Has the effort to smear John Edwards succeeded?

[brentspeak]

I mean, "succeeded" in preventing him from being the VP pick? Because all mention of Edwards as a possible Obama running-mate has disappeared.

Which should get the corporate class chuckling and rubbing their filthy palms together in satisfaction.

[tekisui]

1. I still think he would be better as AG.

We already tried with him as a Veep candidate.

[Orsino]

39. Better than nearly anyone, I'd think. n/t

[Wetzelbill]

44. Rock on

[factcheckr]

48. Edwards as AG

An Attorney General who would break up oil and media monopolies, prosecute voter fraud, and enforce Congressional subpoenas.

[Unsane]

51. A career ambulance chaser is offensively unqualified to serve as USAG.

Get real.

[Shakespeare]

57. Perhaps you should read "Four Trials" and get yourself a freaking clue. n/t

[Phredicles]

65. And by January this will be old, old news;

He was very, very wrong, but he's human, and he would indeed make a damn good attorney general.

[ingac70]

2. Edwards was never going to be VP pick. n/t

[beachmom]

11. Agreed. The tabloids should leave him alone. nt

[nomaco-10]

3. I haven't talked to one not one single person that has....

brought this story up outside of a few obscure internet sites. I don't think this slimeball story has traction.

I could be wrong.

[AZ Criminal JD]

6. Both Leno and Letterman have made jokes about it.

Hardly obscure.

[nomaco-10]

8. That shows how out of the loop of "network tv pop culture"...

I am.

That's a real damn shame if these two factioning media whores have stooped so low for laughs that they would bring unfounded, slimy gossip into their corporate media funded shows for ratings.

Why am I not surprised?

I'm glad I watch Mad TV reruns, Jon Stewart and Talk Soup for my pop culture tv fix.

[Raineyb]

50. The only place I've even heard of this nonsense is well here

Am I missing something?

Regards

[DFLforever]

4. I don't think he was going to be VP in 2008 because he had

been in 2004, although he had to have been a very attractive possibility for Obama.

I'm now wondering if it will effect his role at the convention. Scandal or rumors of scandal can be corrosive to public image.

[AndyA]

5. John Edwards went on record very early on that he would not agree to the VP spot.

I don't know why anyone would believe he didn't mean that when he said it.

I hope Barack plugs Edwards into the Attorney General spot, as we'll need someone strong to fix the Justice Department after Gonzo and the puppet who occupies that position now.

[KittyWampus]

7. He would NEVER have been VP.

[Nye Bevan]

9. He's blown it.

He will not be VP. He will not be AG, or anything at all in Obama's administration. Whether or not you believe that he has proved himself to be just another politician who cannot keep his penis in his pants (and I think the evidence for this is pretty convincing), he will never be able to live down hiding out for 15 minutes in a hotel bathroom like a frightened rat.

[FrenchieCat]

10. Goodness! I have not heard anything about this story.

I have been out of the country for a month before returning last week.
Do you have a link on this?

[beachmom]

12. I'll give you the only CREDIBLE link on it, which is inconclusive:

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/politics/story/100766.html

Basically, we're supposed to rely on the National Enquirer. I think they should leave Edwards alone.

[FrenchieCat]

16. Sounds like he has to prove he doesn't beat his wife.

How sick is that?

I have never supported John Edwards for President, but this is totally uncalled for.
I'm so tired of the tabloid journalism till it isn't even funny.

And yes, they should leave Edwards alone. If they have some proof for the allegation, they should bring it forth, otherwise, they need to STFU with these unproven rumors.

[Inspired]

19. Edwards supporters appreciate this, FrenchieCat.

I applaud your comment, especially coming from a someone who never supported John.

You are spot on with your comment.

[Medusa]

27. The Enquirer has just posted pics

i've seen better and of course with photoshop anything is possible.

[Overseas]

34. Pics of Edwards visiting Reille Hunter and Andrew Young's baby.

I don't get why, if the mother and campaign worker Andrew Young, claim parentage of the baby, the story doesn't end there.

If John Edwards had any affairs, do you think he would be as dumb or callous as to not use condoms?

That's why this sounds like professional disinformation. Push the story in spite of all the obvious factual errors.

[Overseas]

35. It is QUITE CONCLUSIVE with both parents of the child acknowledging that fact.

“In a statement issued to The ENQUIRER through her attorney, Rielle said: ‘The fact that I am expecting a child is my personal and private business. This has no relationship to nor does it involve John Edwards in any way. Andrew Young is the father of my unborn child.'”

A statement attributed to Young's Washington attorney Pamela J. Marple said at the time, “As confirmed by Ms. Hunter, Andrew Young is the father of her unborn child. Senator Edwards knew nothing about the relationship between these former co-workers, which began when they worked together in 2006. As a private citizen who no longer works for the campaign, Mr. Young asks that the media respect his privacy while he works to make amends with his family.”

What IS conclusive is that this is a professional smear job. Push the story no matter what facts come to light because you are marketing doubt. Cast doubt. That's all you need to do.

[Raineyb]

52. Works for me

Sheesh! Only when a Democrat is involved does the "media" (and I guess I'm using the word extremely loosely) try to pin a child on a man when another man has already acknowledged it's his. What do they expect a paternity test now too? Scratch that they probably will. Grrr!

Regards

[brentspeak]

13. "the evidence is pretty convincing"

National Enquirer rumor = "evidence"?

Your post: Exhibit A of the Dumbing-Down of America.

[AllentownJake]

14. Politians who can keep control of their libido are a rare thing

If the standard is never cheating on your spouse over half the cabinet members, govenors, and congressmen would half to resign from both parties.

[goddess40]

15. Proof?

The National Inquirer says it has pictures of Edwards at the hotel in question. They said this weeks ago but where are the pictures?

[Nye Bevan]

24. Right here....

http://www.nationalenquirer.com/exclusive_john_edwards_love_child_photos/celebrity/65258

[dflprincess]

31. It's an awfully fuzzy photo

How does holding a picture of someone holding a baby prove they're the parent?

[Divine Discontent]

45. HA!

That doesn't even look like John Edwards in the fuzzy pic - and it's funny how this retarded story constantly gets brought up on DU! Thank you for posting that photo, mathguy.

[Shakespeare]

22. And what evidence is that?

Please be specific.

[CTyankee]

25. John categorically denied that story. I believe him.

We have only that story to go on for "facts." If so many people "saw" him come out of that bathroom, why isn't other venues of the press getting the story?

[scarletwoman]

17. As someone else already posted, Edwards already stated unequivocally that he did NOT

want to run as a VP again. I see no reason not to take him at his word.

And I for SURE see no reason to give credence to the fucking National Enquirer!

I swear, sometimes DU is no better than Faux News, the way people glom onto rumor and inuendo and pay no attention to actual facts. :banghead:

[PresidentObama]

18. Only on DU among those who smeared Edwards anyways and those who buy anything NE says.

[PatSeg]

20. Good grief, who cares?

I'm not a big fan of Edwards, but I don't see how this story has any relevance whatsoever. Edwards isn't running for anything, so I don't understand why anyone is trying to dig up dirt on him now.

I have my doubts whether it is true or not, but even if it was, I could care less. I can't imagine who is interested in this.

[PurityOfEssence]

21. The selfish mind will never "get" Edwards

It's somewhat like the thrashing about in disbelief and anger when Buffett decided to give away 85% of his money: how can anybody with so much and with untold opportunities not want more?

To the selfish, user mind, it's incomprehensible how a good-looking wealthy guy isn't screwing around in deep, deep cover. The schadenfreude of the haters of this man eats at their withered souls: he rose from the bottom of the middle class and yet he wants to tax himself more and help those less fortunate. It makes no sense to them and it rankles their worldview, therefore, he must be disgraced and destroyed lest their tidy little world of justified selfishness combust in their less-successful faces.

He is an embodiment of the refutation of everything the Ayn Rands of the world claim: that there really is no true altruism and that everyone's best served by everyone serving themselves almost exclusively.

There must be something wrong with him; he has to be ruined.

As he said: he's gonna be fine; we need to worry about America.

[Inspired]

23. It's obvious that you get it. Thank you!

[cali]

38. what codswallop. I'm not particularly interested in JE's personal life

but what a crock of shit that the "selfish mind will never get John Edwards. For the record, I "get" Buffett. I have no idea if JE screwed around or not, but frankly, I still see him as a centrist who didn't do jackshit for progressive causes in his 6 years in the Senate. I've seen no real evidence of great altruism from him. I do find the tabloid shit about him gratuitous and ugly, but it doesn't make me anymore convinced that JE is some progressive saint.

[PurityOfEssence]

47. As poisonous as ever, I see...

This must just further fuel your rage about Edwards' "obvious" misogyny.

At least his Senate voting record was more progressive than that of our current candidate-to-be, but let's not let reality cloud such shining vengeful certainty.

[cali]

55. bwahahaha, JE's Senate voting record was far more centrist than

Obama's, Mr. Ever-so-pure. Not only did JE vote for the putrid IWR, he co-sponsored a War resolution with holy joe. He supported the war for a full three years. He voted for Yucca mountain and for a truly lousy bankruptcy bill. He did not one thing for progressives in his 6 years in the Senate. No wonder true progressives who served with him, like Feingold and Leahy and Kennedy, didn't support him. They have his number.

[Lilith Velkor]

56. I wouldn't call a hotel frequented by paparazzi as "deep, deep cover"

And I am an anti-imperialist and a socialist for mainly selfish reasons. Think about it.

[book_worm]

26. If it's not true it shouldn't have hurt his chances to be VP because it could be easily disproved

and denied.

[Occam Bandage]

28. Nobody was ever going to let that oily has-been on the ticket.

After his DLC-poster-boy New Democrat one-term career in the Senate, sunny-optimist 2004 run, smilin' aw-shucks milquetoast 2004 VP run, and firebrand populist 2008 run all ended in failure, it was pretty obvious that his electoral career was over. Not only is he a careerist and an embarrassing flip-flopper who voted for (and supported in '04) just about everything he ran against in '08, he didn't deliver a single targeted state to Kerry. Hell, he wouldn't even give the attack speeches Kerry asked him to in '04.

He is not, nor was he ever, going to be anyone's choice for Vice President in 2008.

[Nye Bevan]

30. Love the "smilin' aw-shucks milquetoast 2004 VP run"!

I always say that Edwards brought two things to the Kerry ticket- boyish good looks, and a pretty good "Two Americas" speech. Other than that he was an empty suit.

There is no doubt in my mind that if Kerry had chosen Gephardt he would have won Ohio and the presidency.

[DangerDave921]

37. Damn!

You got that right, and more!

Edwards has rubbed me the wrong way since 2004. I just do not trust anything that guy says. Maybe because I'm a trial attorney myself and have seen too many smooth-talking attorneys who will say whatever they need to.

And yes -- his hypocrisy with the whole two americas thing makes me want to vomit.

[XemaSab]

53. .

:thumbsup:

[highplainsdem]

29. Edwards should sue that tabloid. Best way to stop that smear.

[DangerDave921]

36. But . . .

what if it's true?

If he does not sue, that tells me something.

[vinylsolution]

32. Edwards will play a part....

... in the Obama Administration, but not VP.

This is who I'm backing:



McLame can't hold a candle to The 4-star General....

[DangerDave921]

33. Such a victim!!

The guy is not a big-time player. Sorry. He had a disastrous campaign for president that generated no traction at all. Give it up already. He is done.

[Mass]

40. Given that he is still the joke of the late night show with this story, probably yes.

That is if he was ever a serious player.

[jesus_of_suburbia]

41. It has succeeded, But I'm sorry, I don't want him as VP when he cheated on his cancer-stricken wife

It will hurt Obama too much. Not a good idea.

Maybe they have an open relationship.. I don't know.

I just don't want that to be a drag on the Obama campaign (if it's even true).

I like Edwards and his ideas, but cheating on his wife when she has cancer is too much. It will hurt Obama.

[Divine Discontent]

46. your comment is funny!

you should have put a :rofl: in there! So, since the Enquirer said it happened, it's true? So, then, Obama had sex with Larry Sinclair, and he should spare us the national embarrassment, right?

[Nye Bevan]

61. Do you still think it's funny?

[polichick]

42. Succeeded in selling papers maybe - he can still be A.G.

[Shine]

43. Not in my book.

:eyes: I mean, c'mon.....The National Enquirer? ! :eyes: Gimme a break.


Plus, the man said he had no interest in running again as VP.

[TheBigotBasher]

49. What I find hard to understand

is how the "God fearing" GOP gets away with running a candidate who is a very bad way left his wife for "a younger model", has elected representatives getting bjs off underage interns, and gets aways with it. The slightest rumour of a Democrat, a Party that has never campaigned for Government in the bedroom, has all hell unleashed because of not so pretty kiss and tellers (Monica) or false rumours.

[krawhitham]

54. Hope so

he does not help the ticket in any way


He did wonders for Kerry, that man can not even carry his own state

[XemaSab]

58. Yes

n/t

[Nye Bevan]

59. I would have to say "yes"

and he only has himself to blame.

Just another politician who thinks with his penis instead of his brain, and just as sleazy as Newt Gingrich.

Way to go, John.

[qwlauren35]

60. YES.

Just like Gary Hart.

It's not just the affair. It's that he's on record as saying that anyone who has one is disrespecting his office. He was talking about Clinton and Lewinsky, but those words would damn him.

People who live in glass houses should not throw stones.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

62. Effort to smear? You've got to be kidding. HE did it. And no - no

way will he be anything in the Obama WH. But he did it to himself.

[SoCalDem]

63. To be fair, he did smear that shit all over himself.. They just smelled it and found it..

He's pretty much DONE for a long while.. Hopefully he'l get the DNA thing done, and if he's not the father, then he can go back to NC , fire up his law practice and be faithful to Elizabeth for as long as she's got.....and stay out of politics for a while..

if he IS the father (likely), then he has to chart a new course.. like paying real child support..not hush money..

[JCMach1]

64. It has-- he will never run for office again

[greguganus]

66. Edwards smeared himself. n/t

[Gabi Hayes]

67. Edwards dug his own hellhole, and I feel sorry for his family, but the only thing I care about is

whether this will have a long term negative effect on electing Obama

anybody else?