John Edwards admits to affair

Posted: Friday, August 08, 2008 3:34 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: 2008, Edwards

From NBC's Mark Murray
ABC reports: "In an interview for broadcast tonight on Nightline, Edwards told ABC News correspondent Bob Woodruff he did have an affair with 44-year old Rielle Hunter, but said that he did not love her."

"Edwards also denied he was the father of Hunter's baby girl, Frances Quinn, although the one-time Democratic Presidential candidate said he has not taken a paternity test."

"Edwards said he knew he was not the father based on timing of the baby's birth on February 27, 2008. He said his affair ended too soon for him to have been the father."

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Comments

Is this at all like how John McCain had an affair on his wife after she was disfigured in a car crash?

Demosthenes112358 (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:37 PM)

Sad

Philip (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:37 PM)

Well, take his name off the VP list...

Such a sad thing to see, when people of such talent and potential throw it all away.

Shocked (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:38 PM)

It's Friday and so John Edwards finally admits to affair and denies fathering love child. This is a transparent attempt to evade fallout by burying bad news ahead of the weekend.

This is so disappointing. This "rumor" was out before the IA caucus and NH primary were held in January. Nobody but the tabloid Enquirer checked into this. Edwards just continued on with his selfish bogus campaign. He should have been honorable and dropped out. Hell, he should not have been running in the first place. Nobody looked into it. And now he expects everyone to believe the baby isn't his? It takes a pretty low man to cheat on your wife and even lower to cheat when you know your wife is dying from cancer. Shame on you John Edwards!!!

This is unbelievable. WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN MEDIA? Oh that's right, busy getting Obama elected!

The Truth Always Hurts (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:39 PM)

I guess we all knew this was coming. Sad day. I hope he's not also lying about the baby...but...somehow I have a felling...

Why are so many good men fatally flawed in this way?

Anyway, best wishes to Elizabeth Edwards and the kids.

Colleen, Ithaca NY (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:39 PM)

Wow, very sad and very disappointing.

Obama '08

Eric, Indiana (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:41 PM)

Ugh. I feel bad for Mrs. Edwards. That woman has enough to deal with without the media dragging out her husband's dirty laundry.

Rob Dood, Philadelphia (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:41 PM)

I hope that noone, and I mean noone, tries to make political points from this. This is a tragedy for his family. Thoughts and prayers to them - especially his wife Elizabeth who has shown courage, class and devotion to her family.

Liz, NY (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:41 PM)

Pretty good time to dump a story like this.

Kent (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:41 PM)

wow, this is a gut blow to me. I always liked him. I'm not trying to be snarky; but why do men cheat? Do they cheat more often then women? Why do they risk brilliant careers and families? Okay, a little too tabloid; but I wonder.

So does this mean he does not speak at the convention?

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:41 PM)

Can't wait to see how McThuselah blames this on Obama.

Sad for the family.

Man-sized Safe, Portland, Texas (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:42 PM)

what the *&%$???

& this bozo was running for president??? what if he were the prospecitve nominee right now? what a self-centered POS . . . he could have cost the Dems the election if he were the nominee

reinforces for me why I am an independent . . . I especially hate the Repubs thanks to "W" right now, but I pretty much hate the Dems too

Independent in TN (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:42 PM)

This is pretty bad...What is wrong with all southern men? Bill Clinton did the same thing, now, Edward follow suite. Wow!! Another talent wasted.
The conservatives will have a full day on this. I think this is good for Obama because it will distract McCain for the rest of the week while he enjoys his vacation.

I always knew Edward was phony but i gave him benefit of doubt. Obama should not pick anybody from DC as his running mate. They are all cheaters...

Bee, Manchester (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:44 PM)

I guess that means he's off the VP list.

sg, michigan (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:45 PM)

Well there is one name you can cross off the VP list. What is it with politicians and their inability to keep it in their pants.

greg chicago (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:45 PM)

What is more shocking; getting caught lying about sexual indiscretions, or admitting to them?

aleese (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:45 PM)

Imagine if was the Democratic nominee...he would have handed the election to the Republicans.

Bee, manchester (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:45 PM)

Followup:

Or should I say Game, Set, Match. Whatever.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:47 PM)

Now if only John McCain would admit to his affairs.

He was still married to his first wife when he and Cindy got married.
He left his disabled first wife for the 25 year old heiress so that he could start a political career.

Over the years he wasn't even able to remain faithful to Cindy.
But at least he wants her to be Miss Buffalo Chip, right?

Jack, Santa Cruz, CA (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:47 PM)

"...he did have an affair with 44-year old Rielle Hunter, but said that he did not love her."

Um, so not loving her makes it better. I don't think so.

I feel badly for Elizabeth. The woman is battling cancer while her husband is having a loveless affair with a woman who (John alleges) must have been seeing at least two men. Yuk, just yuk.

Cindy Lou, TX (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:48 PM)

SICK MAN IS WHAT HE IS

ABBY (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:48 PM)

I don't really see the big deal.

I mean, John McCain had an affair with Cindy before he divorced his first wife Carol and no one seems to care (except maybe Carol).

Isaac, Seattle (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:48 PM)

I just feel bad for the wife and children.

MIA in Miami (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:48 PM)

At least he didn't make Elizabeth stand next to him for the "Press Conference of Shame".

I always feel so very sorry for those poor wives with their "deer caught in the headlights" looks.

Obama 08

Carol, Long Valley, NJ (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:49 PM)

Damn, this is too bad.

Is this the kind of stuff we do really need to know, or are we just damned curious? If that's the case, is some kind of vetting of McCain in this regard inorder? I sort of hope not.

iowan (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:49 PM)

One has to feel compassion for Elizabeth. It is a sad story.
I don't have so much sympathy for John. He literally screwed his political career. Now we know how Bill Clinton found time to talk at the DNC. He took John's spot. How can a smart man be do dumb? I'm not looking for an answer to that last question.

Ron Indiana (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:49 PM)

Wow. I'm sure republicans will roast him for it, but at least it was heterosexual, rather than the way republicans seem to like it....
I feel sorry for Elizabeth, she sure seems like a great gal....hope they work it out....

justobserveID (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:50 PM)

P.S.

A man was threatenting Senator Obama in a bail-bondsmans class,(I beleive in Florida). His classmates reported it to the authorities. They took him into custody. They found his home full of weapons.

Pray for Senator Obama's safety.

aleese (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:50 PM)

God Bless the Edwards family they have been through so much. As the good book says, "Ye without sin cast the first stone."

Sen. Edwards has a Big Heart for those in Poverty, he made a mistake, ask for forgiveness, we are praying for this wonderful, caring family now move on.

We wish him well in significantly decreasing the Poverty Level in America within his projected target.

gg, fl (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:50 PM)

what do yo think edwards chances of being vp are now?
I guess he would still be a viable candidate if he were republican, they think mccain messing around on his wife was ok, you don't hear the term "moral majority" much these days do ya

MK,MO (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:51 PM)

I feel terrible for his wife Elizabeth. Guess we won't be seeing John in Obama's administration. Too bad...very sad.

Chris, Dorr, MI (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:51 PM)

I feel terrible for Elizabeth.
Veep dreams gone.
Thank GOD for the Dems.

banko (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:52 PM)

I am SO disappointed in John Edwards. I supported him the primaries before he dropped out. He has totally lost my respect. How could he do that to Elizabeth?

Judy, Salem (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:52 PM)

If he was a Republican the country would be calling for his head. No doubt he will be pitied and this portrayed in a sympathetic light by his friends in the Press. This is a man who ran for president as a family man, his cancer-fighting wife at his side, but now we find out differently. Where on earth is the outrage? A Republican Senator, one not running for president, plays footsie in a bathroom stall and you would think he had committed capital murder. This guy betrayed his wife, his children, and lied about it to the country while running for president, but gee whiz, he is just a nice guy, and a Democrat to boot, so let's just look the other way. This has been known for months and no one gave a damn. Where were the hounds from the Press who tracked Senator Craigs every move? Yeah, I thought so.

Tom Pereira, Coeur d' Alene, Idaho (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:53 PM)

I guess this rules out being #2 on the ticket. He also said that he didn't want it either. I wonder if this would hurt his chances for being Attorney General if Obama makes it to the White House? I don't think that this is really news worthy unless he had campaign on "family values" including not cheating on your spouce.

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:53 PM)

Sometimes I think we need to mind our own business. Mrs.Edwards is the only person this truly effects and the rest of us need to tend to our own closets.

Ann in VA (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:53 PM)

Old News. I voted for him, but I'm sure glad he didn't win.

Go Obama / (Bayh) 08/12

Chris F. Northern Cal. (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:53 PM)

I have two boys, 13 and 11. I tell them over and over and over.....
"Don't use your penis for a brain."

renegademom (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:54 PM)

I am not sure that this is all too accurate. What about the National Enquirer looking for him in the bathroom of the Bevery Hilton last week? Do you suppose she was blackmailing him? I feel sorry for his wife.

karen bourland overland park ks (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:54 PM)

Edwards "says" he is not the father? Well, he has been so truthful and forthright up until now so why don't we just take his word for it? If the Press, which has been covering his behind for the last year, does not go after this now and demand a paternity test then we might as well do away with the 1st Amendment of the Constitution and call the Press what they are: Democratic Party Spin Meisters!

Tom Pereira Coeur d' Alene, Idaho (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:56 PM)

What kind of a person runs for President during or following a brief affair, seriously!

And will this political story be able to break through the Olympics? Ehh? I'm just saying the Russia/Georgia conflict and Sen. Edwards isn't mere coincidence. What else?!?!

" ...he did have an affair with 44-year old Rielle Hunter, but said that he did not love her."
--Good, that makes it aaallllll better.

**Now that Hillary Clinton is no longer on the campaign trail, Bill Clinton has resumed his schedule as activist and touring elder statesman. In a recent interview, he urged people worldwide to practice what?
a) Meditation
b) Monogamy
c) "Carbon-neutral" summer vacations
d) Violin

You got it! The answer is ... Monogamy
In an interview with the BBC, former President Clinton called for a new emphasis on monogamy in the global battle against AIDS. Speaking from Ethiopia, Clinton said that encouraging monogamy should be a strategy not just for Africa -- the continent worst hit by AIDS -- but also for the rest of the world.

Clinton is expected to wrap up his Cheap Irony speaking tour with a presentation on humility and anger management Sunday night.
http://www.npr.org/programs/waitwait/quiz/

Nicholas: Minnesota (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:56 PM)

It's time we stopped being such voyeurs. I'm sure John and Mrs. Edwards have a lot to deal with. Who are we to discuss and/or pass a judgement on their personal lives? Does Mr. Edwards' affair affect oil prices? Our taxes? Our mortgages? We have got to learn when and where to draw the line. Let the Edwards's confront and cope with this situation without us poking into their affairs, into what clearly does not concern us. Think, how would you feel about such outside scrutiny if it were you?

Alice, Alameda, Ca. (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:56 PM)

This is not news that we would like to hear but the Edwards have proven to be such caring people about America and its people, we wish them well.

We believe that Sen. Edwards speaks sincerely about addressing the Provert in our country and his initiative to eliminate or grossly make it better for those in proverty.

The Edwards family are one of a kind, sincere, loving, caring, and love their country and the "Ordinary People" and have a sincere desire to fix the problems of those in need.

We urge Sen. Edwards to hold his head up high, we forgive you, we stand tall with you, Elizabeth and the family and champion you in your goal to address Proverty.

The best of wishes.

carolyn, AR (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:57 PM)

Wow...
I just can't believe it.
It's a blessing he wasn't the nominee.

My heart goes out to his wife. She's fighting for her life, and this is the choice he makes.
Just wow!

Treebranch, OH (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:57 PM)

My heart goes out to Elizabeth Edwards. The guy is a slimeball. Why do the good people get cancer? Because they stress themselves into it dealing with the jerks of the world like Edwards.

Mary Los Angeles, Ca (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:58 PM)

How many affairs do you think McCain has had in the last 30 years besides that young female that worked as a lobbyist and that Mccain's staff had to keep McCain away from.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:58 PM)

Guess I'm going to file this one under the 'I could give a damn' section.

Rodney Hopper, Waxahachie,TX (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:59 PM)

Just very very sad.

MaryJane, Baltimore (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:59 PM)

yeah, well - is it really news? I suppose the "family values" crowd will come out of the airport bathroom stalls and demand a lynching.

so what? (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:59 PM)

I'm also very disappointed. I've been a fan of his since 2004. This sucks.

Charity, Princeton, NJ (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 3:59 PM)

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