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DEL.ICIO.USThe pressure on John Edwards to address fatherhood allegations
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Some Democratic insiders are saying John Edwards needs to address allegations by the National Enquirer that he fathered a former campaign worker’s child — if the former presidential candidate wants to keep a speaking role in this month’s Democratic National Convention.
The Charlotte Observer, in Edwards’ home state of North Carolina, has this today:
“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.’”
The national convention is intended to showcase party unity and rally Democrats around the party’s nominee. Prime-time speakers generate enthusiasm for the candidate and the party’s platform. Edwards is widely regarded as a rousing speaker, particularly on poverty, and still has as many as 19 delegates pledged to him, making him a logical choice for a high-profile role under normal circumstances.
Comments
By Aaron Burr V. Mexico
August 7, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Are his kid’s diapers $400?
By Tahoe Editor
August 7, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
The “Naational” Enquirer — in the lede? Please hire me — I use spell check!
By Fruitful Democrats
August 7, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
Don’t hate us because we’re sexy.
By Snoop-Diggity-DANG-Dawg
August 7, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
“The big media has tried to be responsible and handle this with kid gloves..”
Geeez, that’s the Mother of all understatements.
Flimsy ‘evidence’ sure didn’t stop the MSM when John McCain was in their sights.
By Ga Values
August 7, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Who is John Edwards?
By Snark Alec
August 7, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
Who is Kaiser Sose?
By RJ
August 7, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
“Big Media” needs to stop all of this unnecessary apologetic reporting. It needs to do its job as best it can with the knowledge and confidence that like “beauty,” the perception of news reporting is in the agenda of the receiver of the information, as well as the pain of the person(s)who is the object of a bad news subject.
By Ed
August 7, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
Gez, how did the AJC uncover this little hidden fact, the John Edwards love child and ongoing affair while his wife is battling cancer? NBC, CBS and ABC have all avoided this story. Only Fox News aired this story. The three news stations treat all democrats with kid gloves and vilify any republican they can get their nasty little hands on. I hop his wife divorces him and takes away all his money and he has to go to Super Cuts for a $12.00 haircut. John Edwards is a pos.
By teresa
August 7, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
This man would have very well served an important role in a possible Obama administration. Of course this is news, even the color of scandal needs to be addressed. Also, news is the fact that Edwards put a quiet end to his much-hyped scholarship program for disadvantaged kids, soon after he withdrew from the presidential race. His hype to address poverty and education was an empty political maneuver, as is the “promise” of a rousing speech on poverty at the convention.
Enough. Enough. Enough. Where is substance and integrity to be found?
By John Galt
August 7, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
Who cut his hair?
By Amy
August 7, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
If he has nothing to hide, why is he hiding?
By funnybone
August 7, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
The (3) Networks speaking for, pandering to Barack Obama in Europe & then remaining dead silent in the John Edwards "affair" signalled the death of Journalism. Network TV began a slow death when Walter Cronkite wore (2) hats during VietNam, he was an anchor & also an anti-WAR advocate. You cannot serve (2) masters.By funnybone
August 7, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
The (3) Networks speaking for, pandering to Barack Obama in Europe & then remaining dead silent in the John Edwards "affair" signalled the death of Journalism. Network TV began a slow death when Walter Cronkite wore (2) hats during VietNam, he was an anchor & also an anti-WAR advocate. You cannot serve (2) masters.By James
August 7, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
19 DELEGATES? How much did that impressive showing cost?!
By Nick
August 7, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
Ed makes a good point. Two news outlets have reported this story, Fox News and the Nationa Enquirer! Sounds about right to me…
By Nick
August 7, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
Ed makes a good point. Two news outlets have reported this story, Fox News and the National Enquirer! Sounds about right to me…
By Lovechild2
August 7, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
IS anyone..anyone, really surprised at the liberal Media dragging its feet on this story...or that another liberal politician gets involved in an affair..God, read your history...Kings had their wives to produce children & they took mistresses for love making. Politicians today take their CUE from the Kings.. Politicians are the ruling class. They are guided by power..not serviceBy Lovechild2
August 7, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
IS anyone..anyone, really surprised at the liberal Media dragging its feet on this story...or that another liberal politician gets involved in an affair..God, read your history...Kings had their wives to produce children & they took mistresses for love making. Politicians today take their CUE from the Kings.. Politicians are the ruling class. They are guided by power..not serviceBy Lovechild2
August 7, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
Had Mick Romney done what John Edwards is suspected of....the Liberal Media would have cleverly ASAP put Romney at the top of McCain's VP list,... thus destroying both Romney's career & McCain campaign in the same scandal..The old Media is as devious as the Clintons.By RJ
August 7, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
Teresa…”Of course this is news, even the color of scandal needs to be addressed.” Absent facts, its gossip! Just like opinions on this post, obviously journalism standards vary. Just like opinions on this post, some networks reach conclusions before uncovering the facts. Would you want to be treated in this fashion?
These personal attacks say more about the individuals doing them than they do about John Edwards. There ought to be human deciency even under cover.
By Tom ga hunter
August 7, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
So, let me get this right. The Breck Girl has an affair, fathers a child out of wedlock, while being married to a woman, that bore his children, that is suffering from Camcer. And the main stream media hasn’t bothered to pick up it up yet? That is the real story. If it were any Republican this story would have been front page news weeks ago. Why should the Breck Girl be out here denying the thing? This story has been out there since MAY!!! Isn’t the Breck Girl being touted as a possible Attorney General in an Obama administration? Peace.
By Aaron Burr V. Mexico
August 7, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
Dad’s Garage has fine improve called “Scandal!” based on a soap opera.
Apparently, who John Edward’s babies are, and Obama’s popularity as it relates to Britney Spears and Paris Hilton are more important to the Redumblincans than actual issues.
Like…not going bankrupt when someone in your family gets cancer.
“Drill fer oil!”
That will cure cancer. Of course.
By Churchill
August 7, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
Tom ga Hunter stole my “Peace” sign off. Is there a gov’t agency I can complain to? Peace (For real).
By ghostwriter
August 7, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this
Fox News, to their credit, did not report this story as true, only that the NE was reporting it as true. However, why didn’t the other MSM mainstream outlets do the same? On the other hand, this is not like the Sen. Craig case where there existed a public police report. This is not like the Sen. McCain case where there existed a credible source from his own campaign and the possibility that government legislation could have been affected. Frankly though, a curse on both the MSM and the NE.
By Tom Ga Hunter
August 7, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
By Churchill I can understand why you keep stealing my name, your post are so STUPID..Are you going to school in the morning, your goal should be to finish the 9th grade before you are 21. I know it’s just Clayton County but you need to set some goals you can actually make.
By PuddleDuck in SC
August 7, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this
Is the liberal MSM really dragging their feet for not reporting this story or could it, possibly, be that they want to verify that the story is true before they report.
Fox News, on the other hand, has never been concerned about truth or facts before reporting a story.
They don’t let the lack of facts or lack of knowledge of the truth get in the way of a good story.
As Obama would say “They are proud of their ignorance”, as it seems that many posters, here, are.
By jwatl
August 7, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this
One way he can clear it up in a heartbeat is a DNA test. If he will agree to this (don’t forget, Clinton had to take one), then the issue is dead. Conversely, if he does not agree to it, then think the old reprobate is guilty as sin!
By Ga Values
August 7, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
Nice try Tom ga Hunter. You are the name stealer. You have been stealing mine openly for months. I can tell the posts were yours. Churchill doesn’t have your pathetic syntax. I do not know what lind of game you are playing, but it is on the level of a sixth grader.
By Frederick Douglass
August 7, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this
Former ambassador Andy Young took credit for the pregnancy? What are these old dudes drinking to be able to make babies in their twilight years, I feel good not soiling myself when I pee.
By Rarl Kove
August 7, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this
Edwards has one wife for one America and another for the other America. He may be taking this two Americas thing a little to far.
By Oz
August 7, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this
John Edwards is a democrat. That means he’s not gay, like republicans. (hi, sen craig, tap tap,).
Thank God that some of our elected reps and nominees are straight, heterosexual men who can impregnate babes on call, 24/7.
It’s America and aint it beautiful!!!
GOP 08: Conservatism is dead. Sen. Craig sounded taps with his flag at half mast.
Like that?
By DaninMacon
August 7, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
Perfect, Rarl. Just perfect.
By Jeb Bush
August 7, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
My brother screwed the pooch!
By Schrendenfraude
August 7, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
“Swill,
Peace is not something you own or borrow or impregnate, it is like the wind betwixt your ignoramus and a thought bubble, never to be controlled thru your narrow view….Let it go, Momma don’t care if you make your bed anymore…
By GodHatesTrash
August 7, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
Rarl your comment was funny. Edwards made his bed he is going to have to……….
By Beth Lunsford
August 8, 2008 3:05 AM | Link to this
The do-nothing Democrats have been doing something, at least one of them, John Edwards.I’m not sure about his situation, but it wouldn’t surprise me. I hate that the worst Congress in history went on a 5 week vacation , while the average American is working his you know what off, to try & make ends meet.And they are supposed to be such good Humanitarians.The President needs to call Nancy airhead Pelosi back into Congress to vote on this Energy Bill.I feel like a bunch of idiots are running the country.I appreciate the republicans staying behind. They are the ones that can hold this country together.The Democrats have ALWAYS made sorry decisions. And it’s not about to change. I can’t wait for the DNC. It will be a riot.Old Bill’s got a lot on his mind.He’s about to explode!!
By Beth Lunsford
August 8, 2008 3:33 AM | Link to this
As for John Edwards possibly fathering an illigitimate child, he should step up to the DNA swatch. Doesn’t hurt a bit, results in his case fairly fast . If he’s innocent he will do this.And we all need to raise cain & make CNN & all major networks carry this.The way they pick & choose is disgraceful.I am going to write CNN right now, and if necessary bombard them with letters until they air the story. Everyone else needs to do the same. And it’s also time to knock Obama off his pedestal!!It’s coming!!!Who wants a former drug pusher & user for President? Not I!!
By Crystal
August 8, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
Beth, are you serious. A democrat stand up and take personal responsibility? When I read your post I spit coffee all over the key board. Stop try to make me laugh.
By Aaron Burr V. Mexico
August 8, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
Fancy Nancy is worthless, but news flash Beth, The hooligans shouting in the dark is the reason that nothing is working. “Drill Fer Oil!” And nothing else is not a solution.
You have to be willing to compromise to get things done and the Redumblicans aren’t compromising on anything. They’re just recycling the Talking Points and trying to make Big Oil money.
And who wants a possessed vampire who is a shell of the great man who he once was as President either?
McCain is not McCain. He’s a ghoul doing a McCain impression.
By Churchill
August 8, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
Aaron, why is it that the right always has to compromise with the left? Who on the left has a reputation of reaching across the aisle? Name one. The democrats have been blocking domestic drilling and the building of refineries for decades. Republicans do want to to fund alternative sources of energy, McCain’s plan cleary states this fact.
We have had solar panel technology since Carter. I remember Carter installing them on the White House when he was President. The alternatives are not powerful enough to power our lives and economy, yet. In the meantime we need to drill here. Develop wind, solar, and whatever else might work in the future. To stand in the way of this exploration is criminal. At this time there is no substitute for oil. It is a fact. you may not like it, but it is true nonetheless.
You guys on the left are hellbent on making the oil companies out to be the enemy. Meanwhile, the entire country is waking up to the fact that it is the Democrat party, along with their environmental wacko handlers, that are causing fuel prices to soar. Oil companies are making a ton of money because the global demand for oil is on the rise. It is simple economics. Peace.
By Alfonso
August 8, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
I thought John Edwards was gay. Who knew?
By JLK
August 8, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
Churchill, thanks for regurgitating talk radio jabbering for us. Right. The Democrats cause oil prices to soar, even though they had virtually NO power for many years, and now have a slight majority in Congress, (certainly not veto proof, and certainly not enough to enable the Senate to do anything), and furthermore have acquiesced to their Republican counterparts on nearly every issue since taking “control” in January 07, which is why their disapproval rating is so ridiculously high. Beyond getting it up to have relations with women, I’m surprised the Democrats manage to accomplish ANYTHING at all with their spineless adherence to fair play, but…
Hey y’all! Churchill says the Dems are somehow responsible for oil prices that are making Republicans rich! HAHAHAHAHA! Haha! What a ‘tard.
By Aaron Burr V. Mexico
August 8, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
Why does the Left even bother to try and compromise with the Right? Why does anyone ever vote for the Right when the Right only cares about supporting large corporations. They say ‘we support the free market and small government’ only they only support small government when it toes the party line and they only support the free market when it earns money for the elite republicans. And yet I don’t see the Republican’s in the Dark of the House saying, “We want to vote on Comprehensive Energy” they’re saying ‘Drill Fer Oil!’ The market fairy will work. And guess what, we’ve had 30 years of technological advancement since Carter. To stand in the way of the development of REAL energy, like Nuclear (and yes, I agree most of the left is stupid on this), Wind and Solar is criminal. We’ve had mostly Republican presidents since Carter and our energy dependence on foreign sources has gone UP not Down. Oil companies ARE the enemy and you’re too brainwashed to see it. Furthermore, I’m not going to hold anyone who says ‘Democrat’ party seriously. Your ‘simple economics’ relies on the @#$#$ market fairy which says its perfectly alright to let children starve to death or families go bankrupt for cancer or the fact that my #@$@#$@ insurance company is making a profit at the expense of my medical condition. You’re fine so its all fine, right?
You want to see an example of Redumblincan thinking?
Behold the effects of the Republican War">http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080808/ap_on_re_us/marijuana_packages">War on Drugs…er…Dogs
By Copyleft
August 8, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
The trumped-up “scandal” is being promoted by the National Enquirer and Faux News.
What’s to address? That’s childish nonsense unworthy of a reply.
By Why
August 8, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Copyleft, why won’t Obama go on Hannity and Combs? Why is Obama such a sissy chicken poop when it comes to facing reporters that are not in his camp? Will they say something mean about Obama…boo hoo hoo where he’ll cry like the irl he is? He will never , and I mean NEVER be President but in another world if he were to be, dosen’t he know he’d have to face people like Sean Hannity sooner or later. His bitter half, the winch from south Chicago has more balls than sissy Obama.
By Earl
August 8, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
Edwards is a bottom with a big streched out………………..
By Churchill
August 8, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Hey, Copyleft, check out Drudge or the ABC news web sites. The Breck Girl has admitted to the affair, but hasn’t taken a paternity test. He admits to lying during his Presidential bid about the affair, and admits to paying her over $100,000.00 for “work.” FEC violation?
I think you get the bad timing awards today, buddy. Peace.
By Pander much?
August 8, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Hannity and Combs are not “reporters,” they’re entertainers. Hannity gets paid to turn on Republican women with his “values” spiel, raging against the injustices to God and family, and Republican men by batting his girly eyes at them and praising their hero, King Georgie-poo. Colmes gets paid to be a less attractive, not-too-articulate “counterpoint” who offers little counterpoint but lots of nasaly acquiescence. Obama would likely appear on a Fox “news” broadcast if they actually had any “news” on which to actually BE fair and balanced. No go back to touching yourself while listening to Eyelashes on your AM radio dial. He wants you, you know.
By Mrs. RepubLady
August 8, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
It’s only decent if he divorces his wife while she’s lying in hospital bed, drugged up, coerced into signing papers that give him everything, and then he runs off and marries the other woman, abandoning his wife and family. That’s the only way it’s decent. Newt agrees with me!
By gttim
August 8, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
So Edwards has an affair. At least it was in private, not in a public restroom. The woman was of age, and not an underage page that he was waiting to turn 18.
Do you really want to compare Republicans and Democrats who have had affairs while married? We can compare sex issues between the two parties. I can unload about 100 Republicans having affairs, molesting children, bathroom sex, sex with male prostitutes, sex with female prostitutes and such. I can even go into the GOP loving religious folk! Sure a few Dems have had some issues, but nothing compared to the sheer number of Republicans. And certainly no where near as many that would be considered against the law.
By EdwardsIsSlime
August 8, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
Copyleft?????????????????????????? hahahahhahahhahahahhahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahah. lol
By Aaron Burr V. Mexico
August 8, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
If that laughter is aimed at ‘Drill Fer Oil!’ Mccain then I heartily agree.
And if we’re going to count marital infidelity….it isn’t Democrats that run on the “Family Values” platform of McCain’s new best friend, Ralph Reed.
By Churchill
August 8, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
I am ready for the lib excuse that says, “We Democrats do not claim to be perfect, moral or holier than the rest, like you awful Republicans do. So, really it is not a big deal.” It will come, I promise.
And yes, gttim, I do want to compare it. The is a possible FEC violation here. It is possible, if not likely, that he is the father of that child. (The NE has been spot on so far with this story so far.) Why is the birth certificate still blank? Mr. Young just forgot to fill it out? Mr. Edwards is still not coming clean. Why not take the paternity test? This story will have legs and that is fair given the endorsement of Obama by the Breck Girl and the high profile the Breck Girl has in the Democrat party.
Edwards was rumored to be on the Attorney General short list for Obama. If the Breck Girl were were a Republican, that had been rumored to be a possible AG for McCain, then you know that you would be screaming this from the mountain tops. You guys made a huge deal over Sen. Craig playing footsie. Get ready for some payback. Peace.
By Churchill
August 8, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
Oops. I was late. Aaron Burr V. Mexico already used the excuse I mentioned above. I know these libs very well. Have no doubts about it. Peace.
By Rarl Kove
August 8, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
He he he he he he he he he he he ………….. He admits to screwing around but not to being the father. Then why the heck was he in the hotel bathroom at 2:00 a.m. hiding from the press? I love that visual: Edwards freaking out in the John of some hotel bathroom. Can you imagine any President behaving that way? (Besides Bill Clinton)
By Crystal
August 8, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
Oh I just love this from the ABC News story. Edwards claims that some of his “friends” may have been putting this woman up I a 3 million dollar home, but he doesn’t know anything about and he will look into it. Whatever Sen. Edwards (D-NC). Whatever.
By DaninMacon
August 8, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
So what you are saying, Aaron Burr V. Mexico, is that since Edwards doesn’t claim to be an honest, decent, praying everyday kind of guy that it doesn’t matter? Are you honestly offering that up a some sort of defense? Seriously?
By Churchill
August 8, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
Wrong Dan. Edwards did claim to be an “honest, decent, praying everyday kind of fellow.” He talked about how he prayed all the time. And that how important his faith was in his life. So you’re out of luck in that one Mr. Burr. Feel free to try again, though. Peace.
By Jean
August 8, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
His wife is suffering from Cancer and Edwards is in CA visiting his w*******, their b******* child and hiding in bathrooms. How disgusting. Really Sen. Edwards, have you no class at all?
By Dirtbag
August 8, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
Obama-Edwards ‘08.
By Mick
August 8, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
Hey Aaron, are you saying that it is OK for Democrats to screw around because the hate religion and God? I want to make sure that I understand.
By gttim
August 8, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
Churchill, have at it:
http://www.republicansexoffenders.com/
By Churchill
August 8, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
This is all about Edwards, gttim. I am not going some democrat hate website full of lies and gossip. I can also direct you to a web site that list all the democrat scumbag cheats. I could send you to another that has chronicled all the people the Clinton’s have had murdered over the years. Would you like the links to those? I would be more than happy to post them? Peace.
By Science, for dummies:
August 8, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
ALL Alpha Males take at least one extra at one time or another. It’s biology (just like one in ten of you are biologically gay, whether you do it openly or not). It’s only hypocrisy if you’re persecuting others for what you’re doing yourself. It’s only evil if you DITCH your family and responsibilities to be with another. If the Alpha Male is looking out for all his women and children, then that’s at testament to his status as an actual alpha male, and not a poser. You people need to get over yourselves, because guess what? THIS IS NOT ABOUT YOU! Really, get life, busybodies.
By Politics for dummies:
August 8, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
Edwards was the one who made a huge deal over his family and their values during both of his failed Presidential Campaigns. The story is fair game. Deal with kiddies. If you guys want to make hay over every Republican scandals, it only seems fair to that we closely examine Democratic scandals as well.
By Jean
August 8, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
I would hardly characterize Edwards as an Alpha Male. I thought he was in the closet until today.
By Tom ga hunter
August 8, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this
Edwards is a dirtbag cheater.
By Newsweek
August 8, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
Does anyone remember the Newsweek cover with Edwards on it and the word Sleeper across the front? Some one ought to photo shop it to read the “Sleeper Arounder.” As a person dying of Cancer, I sympathize with Mrs. Edwards. I cannot imagine what he is putting put his wife through. This is the last thing she needs. He is truly a disgusting man. Shame on John Edwards.
By Wackolibhack
August 8, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
It is Bush’s fault that John Edwards is a dirtbag cheater. I hate Bush.
By Mrs. Hunter
August 9, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
I really wish Edwards would have been the nominee. oh well he can run again. This sort of behavior is a resume enhancer for Democrats. Look at Clinton.