Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

Full agreement. If a sexual escapade were the worst thing ever done by a public servant, we would be lising in paradise.

Edwards will pay for the pain and embarrassment for his wife, family and self. A time out doing good works and attending to his family might be in order, but at some point if he can be useful to an Obama administration then that should be the decision of the President not the civic blue noses.

Craig...I love you for this Trail Mix! And I'm with Jamie...in full agreement! If there's any way Edwards can be of service to this COUNTRY, not to an individual president, I hope he'll be asked to serve. Still think he'd make a dynamite Attorney General!

ditto craig, and ditto jamie, and ditto Harbor and myself on the tail end of the last thread.

I also think people who go thru those things and do the right thing afterwards as clinton seems to have done and edwards as well only come out stronger and less hypocritical......they grow in stature and maturity, shall we say.

does this mean we have to give gingrich, larry craig, livingston, henry hyde, gary hart, and foley, etc a break also?

lol

sturg...

Went back and read your comment on the last thread. I've heard several people make comments about how there always seemed to them to be 'something' about Edwards, so I can't discount that statement. I always put it down to his almost too-perfect looks, but here he is...and here we are...sad over the whole sorry mess. But I think there would be some redemption if we could grow up enough as a nation to stop throwing people away for their mistakes. If any of his talk about straightening out WA, or pushing back against big business was sincere, we need John Edwards and we need his considerable skills.

Apparently not all infidelities are the same. If the public forgives him and doesn't want to hold it against him, fine with me. But, ask Gary Hart and few others that I can't recall now because they've have basically been written off.

Harbor.......and THAT'S the part I always DID like about him............

Gary Hart was and is a lightweight who for a time could fool the foolish..

Oh, and sturg...I agree that the fact that Elizabeth's cancer may or may not have been in remission is totally irrelevant. John should shut up while he's behind on that one. What a stupid thing to say.

How many women did mccain sleep with while he was still married to his first wife and before he married cindy?

Thanks for a dose of common sense, Craig. I'm not ready to disqualify all people who have had an affair from public service. There are very few saints living among us. Most people have their flaws, and make mistakes. The question is does the good outweigh the bad... Can the person still provide valuable service despite the flaws and mistakes?

PS - Did you see the 400m relay at the Olympics - Go USA!

How many women has McCain slept with since marrying Cinday? And does that affect his presidential skills...or lack thereof, depending on your persuasion?

Oops! Cindy....

i dont think mccain's sleeping around is exactly the issue which applies to his ability to lead......it's the fact that he dumped the first wife for a younger rich girl after all the first wife had done for him because she was no longer the beauty queen she was when she married him......that goes to the character of the man, an accurate depiction of the way he looks at things in general.........No character, in my estimation, which his further actions after SC 2000 primary goes on to prove.

he didnt learn and he didnt grow.......he opted for the money and the honey, and didnt care about anything else as if the money and honey were somehow his "due". Even his close friends (nancy and ronald reagan, for instance) thought it was a reprehensible despicable action.

Craig,

THANK YOU!

Yes, just what I've been saying.

NO ONES are the perfect couple. And the hypocrisy virus thing in DC is *L*.

I should start a "Cheater's List". Fanny Flagg, Donna Rice & the men they loved. And Strom and Newt and, and, all the Kennedys and and all the Bushs, Dick Morris, etc.

tt

Tom Jefferson

tt

I've never met a financially secure, successful, handsome man who was faithful to his girlfriend or wife, period--whether a pol, a professor, an administrator, a writer, a doctor, an attorney, a musician, a CEO, a preacher, an athlete. . .
(but most of these men were very good at their professions).

I know a lot of people probably know of an exception to this, but I'm just
saying that this has been my experience.

I agree wholeheartedly, Craig. Thanks for applying the brakes. But I want to say something more. (Yes, I know I always do - did you think I wouldn't?)

Edwards may have always cheated on his wife, but if this is truly his first bad step, there is something I think should be kept in the mind of anyone forming an opinion.

I feel that there has been a pall of death over that family for quite a while now. They lost a son, which in itself has been enough to break entire families apart.
They have said their daughter asked for another sibling, and now she has two. After the death of their son, John was in a race for the White House, which is a bruising and ugly experience. He lost that race , and it wasn't long after that his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. She is dealing with cancer but he is dealing with the likely death of a woman he seems to love very much.

It seems to be universally accepted now that sex is or can be a strong life-affirming action. To be blunt (or coarse, however you see it) making love with a deathly ill person seems to me to defy the imagination. Perhaps just to keep his sanity, he wanted or needed to have sex with a person who was healthy. They have all been living with the possibility of her death for a long time. She isn't the only one who is scared, and I'll bet sh'e be the first one to say so.

That sounds so cold but I don't mean it that way at all. I suppose only a person who has lived thru such a draining time can respond to my idea of what these people have been going thru. There is so much sadness in this story. I agree with Craig - give the whole Edwards family a break.

Of course, there might end up being some laws broken, and a public trust has been broken. Also, he might have a serious addiction to sex (and yes, I believe it exists - I know someone who had one), in which case it has to play out. I just think that without anything else being known, the whole family needs the country to calm down

I have to say this wasn't easy to write. I was hesitant to offend people or seem to be grossly insensitive, but I talked with my sister about this, and she agreed totally with me. I just had to say it.

No matter what, John Edwards will be back. Gary Hart has come back. As for Gingrich, he's back a little but not in public service, which is just as well. He was and has been flamboyant and defiant about how he has behaved. Henry Hyde -- as I said before, he is a powerful emetic.

I can add military pilots to my list of serial womanizers (the ones I
have met). Some Air Force pilots I used to know had a saying, "We're
faithful to our wives just as long as we can see the air base." As a fighter
pilot, I bet McCain lived closely by this motto.

Thoughtful post, bethy. I didn't find it insensitive at all. Just wanted you to know....

But I don't think there's anything here that can be stretched into the supposition that Edwards is a sex addict. I was married to one once. I doubt Elizabeth Edwards would stay around for that wild ride.

Thanks,harborwoman. I don't see him as a sex addict either, and I can't imagine that she would let it go if he were. From what she has shown so far, she'd probably make sure he got help. She works at problems, doesn't make political hay.

I may have a suggestion as to why the people around the Bushes were paying them no mind. I would hope they were secret service. Can you imagine if anything happened to THEM over there. That other poor family -
ye gods.

Maybe I am a rare or strange person, but in my book John Edwards should SUFFER!
He is an embarrasment to us men who try not to cheat.
Cheating on your wife is bad and is worse if you are a public figure. I mean, we all know and he knew more than anyone what he was doing, in the midst of a presidential bid. He knew he was going to run for office the second time... he even publicly criticized Bill Clinton...so

Come on peeps. John Edwards should be ashamed of himself and go into obscurity. I am saddened that everyone here seems to think that it is normal.
Fuck NORMAL.
I made the choice NOT to cheat on my girlfriends and I stuck by it. It is freaking difficult...I know. I lived it, but I kept my promise.
If the national enquirer didn´t run the story and kept with it, this no good flusy would have stayed with being the picture of pure marital bliss and chastized all who were not so fortunate as him to have it in the media.

Shame on John Edwards. He is off the radar for me.
And of course he is the babies father....This whole sham is distasteful.... Now the baby momma doesn´t want a paternity test...Geezzzzzzz....How dum does he think I am....

Yup, I am mad.

Jason, nice to have someone holier than thou around.

tt

Jason - I usually agree with you, but not on this. That being said, I understand your point of view completely.

I'm not saying it's normal - altho I'm not sure there is a normal in the fields of love and sex. I full accept the possibility that we don't know all there is to know, however, and so will take the stand which is better for my blood pressure and for my belief in kindness and fairness. They just won't let me do otherwise.

Good for you for being strong enough to meet your own standards There shoould be hundreds of million more like you.

Morning Jason,

I understand exactly how you feel. And, you're right, we've become far
too accustomed to condoning and reenforcing bad behavior in postmodern
America.

But, as I posted earlier, the majority of very successful, attractive men do
cheat and perhaps we shouldn't condemn them to everlasting banishment
and not allow them to practice/ pursue their chosen career forever.

Throughout history, great men have cheated on their partners. I'm not justifying it or saying they shouldn't be chastised, but what if one of these cheating guys was just about to discover a cure for cancer? Should we not allow him to continue his research?

I've lost a lot of respect for Edwards and I hate that he had a long term
affair when Elizabeth has terminal cancer and I don't like that Edwards
is paying Rielle Hunter hundreds of thousands of dollars, but I do
suspect Edwards is suffering and do I think there's still a chance he can redeem himself.

Hey bethyboo,

No problem if we don´t agree. As long as we keep it civil in discussion, and knowing you and most of you here on the board, that is not a problem.

You know Bethy, I dont see my way of living as special. What I do say is that people in the public eye have a special function. And they know it. Why keep doing things that hamper that. And no fuzz if ya fell for it. I mean we all can fall for it. The fact of the mater is that John Edwards would not have come forward if it weren´t for the National Enquirer (and I can´t believe they are credible, but here we are anno 2008...the national enquirer ran a true story), instead he would have kept his little we-are-the-perfect-amily-and-I-am-the-perfect-father status and critized others. That is what bothers me.
I cannot give him a break on that one....Sorry.

Start taking your responsibility Sir.
John almost got me fooled

True Marchia,

But the fact of the matter is that he lied and continued to lie to us, his constituents. I don´t give a rats ass if he cheated. True, I have to look at myself...and that is hard enough..hahahahaha

But I cannot pardon him for keeping it so long, and continuing to criticize others, while you know what you are doing...Come forward, be brave, be the man you pretend to be and confess.
Now all that he is left with is: "damn, John Edwards got caught cheating on his cancerous wife"
(sorry to put is so blunt)
As I said earlier, he should´ve stepped up to the pate earlier....

No break from my side on this one

Hi again, Jason,

I commend you on staying faithful to all your girlfriends, by the way!

One more point, I think Edwards is quite miserable, at the moment. His life's
work is falling apart---his reputation, and also, he was slated to have a prominent role at the Denver convention and Obama said on Friday that Edwards was out.

Good morning lovely people!

Craig, your comments are spot on, but I also think Jason has a point -- Edwards chastising others for doing what he did put himself at the fulcrum of hypocrisy.

Marcia, I think Edwards is mainly miserable at having been found out by the press.

Hi Alicia,

I agree. Edwards admitted that his ego ruled his judgment, at least
in regard to his affair. He didn't seem to care if he was found out. He thought
that his connections would shelter him--sort like that guy who volunteered to
say he was the father of Rielle's baby.

In a previous post, 3:33 a.m., I need to correct a typo in the last sentence:

"and I do think he can redeem himself."

I wonder how many members of the media were hesitant to report on this story thinking--"there but for the grace of God go I" or maybe moments of human weakness are alien to the DC press corps.

Betthy--I found your original comments very insightful. There have been bleak period in my life when you search for something to bring you back to the joy of life.
I guess my only problem is his criticism of BC. That is where he kind of looses me. Hypocrisy sure seems rampant with this type of ambition man. Also boy did he pick the wrong kind of woman--She is not going away. Also I now think the baby is probably his---You are right however, Craig , he still has enormous talents and should be allowed to contribute to the next administration. He will be a better man for all this in the end.

"if hypocrisy were a virus, just about everyone in Washington would be dead by now."

Ha! That's great!

"Cruel mistress bad-mouthed Elizabeth"

Rielle Hunter said, "Someday the truth about her (Elizabeth) is going to come out." And she said that Elizabeth gave out bad vibes. Also, Rielle disliked
Elizabeth because she thinks she got her fired from Edwards' campaign.

This info is from a Newsweek article.

You all are much more tolerant than I.

I think he should be hoisted by his own petard.

Hey Good morning all
I just read this one on Politico."7 worrisome signs for Obama" God how could McCain even have a shot at the Presidency this time around?

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0808/12433.html

Oh, there's a great story [GORDO! pay attention!] just below the fold of today's Journal:
"They Say They Were Born in the U.S.A.
The State Department Says Prove It"

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121842058533028907.html?mod=hpp_us_pageone

Slightly left of center point of view of john Edwards.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/08/10/2008-08-10_john_edwards_is_a_liar_and_cheat_who_has-2.html?page=0

Media-wise, Edwards played this smartly by making the admission on the opening day of the Olympics. He also lucked out a bit, media-wise, due to the war between Georgia and Russia.

It's not his personal weakness that is a problem and it's not intially denying it. The problem is the level of cover-up & the money that changed hands (with or without his knowledge); he involved other people in this mess.

Pretty brazen of him to run for office after the fact, knowing what could happen to his family, not to mention his party if the news came out.

He may still have something to offer, but he has some rebuilding to do before he is in a position to offer anything of value.

Was actually proud of W speaking up to China about Sudan, religious freedom, etc. Also, glad he talked to Putin about Georgia...since Putin is still in charge. It's just too bad that we don't have a great diplomatic relationships (thanks Condi) and our standing in the world has been whittled away by Busch the past 7 years.

Oil is a 4-letter word.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080811/ap_on_re_eu/georgia_south_ossetia

You could see this coming a mile away. This is how Edwards' supporters will rally behind him and attempt to justify is actions: Some how it will be spun that it is Elizabeth's fault that John Edwards couldn't keep his pants on.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/08/10/2008-08-10_rielle_trashes_elizabeth_edwards_she_doe-2.html.

You could see this coming a mile away. This is how Edwards' supporters will rally behind him and attempt to justify is actions: Some how it will be spun that it is Elizabeth's fault that John Edwards couldn't keep his pants on.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/08/10/2008-08-10_rielle_trashes_elizabeth_edwards_she_doe-2.html.

Posted by: FryDaddy | August 11, 2008 7:47 AM

Sorry Fry,
I can´t seem to access this page....Do U have an alternate link?
Thanks

I always tell my husband that if he meets a woman and he wants to be with her, he should come home and tell me. I mean why should she only have the pleasure of knowing Jim through hot, crazy sex...expensive meals...getaway weekends??

I think the she should get to experience the "real" Jim. So I will gladly pack up his stinky cigars...dirty laundry...breathing machine...computer...golf clubs...poker table...all the dTV sports channels...favorite recipes/meal plans, etc...

I will gladly give her phone number to all his friends and his Mom.

I will gladly give her the phone numbers to Jim's doctor, dentist, chiropractor, massage therapist, favorite restaurants, etc...

I will gladly give her the directions to his favorite take-out restaurants, dry cleaners, etc...

Maybe I will even let him take the dog...HAHA!!

Let her have the true "Jim experience"...

When she calls me, in a week or so to come get him, I will gladly do so...

Why?

"Cause, I really, really love my "real" Jim... 8~)

Bushco not "Busch"

...and I forgot to add this one...

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5i5TtajgUpSm7KY5jf-lCJGHBB-tAD92G1UO80

Fry - It's the Eve syndrome; always blame a woman. (We will see more of this in November when BO loses.)
Next, they will be blaming Elizabeth for going along with Johnny-boy running for office; she was complicit in it and it could've destroyed the party.

Jason,

Try this, http://www.nydailynews.com/news/index.html

There is a picture of the ever smiling John Edwards

"First of all, it happened during a period when [Elizabeth] was in remission from cancer."

So thoughtful of him.

Here is a story supporting the idea why we should have more women in public office.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/08/09/2008-08-09_john_edwards_and_other_hankypanky_pols_l.html

Craig...great post. I was thinking this same thing last night. I sure hate to lose someone of Edwards' caliber as a potential public servant.

On the other hand, what he did was monumentally stupid and it may take a few years in the doghouse for him to re-emerge. This coming January might be a bit too soon.

Also, think about how smart and capable Gary Hart was...and his scandal pretty much did end his political career, if memory serves. I think it took a few years for him to even show his face as an outsider in public policy debates after that.

Hi to all my pals here. I've been a bit busy, which is why I've been scarce. But I'm still keeping up with the threads. Loving all the great tunes -- especially Jamie, Sturge and Whskyjack's country music night the other night. Loved those Carter family videos!

Hey LushIs...re your 7:56 post: if you need someone to babysit YOU during your husband's week on the lam...you know who to call!

Craig says: Give Edwards a Break & asks:

"If his talents are deemed useful in a possible Barack Obama administration, for instance, why not?"

Now that would be an interesting development.

As to Mike Lupica's NYDaily News column--"John Edwards is a liar & cheat who has mastered the sleazy art of hypocrisy"

Do not see that this is a "slightly left of center point of view" at all.

The 5 unanswered questions posed alongside Lupica's column linger though:

1. What was Edwards doing meeting secretly for hours with Hunter in an LA hotel last month?

2. Who is the baby's father?

3. Why won't Hunter allow a paternity test?

4. Did Edwards lie about why Hutner ws put on the campaign payroll?

5. Did Edwards really not know Hunter was being paid off?

"Talk of John Edwards losing his public career forever "

I think we need to put this in perspective here. John Edwards has not had a public career for sometime. For the last 6 years his "public career" was running for president, which is over.
John is in a state of transition.
The people have spoken and they prefer him in the private or non profit sectors not in the public one. A multimillionaire should have no problem finding something worthwhile to do. It just may not have the ego soothing glare of attenton that being a candidate for president did.
In case you didn't notice I got over Edwards way back in 2004.

Jack

II don't much care what people do sexually between two consenting adults. I am sorry for the pain this must cause Elizabeth, I just wish he hadn't attacked Hillary so hard, things would look a lot different today if he had dropped out earlier.

http://noquarterusa.net/blog/2008/08/10/how-john-edwards-helped-destroy-hillary/

Craig,

Way to lower the bar...!!!!!

I do not want John to suffer - but does he even know the truth himself. He is a loser.

Prayers for the Family and his wife.

He needs to continue to Fade into the sunset.

XOXOXOX @ LaL!!!!

What was his impact on HRC if he had not been in the race?

Poor HRC injured by two womenizers

"Finally last week, Edwards came forward and admitted to the affair, not because he thought it was the right or decent thing to do, but because he got caught by the National Enquirer, once again doing the work of the national mainstream media."

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Oh so true, but you'll not find an the real answer as to why they didn't work the story. But we know the reason why. Like Edwards, the MSM are such hypocrites when it comes to reporting one of their favs when caught with their pants down. "It's a personal matter". Well hell most stuff in life is personal. If the MSM didn't report personal BS, the news papers would be reduced to 5 pages and TV news would be over in 5 minutes. The MSM thrives on personal tragedies.

Wolfson agrees on it's effect of the nominee as well.
http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=5553013&page=1

imus now is calling for hrc nomination. said it to jeff greenfield this am and has repeated it several times.

lushislinda, think i read where jane fonda did something similar re ted turner and her replacement.

Craig, Lord Love You, You're just a Good Ol' Boy.

Sure, we forgive, sure we forget, sure, we will always appreciate Edwards, ... couldn't he have just chanelled that lust into the work he was doing with his anti-poverty foundation? Why pull the spouse of another candidate who's been wronged for this latest betrayal of political partnerships? Edwards chose to pontificate about the sins of WJC as a reason to choose HIM - or any other MALE - over his female opponent, yet all the while, his choices were a mockery of his judgement, fidelity and genteel status.
Sheer arrogance.
Birds of a feather....preening on the balcony while plotting in the back room.

Ping Pong- I think it is rather obvious what the effect would be, as their supporters had the same demographics

Wait, Craig you are genius!!

Your piece this AM regarding Edwards and let him go was a setup, a head fake – and it worked.
Question is what was smoked out?

patd,

For whatever it means, Imus also calls HRC, Satan. But it is the truth the more experience D candidate came in 2nd, maybe this floor vote at the D convention will wake up the PC Dems, and HRC will become the rightful nominee of the that party. We can only hope.

Oldseahag....

Seems clear the Edwards (gosh I do not want to use the graphic term -- ah here it goes) screwed Hillary also.

abc sub title: "Aides Say She Would Have Won Iowa if Edwards Affair was Exposed"

thanx for the link. oldsea, interesting vote percentage numbers to consider in that article.

Morning everyone. I've been at Hospice for the last 24 hours. I just came home to shower and shave. My Dad is still hanging on, but his breathing seems to be slowing down now. He's done nothing but sleep since Saturday. He opened his eyes for a few seconds yesterday morning, but that was it. More news later.

Today's thread on the BackChannel Blog (an Edwards bashing free zone)

Chaos In Clintonville, by BrianInNYC

http://clistersbackchannel.wordpress.com/

LOL
But not a Clinton bashing free zone.
Think I'll pass.

Jack

By The Denver Groups' calculation Obama's agreement to seat the original MI and FL results, Obama is only 49 pledged delegates ahead. Anyone got hope for a true Convention?

http://thedenvergroup.blogspot.com/

You are welcome patd, I know I've got hope and will contact my superdelegates this week to let them know exactly how I feel. I live in MA. Enough said.

"I think this President has shown a remarkable disrespect for his office, for the moral dimensions of leadership, for his friends, for his wife, for his precious daughter. It is breathtaking to me the level to which that disrespect has risen," - Patsi

Chloe and Patsi...
"I have trouble seeing a quote from '99 as representative of hypocrisy for a future act. Perhaps, at the time he made that statement, Edwards had no inclination at all toward cheating. Bottom line...we'll never know..but I can't label him hypocritical on the basis of that statement."
Posted by: harborwoman | August 10, 2008 11:44 PM
.......

Harbor,

The first thing I felt when I read your quote, was agreement, as in, yeah, you could think of it that way too. But the more I thought about it, the more I go back to my original opinion of it.

John was very clear in what he said. He knew how wrong infidelity was on every level. He was aware of how much Bill's infidelity hurt everyone around him (especially his wife and children).

John understood the consequences perfectly Until he got the urge. I haven't heard Bill (nor do I expect to hear him) come out and make a similar statement about John. (and he could, if he worded it right, pointing out he's learned from his mistakes, etc.).

You say he was completely innocent in '99, but I don't have any way of knowing when he began having affairs and then lied about them.

I'm with Sturge on this one.
There's always been something about him I couldn't put my finger on.

Something far more interesting than where John Edwards' dick has been.

"In a gambit with such low odds of success that traders question its legitimacy, someone wagered $1.7 million that Bear Stearns shares would suffer an unprecedented decline within days. Options specialists are convinced that the buyer, or buyers, made a concerted effort to drive the fifth-biggest U.S. securities firm out of business and, in the process, reap a profit of more than $270 million. "

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=aLsfDbE1JU_E&refer=home

Jack

whiskyjack,

"But not a Clinton bashing free zone"

Great point.

Higher interest rates appear to be in our future.

"The bond vigilantes who've been missing in action under George W. Bush may be preparing for a return engagement once Barack Obama or John McCain takes office next year."

"Economists and traders say the prospects for increased government borrowing needed for either McCain or Obama to enact their proposals will again lead investors to shun Treasuries and push up interest rates. Ten-year yields are forecast to reach 4.63 percent by the end of 2009, according to a Bloomberg survey of 68 economists"

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=ayrMJ4R.bmLY&refer=home

Jack

well, all things considered, I dont think edwards will be much use to any one except maybe his wife and family......he can find some way to use his lawyering to help some of those folks he was so concerned about during the election ......all the lying....the cover-up......the money.....still being caught in the hotel room? what was he doing there THIS time?......the hell with him......let him go do something useful.......

And my main point (at an earlier point) was Imagine the glee and exultation on said BacksideChannel if the perpetrator had been one Bill Clinton......they would have been all up over here doing the RIVERDANCE on BC's butt......so instead they have pretty boy number one caught with his pants down and Lo.....there's a "Chaos in Clintonville" post?
Sheeeeee-it.

That's right.....[Expletive deleted] them and their little Shetland Ponies too.
John Edwards? Go home and do something good for someone.

And look on the bright side.......there's someone in the news about whom Brian can truthfully use his little pet word "Skank".

"But if hypocrisy were a virus, just about everyone in Washington would be dead by now."

Boy Howdy ain't that the truth!

At 2:09 AM Prof Marcia said:

"I've never met a financially secure, successful, handsome man who was faithful to his girlfriend or wife, period . . ."

Conversely, being neither financially secure nor particularly handsome, I still remain faithful to my ex-wife ten years after we split up.

You can find my picture in your dictionary next to the definition of "unrequited."

The real race

"McCain needs to hold Ohio. No Republican has ever won the White House without winning Ohio.

Obama faces his own challenges in the state. Even his supporters worry that he's underperforming in what seems likely to be a Democratic year. But if he can take Ohio's 20 electoral votes, he could be on his way to the presidency"

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/226/story/46761.html

What Was Edwards Thinking?
By Eugene Robinson

I hope Edwards is finally leveling with us -- and with himself. I've always thought there was genuine substance beneath all that slickness.

Whenever I want to write him off as a total fraud, I tell myself that if Elizabeth Edwards loves and respects him, he can't be all bad.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/08/what_was_edwards_thinking.html

"U.S. national pastime on its way out as Olympic sport"

"The Summer Games that began here Friday are the last scheduled to feature both baseball and softball, and players from around the world who’ve seen the sports spread in popularity are crying foul.

They say this year's international roster shows the two sports aren't just U.S. phenomena. Some 10 nations, ranging from the United States to South Korea to the Netherlands, are competing this month for either baseball or softball medals, revealing the sports’ global reach"

Jack

We May Finally Get Universal Health Care

"...Democrats are united around a commitment to provide every American access to affordable, comprehensive health care.”

"One more thing: if we do get real health care reform, a lot of people will owe a debt of gratitude to none other than John Edwards. When Mr. Edwards dropped out of the presidential race, I credited him with making universal health care a “possible dream for the next administration.” Mr. Edwards’s political career is over — but perhaps he and his family can take some solace from the fact that his party is still trying to make that dream come true."
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/11/opinion/11krugman.html?_r=1&ref=opinion&oref=slogin

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/08/give-edwards-a-break.html#comment-126649

TT: Small correction in order? Fanny Flagg is the author of Fried Green Tomatoes. Maybe you meant to cite Fanne Foxe of Wilbur Mills fame?

EdVB,

What perfectly charming post! (your 9:25 a.m.)

A fun story out of the Olympics

"No way met no quit.

"I changed," he said. "I thought, 'That's ridiculous. I'm at the Olympic Games, I'm here for the United States of America. I don't care how bad it hurts, I'm going after it.'

"I just got a super charge."

What transpired during the final 50 meters was the stuff of Disney movies. It was the kind of thing that should land Lezak a co-starring role with Phelps on cereal boxes and network morning shows. And if Phelps does complete the great eight and pocket a $1 million Speedo bonus, he should cut a check for one-eighth of that total to the guy who kept the quest alive, Jason Lezak."

http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/summer08/columns/story?columnist=forde_pat&id=3529125

Jack

Jeff Greenfield: Mike Lupica has it exactly right.

Imus.......I hereby apologise to all Hillary supporters.....O is an empty suit, and Mac is insane.....Hillary would make the best president and we should have nominated her.......

Greenfield: It's not too late.

I'm impressed.

"And up to a billion people might have witnessed it, either live or on TV,"

http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/summer08/basketball/columns/story?id=3528438&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab2pos1

Jack

Corporate America must be breathing a sigh of relief this morning. During the primary season I was watching a roundtable discussion on CNBC --subject was ---Who would Wall Street prefer as POTUS-concensus was anyone except John Edwards.I'm sure they would feel the same way if he were Attorney General. They got rid of Elliott Spitzer, now Edwards--so who's next?

sturgeone,

For some in the MSM it does take awhile for their lights to come on. Hopefully their reporting on O's empty suit will inspire those who will be attending the D convention to vote for the more qualified person instead of the PC candidate.

What was his impact on HRC if he had not been in the race?

Poor HRC injured by two womenizers

Posted by: Ping Pong | August 11, 2008 8:30 AM

Hmmmmmmm.
Something to think about....

ubns.......the jury is still out as to whether they can dump mr obama, they're certainly working on it;
but there's one whom they never could and wont be able to dump and that's Hillary Clinton.........

Accordo to Gordo theyre working overtime to dump the
Obamanable snowman..............

obamanable snowman not because of "snow" but because of melting in the bright light of day"

Was Rasmussen polling here at Craig's place?

55% say media bias is more of a problem than big campaign contributions
36% disagree, think campaign cash is a bigger problem

49% in an earlier survey believed that most reporters are trying to help Barack Obama win the election
14% believe they are trying to help McCain

81% Republicans see media bias as the bigger problem
47% unaffiliated voters see media bias as the problem
50% Democrats say campaign cash is the bigger problem

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_presidential_election/55_say_media_bias_bigger_problem_than_campaign_cash

If Obama wnats to have a clear path he should nix HRC´s name on convention day.
It will be not good if he ends up wining by a small margin.....
HRC should let this play out and let it be.

I think as usual Hillary and Bill can take care of themselves......O needs them and not the reverse.

Good.

I go see saw, now......

i havent posted on this site in months but this edwards thing and the reaction of craig and most of you people stunned me.....between edwards and obama the MSM has controlled this election ....they knew about rev wright in march 07 nand edwards on oct 07 and never reported on them.......they are picking our president just as they did with bush ..and no one seems to give a dam.........edwards hasnt finished lying yet and neither has obama.........and the real sad part is that McCain is a terrible candidate ......this country cant afford a mistake and put someone in office that probably will make a worse mess than bush ........but for all of you to dismiss the edwards thing as a mistake is shocking to me ......cheating on his wife is forgiveable ....but not informing the public by the MSM on edwards and obama is not forgiveable.....i probably wont post again for another 3 months ......all i can say is PEOPLE OPEN YOUR EYES.......we are being connned with the help of MSNBC and CNN

That Was the Obama We're Still Waiting For

"And the one-America theme will be crucial if he actually wins. As president, Obama will need to unite liberals and moderates of both parties and isolate the conservative blocs in the House and especially the Senate to get anything done..."

"As the Democratic convention approaches, it's a safe bet that the cable networks will transport us back in time to late July 2004 by showing clips of Barack Obama's electrifying keynote address to that year's gathering. That was the speech that made him a star (and unlike John McCain's ad team, I mean this as a compliment). But I've sometimes wondered in recent months: Whatever happened to that Obama, to that enemy of excessive partisanship and evangelist of national unity?"
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/08/AR2008080802944.html

One thing I like about the Olympics are the sports that get little, or no coverage, and should they get televised I try to watch them, or record them to watch at a later time. You ever watch women field hockey? Watched that on Sunday morning. Pretty amazing what these ladies can do.

Archery
Badminton
Canoeing/Kayaking
Fencing
Trampoline
Handball
Women s Hockey
Taekwondo
Sailing

"It will be not good if he ends up wining by a small margin.....
HRC should let this play out and let it be."

If HRC is not on the November ballot, those women who feel the DNC did an Edwards on them, should write-in HRC. I may be the only R here who think she could easily beat John McCain, but then again I always thought that, even my own wife said she would vote for her. But she'll not be voting for the O-man.

"Obama As Incumbent" WAPO, EJ Dionne

McCain's core strategy is to to turn Obama into the incumbent, who while to familiar is yet still mysterious.

Turn Obama's strengths into weaknesses, because McCain loses if the election is a referendum on Bush.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/10/AR2008081001867.html?hpid=opinionsbox1

Prof Marcia,

I wrote it trying to be funny, but the only lie in there was understating my good looks.

On second thought, I guess it's all true. :-)

Correen
That Rasmussen web site has a number of interesting articles.

"News You Watch Says a Lot About How You’ll Vote"

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_presidential_election/news_you_watch_says_a_lot_about_how_you_ll_vote

tz is right. Why weren't we talking about this last year instead of now.

"lushislinda, think i read where jane fonda did something similar re ted turner and her replacement. "
--patd

If Jim took me up on my offer and then decided to stay with my "replacement", that would be OK, because I would not want to stay married to him if he didn't love me/want to be with me anymore.

Also, I certainly would not want to be intimate with Jim, knowing he was with someone else(thus putting my health at risk).

Jack,
I was looking for that online the other day, but didn't find it. I heard on Potus08 that eighty-seven percent (87%) of Fox News viewers say they are likely to vote for John McCain, and felt shocked. Good link from Coreen and you.

"tz is right. Why weren't we talking about this last year instead of now."

Why!!! Because the MSM rather bury their heads in the sand, rather than report on issues and people they support.

Corey -- keep us informed about your dad's condition. And stick tight with your mom. Best....

"I've never met a financially secure, successful, handsome man who was faithful to his girlfriend or wife, period"
--prof marcia

I am thinking of all the financially secure, successful, handsome men I know...I don't think any of them have been unfaithful, in their relationships...but, then again, how would I know?

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/08/give-edwards-a-break.html#comment-126684

Just noticed you posted this morning Lard. I've been wondering where you were. Good to see you here. (miss your humor here too).

After reading that Newsweek article about Rielle, I can't help but think that John Edwards shouldn't be allowed near any position of responsibility. If that report is accurate, any many who could get involved with that bubble head is suffering from terminal idiocy.

Take your pick. He is either a total twit who fell for the "old soul" "vibrations" etc line about his ultimate destiny or he was so dedicated to little john finding a happy home that he overlooked the fact that this twit babbled to everyone about her life.

Either status indicates a lack of judgement that would reflect on his ability to serve the public. There is a lot to be said for discretion.

Jack & Chloe,

The disconcerting thing about all this information is just how effortlessly the media manipulation affects decision making abilities.

jamie,

"After reading that Newsweek article about Rielle, I can't help but think that John Edwards shouldn't be allowed near any position of responsibility. If that report is accurate, any many who could get involved with that bubble head is suffering from terminal idiocy."

You think? lol

"TT: Small correction in order? Fanny Flagg is the author of Fried Green Tomatoes. Maybe you meant to cite Fanne Foxe of Wilbur Mills fame? "

Ha! I wondered about that as well! My first reaction was, OMG! is Fannie Flagg running around with a politician? Then I remembered Wilber and the Great River Escape.

I agree with you Coreen, and think tz said it well. I always feel like I'm a free thinker and am not manipulated by the media, but this is a good example about how they direct our conersations.

Ed, I agree with Marcia-- a wonderful post! (Hope the ex appreciates you!)

How John Edwards Helped Destroy Hillary

"If the story were known last December of John Edwards’ “egocentric and narcissistic” sexual “liaison,” as he calls it ... Hillary Clinton, would be the Democratic nominee.

Instead Edwards stayed in the race, harboring his secret life, knowing that it was likely to be exposed ...

... Edwards engaged in a ferocious negative campaign against Hillary–not Obama.

In effect, he was acting as Obama’s running mate. And Obama benefited enormously from having Edwards do some dirty work against Hillary.

Here’s Edwards’ record of negative attacks against Hillary below."

http://noquarterusa.net/blog/2008/08/10/how-john-edwards-helped-destroy-hillary/

Okay, this really angers me--the complete acceptance of extra-marital affairs despite the effects on children within the marriage and the progeny of the liaisons des jours.

We decry, or at least some people do, the tragedy of fatherless families in our inner cities where more than 60-pct of children are born out of wedlock.

But, then, look whats happening in the sub and exburbs--the same kind of do it now sex despite the consequences for the children.

I suppose the big difference is that those outside the inner cities have the financial resources to support, if they own up to them, the kids that will always wonder what it would be like having a stay-at-home-all-night father.

Or, you could be like Stinky and me and one of our daughters. We're the ones who go out and adopt the kids that their natural parents cannot afford, cannot identify, or simply don't want.

I'm more than angry. I'm incensed.

Sturge--

Do you really think Corporate America wants toget rid of Obama? I don't think so. He can be easily rolled. Look at all the people he's thrown under the bus to please his backers. Powerful people could mold him like Play-Doh. Hillary Clinton--not so much. Do you think Hillary will be placed in nomination?

Craig, I hate to say it, but you should be ashamed of yourself for endorsing this type of behavior by anyone much less than a 'pillar' of our society.

Just for the heck of it, ask your mom & dad what they think about it.

Corey...

I'll be thinking of you and your family. Take care...of you, your mom, and your dad.

Flatus,

"Or, you could be like Stinky and me and one of our daughters. We're the ones who go out and adopt the kids that their natural parents cannot afford, cannot identify, or simply don't want."

Now that is personal behavior that everyone can applaud, and you and your family should be extremely proud of yourselves. Nice work!

Flatus

It isn't a matter of approving or endorsing. This kind of behavior inflicts terrible pain and has far reaching consequences. It is more a matter of the infidelity shouldn't be the only thing by itself to disqualify someone from public service.

If someone slips, is discovered, tells the truth, and reaches an accomodation with wife and family, then it is an error in judgement that has been corrected.

As I wrote above, I'm more worried about the egotism and stupidity in getting involved with such a woman. The same thing for which I faulted Clinton while in the White House. That is pure arrogance in believing you can get away with things because of your position of power. But it comes down to everyone makes serious errors in their life. If those errors are corrected then you have to judge their abilities in other areas as to whether they should be allowed a position of public trust again.

Now if I were engaging in conspiracy thinking, I would wonder if the Obama camp knew about Edwards BEFORE the primaries and used him to bleed votes from Clinton, knowing they could evict him from the race at any time.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/08/give-edwards-a-break.html#comment-126756

ubns, Your point about Hillary not being easily molded is so true. Which is the reason, I think, the party decided on Obama.

John Edwards is human just like any of us. He is fallible just like any of us. I am sorry that it happened, but it did. Let's move on.

In case you aren't looking for them, the folks a Google are have a ball with their logo and the Olympics. Today is Diving. Yesterday was weight lifting and the day before bicyling.

http://www.google.com/webhp?rls=ig

"It is more a matter of the infidelity shouldn't be the only thing by itself to disqualify someone from public service." Jamie

Jamie, I have to admit that I personally don't think that infidelity alone disqualifies someone from public service. But I also understand why others think it does.

In the end, it's the public opinion that will decide, because the politicians can't ignore their opinion and still win an election.

mornin' all.

So John Edwards turns out to be just another bright narcissist willing to lie about his personal life. Even he used the word. Apt. I'd say. Tough sh*t - you pays your money and you takes your chances. I have no sympathy for him. Does it change my view of whether he could add value to the government as a part of it? Not one iota. I like Edwards, good plaintiff's lawyer from what I can tell, but he is a bit of a lightweight as a politician - was a mediocre senator, failed twice in running for president and once in running for VP. And I guess I wish he was faithful to his ailing wife and hope I'd take a little higher road, although I had a couple of slips - at least with the first wife (and one of them resulted in Mrs. P & LP, so I'm not apologizing), but hey, isn't that whatchagonnado when you think with the little head instead of the big one?

Frankly, I'm more interested in Michael Phelps' quest for 8 gold medals and was absolutely blown away by the US men's 4x100 relay. Jason Lezak deserves a huge hand for his anchor leg - fastest 4x100 split recorded in history at 46.06.

Now if I were engaging in conspiracy thinking, I would wonder if the Obama camp knew about Edwards BEFORE the primaries and used him to bleed votes from Clinton, knowing they could evict him from the race at any time.
Posted by: Jamie | August 11, 2008 11:08 AM

Oh, and Jamie. It wouldn't surprise me at all if you were right about them knowing early on and using it to their benefit. Everyone seems to agree that they ran a perfectly planned campaign.

Coreen,

I hope mccain does try to paint O as the incumbent. And, I hope he spends all his money on that project.

GORDO,

Aren't all cheaters narcissistic and egocentric ? As a former Edwards supporter, I have to admit that I am a former Edwards supporter. If his family can't trust him to do the right thing for them, how can my family trust him to do the right thing for us? Add Sens packwood & durenberger, and the 'Reverend' jesse jackson to the list of low-lifes.

"Frankly, I'm more interested in Michael Phelps' quest for 8 gold medals and was absolutely blown away by the US men's 4x100 relay. Jason Lezak deserves a huge hand for his anchor leg - fastest 4x100 split recorded in history at 46.06."

Pogo

I agree, I'm also with fry about the unknown competitions they are often the hidden jewels.

I do think the enthusiasm about basketball in China says a lot about the US place in the world and how quickly we can recover from all the Bush incompetence.

Jack

Gee ET,

I wonder how forgiving and benevolent you would have been if we were talking about a R who got caught? Plus ET this story has just taken off now that the MSM has realized they been made to look like buffoons for not paying closer attention. Unfortunately for Edwards there is a massive investigation underway by the MSM to make up for their lack of interest in this matter. Now they will go overboard identifying every nook and cranny Ms Hunter has resided and where was JE during these dates. He should have never given that interview to ABC, as it created more questions and it answered.

"ubns, Your point about Hillary not being easily molded is so true. Which is the reason, I think, the party decided on Obama."

Absolutely agree, Chloe.

Oh, and you asked about my sister's "baby country" comment. We were discussing what an arrogant country America is -- thinking we know best for the world, and recalling Rumsfeld's dismissive comments about "old Europe." She said it has become unthinkable for most Americans to admit that our country is new and could implode just like so many great civilizations before us if we aren't careful.

Jamie, I understand what you are saying. I think you are raising it to a more dialog-friendly level. I simply am unable to do that (which doesn't mean that I don't include you as a genuine internet buddy).

Fry, instead of sending kudos, track down the miscreants and have them send support. That sounds harsh and I don't mean it on a personal level; but, why should society, or people within society, have to pick-up the financial and emotional tabs for someone else's lust?

jack, Fry, love the list of 9 unknown events - I either have or do participate in 5 of them.

xr, sounds good to me - but if we ditched every pol who screwed around, who'd run the country?

Patsi,

Your sister sounds like she's just as interesting a person as you are. And I agree with her.

I feel so strongly, if we would stick to our constitution and to what our founding fathers envisioned for us, we would be so much more tolerant and have a lot less problems.

Flatus, re your adoptions....and attitude -- good for you! I don't automatically condemn people for infidelity, but I sure as hell am bent out of shape that Edwards was so snarky toward Bill Clinton. About helf of those jerks who were "outraged, I tell you, outraged," were just as guilty.

Sick.

good morning gang.....

I'm baaaack..... with a nice fattened bank account..... I had a good fair..... not great.... but very good..... and considering the economy and that the attendance was down about 20%, I'm pleasantly pleased and surprised.....

haven't watched any news for almost 2 weeks..... but the gal who lurks here watched MSNBC every night and kept me informed about all this Edwards brou-ha-ha.....

I have no sympathy for him..... I know lots of men do this.... but you get caught.... you pay the price.... I feel enormously sorry for Elizabeth and the kids.... his political career was meager at best.... if he can do good for this country.... maybe in a few years..... but anything in a first Obama administration should be out, IMO....

While, maybe we should assume these folks can govern just fine, I have to wonder about their ability to make decisions. How the heck do you sleep around, run for president and think you're not going to get caught? Give me a break.

And it does make a difference in politics. I am positive that if Bill Clinton kept his pants zipped, Al Gore would have been President in 2000 and the past eight years would have been different. So yes cheating can make a difference in government.

My sister is glad this story broke while she's here with me. She said she was an Edwards cheerleader at her bridge club, mostly Republican, and she can just hear the ladies crowing. (She loved Edwards' message, but was a Hillary voter, despite being a registered Republican.)

Corey.....

you will be in my prayers, buddy.....
hang in there and give support to your Mom.....

and please take care of yourself too.....
best wishes and love to you....

Olympics. Stinky and I have been watching the Korean version complements of one of their networks to which we subscribe. And, we've a