This guy ran twice for President! Just Move!
Bill Clinton survived. Sadly, despite his disgraceful behavior, so will Edwards. Unfortunately, we here in America are very quick to forgive and forget these days.
Regarding this joker, all democrats are jokers, John Edwards will be a great President, exemple: Keneddy and Clinton had plenty of afairs and Americans like this kind of politician, dirty , but they like it, it's a American style, they like low class acts!
John Edwards is done, done, done!! Just like he was before the affair.
It has been over, long before this.
Wow, news flash.....man cheats on wife. No wonder this country can't solve its problems. Jack, tell your bosses that most of this country would like to know what our government is doing either to us, or for us, and leave the sex-capades to the tabloids where they belong. Rupert Murdoch must be grinning ear to ear when this stuff happens.
Unfortunately, I believe his political career is over. The reason I hold this belief is because our society seems to believe that how people conduct there personal lives has everything to do with the way they conduct their work ethic. Edwards made a mistake, and he has admitted his mistake. Instead of everyone judging Edwards on this action alone, we should consider what he has accomplished during his career.
The problem with our society is that we are quick to judge people on their flaws instead of their accomplishments.
Saying that he didn't love (the chick) holds no water. A typical answer from someone who has experienced this. The guy is a cad! And the lies!! He should hang his head in shame. His devoted wife obviously has more than her plate full. Why should she have to do battle with her husband while she's fighting the battle of her life!!
I really liked Edwards, and was hoping he would be Obama's VP. After this news, I don't feel the same way.
McCain had affairs with several women, most notably with Cindy.
Didn't seem to hurt his career. What about Gingrich?
Somehow it always hurts Democrats more. Why? I am not condoning it, I am a big Elizabeth Edwards fan. I just think everyone's private life is just that, PRIVATE.
Enough already, I don't care about Edwards' sex life.
When Francois Mitterand died the French discoverded that he had another family. Do you think that they cared? NO !
What a waste of air time. What is this American obsession with their politicians ' sex lives ?
Dominique, Newnan GA
I really don't care. It is a matter for him and his family. Why don't you report some news rather than harping on a story about a politician who won't be running for anything again for another 4 years?
TVads are annoying,but some canbe funny and entertaining. Gene
Yes, his career is over. The Democrats as a whole trusted John. We believed him to be a responsible, caring husband and father. An affair is a disgusting debacle to begin with. Add to this one the fact that his wife is terminally ill, and he has small children. I guess he was just another politician.
Let's get back to tracking McCain's dumping of wife #1 in favor of a rich wife #2, shall we? More pertinent as a character indicator because he's the current wannabe Republic candidate.
I always thought Edwards was better than this. I am especially disappointed to hear him say that he did not love her. This is like Bill saying I did not inhale. How did Edwards get it up anyway?
I am outraged! This is unheard of that a man in political life would have an affair with another woman. It really reflects badly on the Democrats, especially since John McCain has such a spotless record as a faithful husband and father. Well, except for abandoning his faithful wife that had waited for his all the time he was building what passes for his resume for the presidency, to marry a huge bank account wrapped around one of a series of blond chippies in his stable.
Definitely not Jack, all that is needed is a public apology.
I don't think so. Maybe if this happened twenty years ago, but not today. Younger voters, and those interested in a new kind of washington are only interested in what a politician does ON the job, and not what he does with his personal life.
I was a big fan of Sen. Edwards but now I am very disappointed. I guess he was too good to be true.
Well, as we all know, the American Public will no doubt forget all about this in about one years time.
Edwards is a good person over all. Good Politician... and means well. But like many politicians before him, he has strayed.
Kennedy, Clinton, Van Buren, and many others have had affairs while President. In Edwards case, this is really a personal issue, as he was not holding public office. And it should be left at that. He will have to deal with his family and close friends, whom he has lied too.
I will keep him in my prayers...
Heavens No, he has just joined the ranks of others, he has done no more or no less than President Clinton and others.
John Edwards isn't the first man to cheat on his wife and he won't be the last. Can you imagine what the unemployment rate would be in this country if every cheating spouse lost their job? No, his political career is far from over.....just ask Bill Clinton.
No.
But lets leave the man alone!
Affairs happen all the time! Nothing new. Lets get over it!
Adultery doesn't seem to have hurt McCain. He's admitted to it, and his present marriage started with an affair, while his wife was disabled from an auto accident. Of course, no one is interested in talking about those "family values."
I don't think his career is over at all. It proves he is nothing more than a normal guy to me. I don't necessarily condone the action, but you have to look no further than President Clinton to see that there is still a light at the end of the tunnel for John Edwards. Edwards was a 'candidate' for President. Clinton WAS the president. Bill Clinton is just fine, and is possibly more popular than he was before the incident. I believe John Edwards will be just fine as well.
Kelly R Des Moines, IA
Do the words "Bill Clinton" come to mind?
The Republicans have finally got their payback.
Karma, Karma, Karma...
get real. politicians' careers are only trully over when they are dead, and some even get past this little problem. edwards can come back from this if he deals with it correctly. maybe he learned from others and will face this head on rather than deny and evade.
Isn't it sad that anyone (especially the media!) cares about this. We are in a recession, at war, high crime rate, turning into a welfare state, lame duck President, – shall I go on? And we are consumed with which slut this guy slept with?
It is sickening that CNN has sunk this low. You were my last hope for meaningful news information.
See ya!
He's done. There's plenty of room under Obama's bus, John. Call me crazy, but I don't think Barack will come rushing to your defense.
I can understand why Edwards had the affair. I don't think Edwards career in politics is necessarily over, but it's changed because of rude little people like Alex Hitchens of the National Enquirer who want to seek to destroy celebrities and politicians, all for the sake of selling another of Rupert Murdoch's bird cage liner sheets.
John McCain cheated on his wife, divorced, and married the woman he was cheating with..And I hear he's doing pretty well these days.
Sorry, I just had to.
Interesting how other media outlets have been on this story for a few weeks, but the mainstream has ignored it.
The majority of men do cheat and marriages can survive and be even stronger.
Hey I'd do him. He's hot! 🙂
So sad, not his affair, but the coverage it's getting.
This is a personal matter between John and his family – no on else.
How pathetic that America is still stuck in the Victorian era while.
America get your priorities straight.
You say he lied. Well I believe he has the eright to lie when questioned about something that is only his business.
I work with a couple of Republicans that are just plain exstatic over this scandal. No thought to the pain to others that this is going to cause. There is NEVER any thought to the families/wives/children of these men who, for whatever reason, risk it all. What Senator Edwards did was between him, his wife and his God......What the media is doing is a far greater sin than what John Edwards did. With our world collapsing, the major news organizations chase stories like this. What does it say about our country?
I do not care who John Edwards had sex with. People are losing their homes and their jobs in this country. If his wife can deal with it, then we should too.
Thank God he's not the presumptive Democratic Presidential nominee or we'd be toast come November 4th. However, if this is his first affair he deserves another chance I believe everyone does...depending on what they've done.
Agnes from Columbia MD
I was wondering why i have not heard it in the news about obama having the american flag removed from the Jet he uses? I think its more important news than John Edwards who has done what most of america has done.
I find it disgusting that the so called "best political team on televison" has sunk so low. Report it and move on. What makes American so gleeful at tearing someone down with no regard for the children of this family....and now a Special Investigation Unit...pathetic.
Unlike when most Republicans get caught in this situation, John Edwards isn't being a hypocrite. I couldn't care less if John Edwards had an affair. I just feel sorry for Elizabeth. I might feel different if it was Barack Obama, not that he would be a hypocrite, but it would tarnish his wholesome family image.
Is his political career over? Probably not. Look at Clinton... and what about JFK? and God only knows how many other politicos have had extra-marital affairs. Then there are the pedophiles in our government. Shouldn't we be more concerned about them?
My only concerns at this point are for his family. My thoughts and prayers go out to them.
Yes! John Edwards has ruined his career with these actions and saying that he didn't love the woman and that it happened when his wife was in remission is equally as vile. While I am proud to say that I have never cheated on anyone I have dated, the one time I was tempted was due to two factors: I was having trouble with my girlfriend at the time and I began developing real feelings for a woman I had to work very closely with. To say that his affair was basically about sex makes it all the worse in my book.
No, Jack, John Edwards's political career is not over. Is John McCain's?, Is Bill Clinton's? Did NYC accept Rudy Guiliani? What about Thomas Jefferson? There are thousands more. Gosh, even French President Francois Mitterand had a secret second family and the French loved him!
It's great that John Edwards got it off his chest and was finally honest about it. That's a heck of a lot better than "I didn't inhale" or "I did not have sex with that woman!".
Jack,
If it's true that 70% of all men 50% of all women cheat on their spouses then John Edwards will survive politically – He still has his base!
Game over...what I cant understand is why he would even be tempted to destory his career and family over a woman who isn't even really attractive. I could show a little sympathy if she was a knockout.
Put a nail in the Edwards coffin.
What political career?
His political career was over years ago.
Now HE knows it, too.
Great disappointment, indeed its all over, unfortunately.
Maybe having an affair isn't such a bad thing for a Presidential candidate. (Clinton, Kennedy, Roosevelt, etc.) After all, George Bush hasn't had an affair and he's the worst President ever!!
1) You can't trust Politicians
2) Edwards IS A PRIVATE CITIZEN
3) So what's new with MEN.
4) It's the wife's concern, the wife and their family.
5) PAY ATTENTION MALE POLITICIANS – the press is WATCHING ! ! !
Give the man a break. Most Americans really don't care about this garbage, it is a matter for him and his wife to discuss. We have no business budding and and they should stop trying to sell newspapers on this crap. The only time something like this is rellevent is when one of the high and mighty politicians that are sreaming "family values" out of one side of their mouth and acting hypocritically by having affairs, prostitutes and gay affairs when they think no one is looking. No one has ever heard this dribble coming from John Edwards. Leave him and his poor sick wife alone!
Unfortunately probably not. Look at those scumbags Bill Clinton and Barney Franks. All you have to do is say your sorry, and disappear for a few months, and then come back rehabilitated. By the way, why did it take the National Inquirer to break the story? Where was CNN? Too busy with the Obama marathon?
BILL CLINTON !. Need i say more.
uh yea, its over...its the course of most, if not all politicians...a President,, a NY Gov., a Detroit Mayor in trouble now, unfortunately...except Arnold in California...hmmm
It is not over. He is young and will be a player again (in politics) in 5 or 6 years.
And please stick to reporting news, not tabloid gossip.
If John Edwards affair is the biggest news you can come up with, it really is a slow news day. Who cares? Now what is going on in Georgia. That seems closer to real news. By the way, are any of you guys having an affair. Will we have to wait for the National Enquirer to find out?
Edwards had an affair. So what?
It looks like John Edwards' career is having a pretty bad hair day.
While it is disturbing that Edwards was capable of lying explicitly various times during his primary campaign, his personal affairs are not America's buisness. He has proven himself in the political relm and as a leader. We, as citizens, have many other issues (economy, gas prices, and Russia invading Georia) that far surpass a politicians affiar in importance.
Well as far as the public is concerned John Edwards can kiss his political career goodbye and why not, the way they see it the public is perfect without sin and never weak, but for a politician and christian one at that, well you see the reaction. They also can never make mistakes but when they do, look out they are the devil incarent.
How many people, including JFK, do you and everyone else either does that or have done it. Elizabeth probably understands it.
With a three hundred dollar haircut, and the ability to hide behind a screen of squeaky-clean middle class upbringing, I think Edwards has all the prerequisites of being an excellent politician. Besides, with that charming smile–who knows? Sure, it was a mistake. Everyone makes mistakes and Edwards has worked hard for his standing. I don't think it will fully incapacitate his political career, especially since he is being open about it.
Unfortunately, I have a feeling that his political career is over. However, I do not see why his affair is really anyone's business. Yes, it is a flaw of any man or woman that has one, but I don't feel it has any significance on how they do their jobs. This is a matter between the person that had the affair and their family, it should not be a news article or a media clip. Unfortunately, Americans are too busy worrying about everyone else's business and not really what matters in life.
This should be between Edward's family & God. Our media directs too much attention to matters like this tabloid garbage.
Russia is attacking the small country of Georgia & there is more media about the affair of somebody that holds no office nor is he running for office....LEAVE THE GUY ALONE.
To answer your question....America is over if we do not get our priorities in order...Edwards will probably be fine!
Yes, his political career may be over, but didn't John McCain have an affair before his first marriage ended?
Edwards is a private citizen. holding no public office and nor is he seeking one.
MacCain is currently running for president.
Is this The Media Twilight Zone Hour?
John Edwards is no different than the hundreds of other morally debased politicians running around Washington.
His affair should really boost his career in view of how highly respected the Clinton's are these days. Maybe Elizabeth will run for president next time.
If the answer to the following statement was responded to truthfully and based on the end of one's career; many positions would be vacant.:
"He who is without sin; cast the first stone."
It should have been a long time ago.
People suffer through cnacer in nearly every family and the toll is incredible. This may be the excuse for him needing to find some "peace" with someone else.
However, being President is a 24 hour a day job, and does not allow for his being the husband and father he should be. When he dropped out as quickly as he did, I was happy for the family and the country. I wish the Edwards well.
Personally I could care less. It's an issue between he and his wife. He wasn't campaigning against adultery so there is no hypocracy like some of the republicans. We could all take a lesson from the French and not obsess about peoples private lives – separate policy from personal. If Bill Clinton's impeachment taught us anything it's that the people who throw stones first and scream the loudest are guilty themselves of the same thing. Hello Larry Craig.
I want to say yes, but considering the history of this country and it's acceptance of infidelity as a norm for our politicians I think he'll still be around for a long time to come. Look at McCain and Bill Clinton – both have had very public affairs/marital problems and both are still viable.
It should be, but the democrats love these seedy characters.
John Edwards is a liar, a pig and a politician. It's a shame with all that money all he can get is his own version of Camilla Parker Bowles.
I don't know about his politiacl career, but if he is not the father of the baby it sounds like this Rielle Hunter was a busy little beaver in 2006
After seeing how Bill Clinton was welcomed with open arms after his extramarital affair, John Edwards will still have a politcal career. What ever happened to doing the right thing? All I can say is, if his wife is standing next to him when he makes his statement, I'm going to run and throw myself through the TV!!
Jack, regarding the Edwards situation...
If I could send a tear over the internet, you would know how I feel.
Maybe . It does seem that sex is more a career buster than screwing the country. Perhaps you should report on the politicians who have not had an affair- if indeed news is the unusual -that would seem more appropriate. Too bad sexual mishaps that have nothing to do with the job get more press than important issues. Much more sexy. Do the affairs of reporters make them less able to do their jobs? Maybe you should list those of your profession who have had an affair so we can judge whether or not to heed their reports.
What I find most disgusting about this whole situation is the unholy glee the media is showing over it all. I hope the rest of the American people are as bored with it as I am.
He's toast..... Anytime someone cultivates a squeaky-clean image (and then destroys it with their own bad behavior) they never fully recover....people just always think they are a liar. Look at Bill Clinton.....we all knew about his prior affairs but still we all were devastated when he lied about Monica Lewinsky (and his image was'nt ANYWHERE near as clean and upstanding as Edwards. )
Really I just feel bad for his wife. She seems so sweet and strong. I hope she is OK thru this.
John Framingham MA
Next thing you know, John Edwards will become a Republican. Adultry is more common among them and nothing would be said.
Rose, London
Jack- once again you guys miss the interesting angle. I find it more interesting that CNN/MSM have not discussed the timing of McCain's affair with Cindy vs. his divorce (he actually got a license to marry Cindy BEFORE his divorce was final). If Edwards' situation is news even AFTER he is no longer a candidate, then why not McCain's - who after all IS STILL a candidate? Why do you hang one person out to dry but leave another alone? Both situations are sad and deplorable, but alas, you will focus only on the one who is no longer in a position to affect the lives of all Americans. Typical
Hmmm–let's see..Mccain had an adulterous affair and runs for president.....no problem, media grinds on about his campaign. Edwards had an adulterous affair, and media froth says "CAREER OVER!!!!". What is that all about?
That disparity is more interesting to me as a viewer and voter in the U.S.A. It is personal when manipulation is the media message. It's too bad Edwards walked into it. I like what he does otherwise.
It is sad that we base everything on people personal life. A person personal life does not determine the work that they do, I feel that his work should weight over people opinion or thoughts. As long as it does not interfer with the job, leave it alone. Let people private lives be their own, we as American live to see others hurt no matter who it is or who can be hurt. It makes a dollar and Enquire is good for stiring up mess, to get a rise out of Americans and we bite and so does the major channels.
My comment is how convenient it is that you guys break the Edward's affair story right on the heels of Suskind's book incriminating that ROTTEN SOB AND HIS CRONIES IN THE WHITE HOUSE. WHO GIVES A CRAP WHETHER OR NOT JOHN EDWARDS HAD 100 AFFAIRS. IT'S NOT ANY OF MY DAMN BUSINESS. IT'S BETWEEN HIM, HIS WIFE AND THE WOMAN HE HAD THE AFFAIR WITH,. LET'S SEE, THE GUY IN THE W.H. IS RESPONSIBLE FOR NEARLY 1,000, 000 INNOCENT, DEAD, IRAQI MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN VS. JOHN EDWARDS HAVING AN AFFAIR, WHAT'S MORE IMPORTANT??? I SUPPOSE AT SOME POINT YOU'LL ATTEMPT TO LINK THIS STORY WITH OBAMA'S CAMPAIGN, MAKING THE WHOLE ILLICIT AFFAIR HIS FAULT.
SAME OLD CRAP FROM YOU GUYS. ONLY I HOPE IT DOESN'T WORK THIS TIME AROUND. YOU GUYS ARE SOMETHING ELSE!!
It will probably improve his chances to get elected, given this country's total disregard for morality among candidates. Anyone who is familiar with this scumbag ambulance chaser's law career and how he got rich off of other people's suffering is not surprised by this latest news. What's sad is how many people can't see these lowlifes for who they are. And even if they could, it wouldn't matter to them.
How does it matter "when" he admitted publicly to the affair? I'm sure his wife was already aware and the situation privately was handled privately between them. So, if we're not all fallable, will this change the Dems allowing adulteror (sp?) Bill Clinton to speak at the upcoming convention?
John Edwards' career over? Nah, no way Jack. Not so long as liberal saps like you retain employment at "news stations" like CNN.
Why is everyone's knickers in a twist about a handsome, wealthy, powerful politician having an extra marital affair? Show me one politician with those attributes who has NOT had an affair....now that would be news!
You media guys should mind your own business...guys will do wht guys will do.
Nah, he'll go to rehab and be back like the flu in 2012. He's just too pretty for his own good now, time will cure that.
No I do not think this puts an end to John Edwards' political career. The bigger point I think to consider is if John Edwards had won the Democratic nominee, this is something that would've been a stake in the heart of a campaign and we would've been forced to have 4 more years of failed policy under John McCain. What was he thinking when he decided to run?
If there's any good news here it's that this matter may serve to stifle all the rumors of former Sen. Edwards being bisexual. Not that there's anything wrong with that, of course.
Mr."Squeaky Clean" has an affair and a baby while his wife has cancer?What a scum bag!!! Are there any faithful men in America?? I am greatly disappointed and disillusioned! As my 41 year ol daughter says: "Boys are dumb. Throw rocks at them!"
Why should it be? If the careers of all the Senators and Congressmen who had affairs were to be over, the buildings would be pretty empty. It is the spouses and children of these very public officials that are exposed that you have to feel sorry for. A lot of men in this country have had affairs. They have a testosterone problem. Unfortunately, some women do too. We can always blame Adam and Eve.
Unfortunately American Public/citizens are more interested in slinging mud than fixing the REAL problems of this country. What he does in his personal life doesn't hamper his ability to do good for this country ...we all have skeletons in our closet! Let the first one w/o fault cast the first stone!
I like John Edwards but this is bad. I think his political career is more than likely over but he'll still continue his work on behalf of the less fortunate hopefully.
Who cares? He outed himself. When is the "confession" book coming out?
for the time being yes .. I am hugely disappointed in him but am actually surprised at myself for feeling that way – I mean why did we expect any more from him than all other politicians – most of all I feel bad for his wife and kids. I don't think that if you are a crap husband you should be forced to give up your job if you are good at it (which he is) – I think he will re-emerge in politics but will never have the same respect as before.. good point about McCain also being an adulterer – I hope he remembers that before he tries to use this for political gain
His career is over. But I hope this will be one of those 24 hr hot items and that the media will treat it for what it is; a personal tragedy for the family, not an earth shattering political event. It's not worth more than a 24 hour gossip session.
Jack, our “breaking news” should be-why is our so called “media” asking Edwards if he had an affair? He couldn’t lie, if our news media was focused on the real issues facing Americans…..and not off on this blather! Remember what Christ said “Judge not, America, lest you will wind up with another George W as president”!
While it is disturbing that Edwards was capable of lying explicitly, various times during his primary campaign, his personal affairs are not America’s buisness. He has proven himself in the political relm and as a leader. We, as citizens, have many other issues (economy, gas prices, and Russia invading Georgia) that far surpass a politicians affiar in importance.
Haley
Longmont, CO
What is it about these guys that they don't seem to remember that we're in a media-marinated environment 24/7/52? And for a woman who's the spitin' image of Camilla Park-the-Rolls.
Why should it be over for him? It wasn't over for President Clinton.
His political career has been over since 2004.
Everybody lies and so what if John Edward did. At least he admits that he did have an affair with Elizabeth. His political career will be on hold for fews months and he will be back on track.
Nicholas, San Francisco,California
Oh heck no Jack. This is just the beginning of his political career. America thrives on smut. I bet Edwards has signed a life time deal with the National Enquirer and they will take pictures at the paternity test for a nominal fee. Of course there is the issue of his being a family man with children and a wife that is stricken with inoperable cancer. Yep that is at least a few million more in income for Edwards and pictures on her death bed.. Movie deals are in the works as we speak. "The Breck boy that wanted to be king"!!
Sure his political career is over just as Bill Clinton's was. But not his influence or means to get richer. Clinton has made more money since his political career ended than at any other time in his life
Some U.S. presidents who have had affairs:
John F. Kennedy
Bill Clinton
Thomas Jefferson
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Some U.S. presidents who have NOT had affairs:
George H.W. Bush
George W. Bush
Jimmy Carter
Gerald Ford
I rest my case.
You can’t live a lie. I hope the American public just remembers that he lied to cover it up and that he cheated on his wife while she was and is fighting for her life. I hope he finds a hole and disappears forever. Way to go DEM’s
I can't believe I ever liked John Edwards ! I campaigned for him ! What a phony ! I love his wife – he really makes me sick – I hate him – this is just so disillusioning – I feel so badly for Elizabeth Edwards – she is such a wonderful person –
Amazing! What does this have to do with all the people dying around the world? What does this have to do with me getting my gas back down to $1.37 a gallon like it was before the Bush administration and the MSM decided to invade Iraq? What will this do to help my child get better rates for college? Please Mainstream Media what does this have to do with anything? My Goodness.
The timing is bad if he had his eye on the Veep position, but other than that, I doubt it...the one he hurt was his wife, not us....will all you Obama supporters condemn Elizabeth for standing by him as you did with Hillary!?!?!
I was truly shocked by this and hadn't even heard the rumors the first time. I feel horrible for his wife.
As for his political career, it most definitely is over. Comparisons to Clinton don't fly because everyone knew Clinton was a womanizer before he even got the Democratic nominee. Edwards had billed himself as a clean as a whistle operator. This draws a closer comparison to Elliot Spitzer. When you portray yourself as holier than thou and then turn out to be a schmuck, you're finished.
Let's become adults finally. The country is already 200 years old. What his affair has to do with economy, war in Iraq, infaltion? Don't tell me it's a character issue. Political decisions make that, not what people are doing in the bedroom.
my heart goes out to Elizabeth and her wonderful family,
I am so very disapointed to hear that these allegations are true. I really believed in Edwards and I still think that he has done good work, but I'll never look at him the same again. I really feel for his family and am constantly amazed by Elizabeth Edward's strenghth. If John Edwards political career is over, maybe it's time for Elizabeth Edward's career to start. With support from her, maybe there's a chance for him to remain in politics. I am probably one of the minority that isn't upset about him lying, though. What man wouldn't lie about an extramarital affair? Get real, America. These politicians don't walk on water. They are human just like you and me. Shame on you, Edwards. You really let me down.
Dear Jack,
I don't make any excuses for John Edwards because what he done was simply wrong, especially considering his wife's condition. On the other hand, I don't understand why people find this type of behavior so shocking. If we cleared out Washington of all wrongdoers, we wouldn't have anyone to run the country.
Jack
Of course not. This is American politics. All of these guys are scum. What makes this different is that this guy admitted it. It is a sad statement of our political system.
At least he's not "preying" on the Senate and House Pages.
This further illustrates why I would prefer a woman president in the white house. I'm so tired of male politicians being caught with their pants down; continuing to deny their shameful behavior and then eventually fessing up. I have words for this man but I don't want to hurt Elizabeth's or his children's feelings. My sympathy to Elizabeth Edwards and her family. My heart goes out to them.
I was a long-time supporter of John Edwards. I wish he would have taken the high ground and divorced his dying wife instead of putting her through this disgraceful circus.
I don't think he's got a chance to be nominated VP on the 2008 ticket, but I doubt his political career is over. He's a lawyer and a politician; we expect them to lie 😉
He'll be back and may even receive a cabinet nod. The senate's concern during confirmation won't be that he had an affair but rather that he lied about it repeatedly, and it'll be a Democratically led committee "grilling" a former colleague.
The whole world is laughing at the American obsession with this kind of thing, while Iraqi oil profits which this administration promised would pay for the war, sit in US bank accounts of corrupt Iraqi politicians. We should be outraged at how American salaries, pensions and jobs have been amBUSHed and used to buy influence in Iraq by this shameful Republican administration. Isn't this economic mess which will affect us for the rest of our lives more newsworthy than yet another politician's personal life thrown at us by the media which we all will forget about in a few days.
No, I don't think his political career is over. He is not the sole male politician that has cheated on their spouse in recent years. Some men are weak and he probably looked to another woman for comfort during his wife's illness. I don't think that it's ok that he did it, I just think that he is human, and humans make mistakes.
Look at Bill Clinton!! His career is in full swing!! Did anyone forget about Monica??
He isn't the first and he won't be the last but it is a disgusting habit of politicians in this country. What are they thinking? How can we better this country when we can't even make decent and good decisions in our personal lives.
Of course not, if that was the case then 80% of our Leaders's career should be over as well!
Is John McCain's political career over?
It's only fair to ask that question since he is also an admitted cheater.
Why is it that when democrats like Hart or Edwards have affairs it is the end of their careers yet republicans always get a pass?
I really like John Edwards. Are Democratic men SEX ADDICTS? I am sick to my stomach...What a shame
As we can see again the democrats can not keep their pants on & lie about it. We had Bill now John. If they lie about this what the hell would they do in office. For sure I will vote Republican.
Jack; These filthy bag Politicians have away too much money, they think it gives them the right to screw and do what they want to American people! Now, we had better take a good long look at, Obama! We know McBush is not a man that we can trust; he has lied to us and also flip-flopped.
John Edwards betrayal sickens me more than any scandal thats come to light in the past seven years. i too have bone cancer due to breast cancer and Eliza beth Edwards has been a heroin to me and a role model. Her courage has gotten me through the worst experience of my life and she will will always thanks and my admiration. John E dwards should hang his head in shame.
Why? Why should his political career be over? Its only the business of himself and the woman involved, his wife and his family. That's it!
Only in the U.S would this matter so much politically.
Get over yourselves. He just had an affair with a woman. Its called human relations. We are a social species. God almighty!
As far as I know Edwards is not running for anything but now he does not have to run from this situation anymore. The question should be does the poor lose another voice? What does the tabloids do for the poor? I am willing to forgive just to keep his campaign for the poor alive.Who will step up now if he does not? The tabloid reporter, the readers, the press? And should we ask what this report does for his wife? Better left unsaid.
Yes, it is, but I'm not sure it is because of his affair. The reason his career is over is because he seems to want it to be. Otherwise, why would he stir up all of this?
I could not support John Edwards after this revelation. I think with a terminal wife, who has supported him for years, the wrongness of his adultery is magnified. He needs to get out of the political spotlight and spend time making this embarassment, this shame, this betrayal up to his family. It was a very stupid and selfish act on his part and it demonstrates a serious lack in character. God bless his family because with all that has transpired, they surely didn't deserve this from him.
I am actually physically sick over this.
Is there not one good, clean, morally sound politician left in our country?
Do they really hold themselves so far about the laws of God and man?
He's done as far as presidential level politics or high-profile political appointments are concerned. After sometime wandering in the wilderness he'll be able to re-emerge and be involved in fund-raising or speaking engagements on behalf of Democratic candidates.
Does any other man with a job loose it because he cheated on his wife. It is not the american peoples business. It is between the husband who cheated and his wife. Probably half of the people talking about this have cheated on their spouses at one time. Do the american people care about them.
Yes, John Edwards political career is over. Any man who would cheat while his wife was under going chemo has no integrity. She stood by him, sick as a dog, and John was banging a staffer. Hope it was worth it John. You lost the respect of a nation and your family. All you have now is a huge ego and big hair.
Sad news and even sadder if he parades Elizabeth out with him to "stand by her man" for the national audience. I would like to see her deck John on national television and then maybe our politicians (in both parties) will get the message that its not "all about them". The temptation on those in the national spotlight is tough, so I will refrain from judging him. But we expected better from him.
Jack,
Are you serious?
With a single income, two kids in school, a “home maker” wife, a heafty morgage, two cards, $4.5 a gallon for gas, and $4.24 for a gallon of milk, who gives a flying flip about who is John edwards is sleeping with?
Nile
Georgia
We Americans have a love – hate relationship with hypocrisy. We claim to hate it, but love to talk about it (endlessly) when it is exposed.
Los Angeles, CA
less said...more done...may this be the end of this...
This is such a tempest in a teapot. I am disappointed in John Edwards, but who knows about the stresses he and Elizabeth have experienced with her illness and his run for office? At the very least, you should allow Elizabeth some pride and tone down the LEAD "bombshell" (like I just heard you say). Let's instead wonder: Do we want someone in office who does NOT have affairs? (something of tongue in cheek here). Go back 100 years and how many presidents and senators and congressman have had (and are having) ? What does that have to say about anything except they are human and stupid. Sex makes us all stupid at times.
You, the 5th Estate, "make" stories large by your level of coverage. It is frankly, frightening to me, j.q. citizen, seeing the things that are occuring we should be totally outraged about (what happened to Carl Rove and his thumbing his nose at Congress/Senate?) (The current president is personally responsible for 4,000 DEATHS of Americans through misrepresentation of facts and you think an affair is awful?) Come on now, this is nasty gossip, who, besides Elizabeth, really REALLY cares. Why does this make a person fit or unfit for office? Why would anyone in their right mind think that anyone (let alone a public figure) would tell the truth about an affair that would rebound so hurtfully on their spouse anyway? Maybe we need to quit asking about stupid stuff like this and figure out where the BILLIONS of dollars in Iraq have gone with no trace? Why don't you guys start really begin looking at the hard stuff and not just this "pop" and superficial "news"?
Get a grip and start looking into what is really important to the running of our government. I'm sick of this 12th Grade tittle tattle.
John Edwards will be fine. It's a shame his wife has to go through the pain and humiliation along with the cancer to deal with. On the other hand I can see Mr. Edwards side also. Maybe he wasn't in love with this other woman but I can see him turning to her or someone else due to the stress of worrying about his wife and the general worries that go along with it all. I know this because I have been sick and spent almost 6 months in a hospital and now I'm going on 8 months in a nursing home. My partner is a saint and if he turned to someone else for support and comfort it would hurt but I would understand. It's the old saying... you need to walk a mile in someone elses shoes before you condemn or throw in your two cents worth.
Becca
Seaford, DE
Pathetic. Here's a guy with both audacity and hubris. His central plank is his desire to end poverty, meanwhile tens of millions of dollars donated to him are wasted, while he's carrying on in a fashion which makes him unelectable – not because he's had an extramarital affair – who cares really – but because he's a liar and can't be trusted, and about that everybody cares. Another guy who couldn't help but believe his own b.s. – thank goodness something didn't sit right with the voters through the primaries – we're not as dumb as some people think.
When I turned on CNN I realized I must have turned to Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, OMG Yahoo! Why are we spending hours talking about Former Sen. Edwards, who is no longer running for President, probably never will again! Do you realize that Russia is BOMBING Georgia and thousands of civilian lives are now dead! How about spending hours INFORMING the U.S. TAXPAYERS about the 8 BILLION DOLLAR SURPLUS THAT IRAQ HAS STORED IN ITS BANK.. WHILE THEY LAUGH IN THE FACE OF THE U.S. FOR BEING SUCH FOOLS BY TAKING OUR MONEY TO REBUILD THEIR "POOR" COUNTRY" WHILE BRIDGES AND ROADS IN THE U.S. ARE FALLING APART EVERY DAY AND WE PAY OVER $4.00 PER GALLON FOR GAS, AND WE HAVE EXTREMELY HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT RATES, AND CITIES WOULD RATHER HIDE THE HOMELESS AND SEND THEM TO THE MOVIES INSTEAD OF BEING HONEST ABOUT THIS REALITY! I GUESS IRAQ can simply spit in our face and tell us its raining and we will bow down and send them our troops and money! Come ON CNN be JOURNALISTS.. NOT ENTERTAINMENT REPORTERS! EDWARDS IS IRRELEVANT!! AMERICA IS HURTING AND NOT BECAUSE OF EDWARDS HAVING SEX ON THE DOWN LOW!!!
I can't see where this is our business.... If Elizabeth or his children want to rake him through the coal.... they can... but these people who feel hurt or betrayed.... they need to get a life..
I liked Edwards.. and still do... would I marry and trust him... no...
If the press can give McCain a Pass for screwing around on his first wife and marrying money and screwing around on that one too.... leave John Edwards a break.. better yet give Elizabeth a break.
I agree with the fact that IF the media does carry this on and on and on, then let's hear more and more about John McCain's affair with Cindy. NO.........he will continue, didn't Bill? It is unfortunate for his lovely caring wife, however, if she forgives him who are we to judge him? Look for the skeleton's in your own closet....
Is John Edwards political career over? We just have to look at the outcome of the Bill Clinton/Monica Lewinsky mess to arrive at the answer to this question. The American public is fairly tolerant of sexual misconduct in their elected officials but they are far less tolerant of self-righteous liars. Zippedy-do-dah...why can't these men learn to sing that song? Mary Lynn, Green Valley, AZ
WHY IS EVERYONE SO SHOCKED....
THERE IS NOT ONE MARRIED MAN IN THIS WHOLE WIDE WORLD WHO'S HAD AN AFFAIR – WILL EVER ADMIT TO IT. NOT ONE!!
REMEMBER BILL – ALL RED FACED AND ANGRY SAYING "I DID NOT HAVE SEX WITH THAT WOMAN" AND NOW JOHN EDWARDS SAYING "I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOUR TALKING ABOUT" LOOKING ALL INNOCENT AND PUZZLED.
IT IS JUST A FACT OF LIFE. DENY DENY DENY (UNTIL SOMEONE ACTUALLY HAS PROOF) – AND EVEN THEN THEY WILL NOT ADMIT TO IT..
AS FAR AS HIS CAREER... I WOULD SAY YES IT IS OVER...NO ONE COULD LOOK HIM STRAIGHT IN THE FACE WITHOUT THINKING ABOUT WHAT A GOOD LIAR HE IS... MUCH BETTER THAN BILL WAS.
HOPE THE PRESS CAN DIG UP SOME DIRT ON OBAMA...
What is truly wrong is the fact that the national enquirer continues to hunt people down and ruin their lives. how many people here have done things they later regret? John is just a man...not a God. This was not even recent. Leave it up to CNN to cast those stones though.
Regrettably his political career is most likely over. It is unfortunate that actions in a person’s private life will affect their job. This country likes to persecute individuals for common mistakes. I do not approve of those who cheat on their spouse and it is horrendous to do so. However, if I were to cheat I would not be fired from my job. People may look at me differently but I would not be fired. I really hope Edwards political career is not over. I support Edwards in the political arena but I do not condone his disgusting actions of cheating on his wife. This should not even been in the news this is a private matter that he should be discussing with his wife and an attorney not America. I know if I were to get married and my husband cheated on me I would not want everyone knowing my dirty laundry. Kudos for him for admitting the truth as hard as it must have been. I really do not see what cheating on his wife has to do with his political career. This is a private matter and anyone that is not in the limelight will be able to keep it a private matter. I think Edwards deserves the same respect that anyone who is not famous would receive. You can be an immoral person but still be great at what you do.
Affairs have been the norm in politics.........but decieving the loyal public trying to bury your dirty laundry is a no-no .
But he will ressurrect next year.
Wow, absolutely amazing. I am sorry to say that his career is over but he is a good man. He held a soft spot in my heart. I like the man but unfortunately with the media and all the other government officials getting caught up in this mess, he's going to get categorized into a bad label. I wish him the best though.
I hope his career isn't over, but it may be– or at least his choices may be a little lower down now. McCain did something similar once so maybe he won't be jumping on this. It's a little disappointing, but really isn't any of our business– whether McCain OR Edwards has an affair and I think neither of them should be attacked for this.
Jack-
You ask a great question. But, the question I really think should be asked is what advice does Hillary Clinton have for Elizabeth Edwards?
Love your show.
AC
The people who say John's career is over must not know much about politics. While I am saddened that Edwards did in fact cheat on his wife, I feel that it is absurb that people take time to criticize him for his actions. Why don't you do the right thing and hope that him and his family can reconcile this whole fiasco without the public sticking their two cents into where it does not belong.
I'm sure the Republicans will blow this one up, just like they blew up former President Clinton's affair. I could give two s**ts whether Edwards or Clinton is sleeping with another woman. What I care about is how can we turn this country around? Everyone who worries about extramarital affairs affecting the politics need to stop voting.
John Edwards needs to sit back, breath deeply, and take care of his
family. This man has dealt with a lot of sorrow and stress, I do believe
that men handle internal problems by going outside of the perimeter.
His political career is up to John Edwards. We Americans are forgivers.
It all depends on the meaning of "is!"
I for one would like to see him stand up like a man. He made the mistake. Why does he have to embarrass his wife? Hasn't she been humiliated enough?
Is his career over? Absolutely not, look at all the other politicians and high profile figures that have had affairs. Their careers go on. He made a mistake;, it is between him and Elizabeth.
Gotta say though, the only thing I'm pissed about is that it wasn't ME, and I would have kept quiet about it too.
Thousand Oaks, California
If this is such a horrible thing for a presidential candidate isnt this the appropriate time to discuss Mc Cains overlapping relationships with his marriages............isnt this what we are talking about or not.
Jack
Is this so very different than John McCain cheating on his ailing first wife, then marrying Cindy as soon as he could dump his first family?
Look where his political future has gone. They were both very stupid and disloyal.
I've gained a new found respect for the man. There's always been something disingenuous about him, with his suits and expensive hair cuts. I can't respect a self righteous public persona, but I can respect a man; a man who lives, breathes, and god forbid gets lonely sometimes.
Throughout his career, he's always fought to seem real and authentic, and with this scandal, he's done exactly that.
Sugar Land, TX
He's toast.
In this day and age, John Edward's career is most definately NOT over. If Rush Limbaugh can still have political influence over the whole of the Republican backwoods rural listeners even after his drug addiction broke the news, then John Edwards can most certainly stay in Obama's cabinet.
I rhought it already was.
DJ – Detroit
Jack:
All men beginning with Jesus Christ in the Garden of Gethsemanee through to George Washington and Bill Clinton have had this problem with temptation. I detest these pious idiots who pretend to be incorruptable whenever someones personal business gets known.
Remember what Jesus Christ said to the mob about to stone the errant woman: "... let he who is without guilt cast the first stone..."
Catholics aren't even supposed to have salacious thoughts and at seventy I am just beginning to get mine under control.
This is painful for Elizabeth Edwards and I hope she has the strengh and grace to forgive him and begin to restore their marriage.
Political career over....Yea, I'd say so. Looking back on his speeches about morals, the importance of family.....I have to say he had me totally fooled...BUT I'm a fast learner, so spare us all and disappear. I don't even want to see your face. To Elizabeth, I'm sorry you have to deal with more pain in your life. You are in my prayers.
The list of politicians who have NOT had affairs is much shorter, I'm sure, than the ones who have. Bill Clinton takes the cake, though, he did it in the Oval Office!! Repubs aren't perfect either, but at least you don't hear about this from candidates running for Prez.
His political career is delayed, but not over. His wife will forgive him. He'll make millions telling his story in interviews and a book, consult with corporate America and come back stronger than ever with his "I lied... forgive me... now follow me" story. Tell me Jack, do you believe any leaders anywhere anymore?
Well hell, his carreer is probably just beginning. Isn't lying a prerequisite for being a politician these days?
Is it arrogance or stupidity that makes politicians think they can get away with this behavior? Under any circumstance this affair is a serious error in judgment, but to betray your terminally ill wife is about as low as you can go. I never bought any of the John Edwards hype, two Americas...blah, blah, blah. I guess he and his wife have two marriages, she's faithful and he's not. What a guy!
Frankly, unless Edwards can downplay this, his career is over. Having an affair while your wife has an incurable form of cancer? There is no way the public is going to like him in office anytime soon.
My thoughts are more with Elizabeth though I am so very disappointed in John. Why would he ask us to donate to his campaign when he must have known he didn't have a chance with this blimish. I am not so out of touch as to think this doesn't happen and often. It's just that when he said America needed someone with the moral authority to lead I knew he was right and I believed it was him. It has been years since RFK and I so believed in him. I had finally come to trust and feel there was hope again. Right now I am just so very disappointed and feel so much love for Elizabeth.
Yes, his career is over! This is not a Clinton situation Hillary was in perfect shape and a very key role in the adminisration his wife has terminal cancer! I supported Hillary and did like Edwards unfortunately.
Sen. McCain's first wife, Carol, was not a healthy woman when he returned a POW hero,,,,,she had been beautiful when he last saw her,,,,,,,,,,and then he immediately started looking for another beauty,,,,,WOLFE BLITZER tell us THAT story,,,,since you seem to delight in talking about John Edwards....and make certain your closets are well locked! John Edwards admitted his "sin".....he does not need to do anything else except continuing his good works in helping our country,
If it's not, it should be. He has let us all down. He was one of the good guys, I think we all let our guard down when it came to him. He had a tragic family history and it continues with a wife who is suffering from incurable cancer. The thing is, Edwards put himself out there as, if not holier than thou, at least genuine. It made us forget that he was an accomplished trial lawyer, able to take down giant corporations. The shark was hiding in the weeds.
In this case, it's not so much the sin, it's the sinner. The public didn't put him on a pedestal, he put himself up there and we watched. Now he's down and I don't think he'll ever be able to climb up again. A true politician to the end.
If his wife has forgiven him, she's better than most of us, becuase I don't think the public will be so forgiving.
Kathy, Toronto
Well, it's over all right – Fannie Mae & RBS post multi-billion dollar losses, hell – Russia invades Georgia and the Olympics open in
China...but what is the lead story for this heralded news organization? A sex scandal! We're subjected to a "cult of personality" enough – e tu CNN? Beam me up Scotty, there's no more intelligent news reporting here...Shame on you CNN!!
Of course his political career is over. It was already over before this info came out. But before everyone starts slinging mud at John Edwards, lets review some facts. John McCain also committed adultery while married to his first wife. I don't hear anything about that from the news media. Why not? Could it be they are still enthralled by Sen. McCain, or that they are intimidated by Sen. McCain? At least play fair, and don't just be another Fox News. And don't forget the long list of Republicans who played around with boys and girls who were not their spouses.
good lord give it a rest. his career is probably over, as i wonder how you people at cnn seem to be so righteous, as if you never made a mistake. sensationalism sells right? ugh
Honestly, WHO CARES? This is a personal matter between a husband, wife and their family. President George Bush forged documents to start a war in Afghanistan to get to Iraq. I would rather have a cheating husband as my leader rather than one who blatantly lies to the people to start an expensive unjust war, resulting in the untimely death of thousands.
Please let's not be self-righteous! Clinton had an affair with a twentysomething while in the White House, went on to finish out his term, is making millions of dollars for speeches and is speaking at the convention; John McCain is on wife number two. If affairs ended political careers – Washington would be an empty place and I would not have to fight Beltway traffic everyday. A lot of people better hope that their secrets do not get out...
Having an affair when your wife is battling cancer should certainly end a political career.
Unless, of course, your name is Newt Gingrich. Then you can serve the divorce papers to her in the hospital.