August 10, 2008
Posted: August 10th, 2008 01:28 PM ET

From

John Edwards admitted Friday that he had an affair with Rielle Hunter in 2006.
John Edwards admitted Friday that he had an affair with Rielle Hunter in 2006.

(CNN) - Rumors about John Edwards' love affair had been circulating for months, but it wasn't until the former Democratic presidential candidate admitted to the affair that national news organizations jumped on the story.

After the National Enquirer reported catching Edwards making a late-night visit to see his ex-mistress last month, the blogosphere exploded, asking why the mainstream media was not reporting the story.

Was it because of a condescending attitude toward a tabloid's reporting? Bias toward a Democratic candidate? Or sympathy toward Elizabeth Edwards, who is battling an incurable form of cancer?

David Carr, a columnist for The New York Times, said many news organizations "tend to pick up stories from the National Enquirer with tongs."

"They have been very right about some things ... but there's been some misses too, so it's a little scary to follow on those stories," he said Sunday on CNN's Reliable Sources.

"It's also a little scary for big outfits to step up on a story like this. Sex may sell, but it can really hurt your relationship with readers," he added.

Enquirer editor David Perel said his organization feels a "big sense of vindication" now that Edwards has admitted to the affair.

Full story

Filed under: John Edwards


GGG   August 10th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

Yes what Edward did was wrong, his wife forgave him, so the media and others should just leave this family along.

Now I thank the media need to be blasting McCain for how he treated his ex wife Carol. She faithfully waited at home looking after their children and waiting anxiously for his return for service.

But when he did get home he abandoned her after she became physcially disable and disfigured in an accident. She didn't look like a fashion model any more so he decided to dump her. In 1979 while still married to Carol he was of partying and sleeping around with Cindy.
Carol and her children was so hurt, but he left her for a woman that looked more like a model. Now I wouldn't want any thing from a man, who would stoop this low. Atleast Mr. Edward his staying and taking care of his wife and children. Mr. McCain is low as a snake, as far as I am concern.

If the Media want to talk about affairs, McCain is your man he is not fit to hold any kind of Officers. Leave the Edwards along.

susie   August 10th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

When Edwards campaign about family the MSM had a right to tell the public what he was doing on the side. Now, I don't trust CNN, MSNBC, ABC or all the national news orginaztions they tell us only what they want us to know. No wonder, 85% are democrats. I wonder if Tim Russert would have been in the Democrats hip pocket?

Peter (CA)   August 10th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

What a disappointment. I thought he was the best candidate but the lying puts a different perspective on everything. I feel worst for Elizabeth, an incredible woman who has gone through so much. She found out, she forgave him and kept it to herself.

But let's stop this mainstream media stuff. Surveys have shown that McCain has gotten much more positive reporting on the network news than Obama has. It's not about left or right, it's all about the feeding frenzy and who the media want to knock down a peg.

Paul   August 10th, 2008 6:30 pm ET

if the media kept quiet, they sure are making up for it now. Newsflash: most people don't really care about what is essentially a matter between John Edwards, his family, and the woman invoved. Move on. They have. With all the real issues needing attention, why is the media focused on this?

John Edward's affair needs no more publicity than John McCain's does. People make mistakes. Let's refocus, please!

Doris,Memphis,TN   August 10th, 2008 6:28 pm ET

I think it was out of respect for Mrs. Edwards that the media did not want to touch this story. Elizabeth is a beautiful and courageous woman. John Edwards will pay for what he has done to her. I am
sure he will not be in Obama's cabinet if he is elected.

Rob indetroit   August 10th, 2008 6:25 pm ET

If you keep trying to link Obama to this, your crazy or is it , that you are looking for a reason not to vote for Obama, and yes you are rascist if you would rather vote for a old ,senile ,angry,shell shocked, adulter; who keeps forgetting what day it is. and tells lies.

aware   August 10th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

Yes!

The media and the Obama team were part of the conspiracy of silence. :(

What if?   August 10th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

Don't worry Senator Edwards.......Senator McCain has been in worse…ooopppss!! LOL!!!!

We approve this message...wives that are going to speak out LOUD...

The truth   August 10th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

Should he were a Republican, he would have been "tortured" by the liberal media since day one of the affair took place. It wouldn't wait until 2 years. Can the liberal media still be trusted for their no-longer professional bias? It has been widely known though.

It's just a matter of time when all those unprofessional biased media will collapse regardless how big they are. Don't think that when you are "big" you can do whatever you want. Not in this Internet era and the future.

Toni   August 10th, 2008 6:13 pm ET

To Laurie: Well said,I fully agree. It is none of our business. We should be focusing on unemployement,home foreclosures,health insurance for our citizens & skyrocketing gas and heating prices.The media,as well as whomever is pulling the strings tries to continuously take our attention from what is important and inundate us with titillating stories.

Austin Wall   August 10th, 2008 6:13 pm ET

Honestly, I don't care about anyone else's sex life. Not John Edwards', not George W. Bush's, not Dr. Phil's. Now, if some celebrity was involved in a sex scandal with my girlfriend, then I might care; otherwise, not one bit.

pannie   August 10th, 2008 6:12 pm ET

so rielli hunter is an out of control man eater and liz was sick in bed rielli saw a hungery man and went for him just for kicks.
yet not one word has been printed about the couger on the prowl.
she knew he was married, and she is over 40 way past any age of innocence time to own up ladies this one is is your court. it was her predetory behavior that set up this scenerio.

Lew In Atlanta   August 10th, 2008 6:12 pm ET

Of course they were and led by CNN and the rag NY Times and is anyone surprised.

Ed   August 10th, 2008 6:10 pm ET

Just like are in a conspiracy to hide the true facts about the rela John mcCain!

seah   August 10th, 2008 6:08 pm ET

Of Course they media was.

So it would no hurt Obama's Chances.

The media should have ran with Obama Lies to the people. They are keeping quiet and it is a disservice to the people.

Obama has been given a free ride.

Is it the money his campaign spends on media and ads or does the DNC and Chicago machine own the media. Or just Obama backers.

The media has given Obama unfair Advantage over all others.

Susan   August 10th, 2008 6:07 pm ET

What happens between Elizabeth and John Edwards is not anybody's business.

voter   August 10th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

No, the conspiracy of silence from the media occured when jorunalist did not ask the apporpriate questions prior to going to war with Iraq. Second, the conspiract of silence from the media also occurred when journalist refuse to discuss McCain's gaffes.

William, from Cali!   August 10th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

I can't judge him: God can only do that! In his position, I probably would have done the same thing! Only, I would have "wrapped up" for sure!

Neutral   August 10th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

Mainstream media is NOT reporting the FACT Obambi has dual citizenship, he has Kenyan citizenship since 1963. You don't hear CNN and other news media reporting that, so never expect them to report clandestine affair of Edwards.

DR   August 10th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

Of course the MSM kept it quiet. When the Larry Craig thing came out, that's all you heard about. They were salivating over that!

Most MSM outlets are in the tank for Obama and the Dems. Edwards used to be one of their golden boys. It took for him to come out with this personally for this to be reported on.

Hypocrisy is all around in the media today! Look at what David Carr said:

"It's also a little scary for big outfits to step up on a story like this. Sex may sell, but it can really hurt your relationship with readers."

I guess when he says readers, he really means left-wing readers, who most certainly loved the Craig story.

Debby, NJ   August 10th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

Who really care about EDWARDS

lila   August 10th, 2008 5:54 pm ET

We all saw how the NYT was lambasted with contempt for printing about McCain's questionable affair with a lobbyist. The fact that it was with a lobbyist and McCain won the primary made it more of a relevant news story. Even so, the NYT's was roasted for it. I think the media figured Edwards was not going to win the primary so it took more of a blind eye. I'm glad the story broke before Obama made a VP pick. And before the democratic national convention. I think it would be wise for the media to do a full investigative effert to uncover the details about McCain's relationship with the lobbyist before the republicand national convention. If it turns out McCain was having an affair it would give huckabee and romney a chance to over turn McCain as the candidate and save the republican party from McCain's hidden death card. I'm thankful Edwards was busted before he spoke at the DNC. So thankful. The media needs to flush out the details.

Mark S.   August 10th, 2008 5:51 pm ET

There's no ignoring what Edwards did because oif WHEN he did it.

It was before he ran. he knew EVERY MINUTE of his campaign that he had this moral disater in his past. He could have been president and he very easily could have been VP.

Forget the left-right angle the media camped out on Bill Clinton's lawn in 1992...There was no left-wing bias then..
..and the National Enquirer has no deep poilitical leanings...

Its about your rep..and the good will you've built up...
The media and the Clintons have always had wars.
They wanted something on him. he had a past.

Lets be honest....
none of them (or us) wanted this Edwards story to be true.
The payoffs, the sex groupie..the dying wife..the fake daddy who got paid off. to go away...
..all the while he was smiling and telling us how HONEST he was?

..this is too sick a story about a guy who even his opponents liked.
If I was in the media..I'd have waited until there was more proof than the Enquirer printed..as well.

they were right..but its no sin to be 'second' on a story if you are correct.

Turn The Page   August 10th, 2008 5:43 pm ET

Is this anything new among the well off , well connected and powerful? If you ask Republicans, Democrats and Independents the response will be a resounding NO! Leave this man to mend his life and family. There are greater issues in this country and this world that begs for media exposure.

Pat   August 10th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

I disagree that Edwards' affair is none of our business. He was running for the Highest Office of the Land when he had this affair and Blantantly lied to Americans over and over while giving no concern to his Political Position. If you dont' think it's your business I wonder if he had been lucky enough to be elected the Democratic Nominee and was in the middle of this scandal now and brought his Party down would you still think it was none of your business? Thankfully enough Americans were able to recognize he was not the man he tried to pretend to be. If all had been fooled we could be now looking toward another four years of Republican Dictatorship and Disaster! His blantant lieing has made his lack of character and concern for his Party and Family more than obvious and totally shameful.

Jack   August 10th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

The MSM is so controlled by liberals that it's a joke. The ratings show it, so I hope all you stockholders are happy. If it were some prominent Republican, it would be covered like hurricane Katrina.

Laura   August 10th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

The media got this one right (for once). Reporting unsubstantiated rumors would not have been responsible journalism - I'm glad they waited until they had corroborating evidence.

If the standards of journalism of the National Enquirer are sufficient for you, you're free to pick up a copy at your local supermarket. But unless you want the MSM to start dutifully reporting that there are "reports" that Elvis is alive because some tabloid said so, don't complain when news outlets insist on doing some independent verification before running a story.

Someone mentioned Larry Craig. Big difference - he was ARRESTED and pled guilty. In other words, there was actual evidence, not just rumors.

Helen   August 10th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

Obviously the media has bias. But this story is so unbelievable. How can John Edwards do such a terrible thing to Elizebath? My heart goes out for her. I am a breast cancer survivor. I know what she has been through. John Edwards, you are heartless.

Foreign Observer   August 10th, 2008 5:39 pm ET

It's not a cover-up if it's nobody's business.

MJ   August 10th, 2008 5:34 pm ET

Yes, the media was covering for Edwards as a lot of these men believe this behavior is acceptable unless you get caught.

Just as the major media outlets will not cover the Obama affair with Larry StClair.

Geri   August 10th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

Why don't we let this be a personal thing between the Edwards??? They had already dealt with it and now its all over the press and especially on CNN & the other cable news outlets and they have to deal with the world knowing about it. There are lots of prominent people who have affairs that we never hear about. Shows what a rag the National Enquirer is...anything for a buck to destroy someone. We should be worrrying about the economy and the price of gas and stop buying this type of trashy gossip paper.

Raymond Duke   August 10th, 2008 5:27 pm ET

Yes they were. They used an annoymus source and the media jumped all over it. They did their best to hide Edwards affair and then the press claimed he dropped out after Iowa. Yeah if you add a couple of more primaries. Everybody that is not an idiot knows the liberal press is in the pocket of the democrats so why don't they just say what is obvious to everyone. We the liberal press or backing Obama and the democrat party. The good thing about the american people or they are indepedent thinkers and will not take to the liberal press rantings no more than they the american people took to Obama telling the Germans "PEOPLE OF THE WORLD OUR TIME HAS COME'.

Moderator loves PUMA!   August 10th, 2008 5:26 pm ET

Its now obvious, the Moderator has a crush on PUMA posters and lets all of their drivel through...

Luke   August 10th, 2008 5:21 pm ET

You can't fault the media on this one. No responsible news organization would follow up a story from the Enquirer. The people crying foul over a so-called "bias" are idiots. The media jumped all over the Spitzer story and are now skewering Edwards. What concerns me the most is that this story was covered more than a WAR between Georgia and Russia going on.

libs be dopes   August 10th, 2008 5:21 pm ET

Obama/Edwards 2008!

Whoops!

Porter   August 10th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

FoxNews has been covering it for a while now. CNN failed to mention that... weird, huh? Probably just missed it. Kinda like they just missed the whole Edwards story. As in it's intenional. CNN is propaganda.

Sue   August 10th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

He always looked little too "slick" for me!

Tabloid Politics   August 10th, 2008 5:15 pm ET

Clinton got the idea from Newt who publicilly reported that he doesn't have normal sex with women so he can deny "sleeping with them"

Say what RENEA?   August 10th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

So, because a conservative supposedly owns 39% of the TV and newspapers, we should ignore it when 61% of the liberal owned media purposefully and willingly lies to us?

I know Olbermann, Matthews, and Cafferty will tell you that daily because they are the most corrupt in the business, but you need to do some research and not just regurgitate their crap.

Tabloid Politics   August 10th, 2008 5:12 pm ET

I would guess that it was out of Respect for his Wife who is with Breast Cancer.

Their family doesn't need any additional stress for someone's entertainment.

Oh Poooooleeeezzzze!   August 10th, 2008 5:12 pm ET

Who cares?So what? Another politician caught with his zipper down...isn't that what politics is all about....give it a rest....meanwhile back at the farm, the world is at war, the Olympics are in a polluted city...but everyone knew that from the git-go...didn't they? Hindsight is always so moral, isn't it?

violeta   August 10th, 2008 5:10 pm ET

I can't help but comment about this Edwards story. The CNN, ABC and other media outlets really makes excuses why they didn't run this story months ago. They said, it's tabloid story and no evedience if it's true. LIERS! I remember at the heat of the campaign there's rumor about Bill Clinton. About having girls when he travels and the story about that actress (I forgot her name). Well, that's also tabloid story. But the media covered it. WHY?

Denise   August 10th, 2008 5:07 pm ET

McCain did worse to his first wife. When he came back from being a pow, he came back to find that his former model wife was disfigured and handicap and therefore cheated on her and eventually left her for a pretty, younger, richer woman. He married Cindy only 1 month after divorcing his first wife.

This is well documented.

So if the media wants to throw stones about extramarital affairs, they need to line up McCain, Clinton, Edwards and a whole slew of others and throw 1 big old stone at them!!!

Worst...Resume...Ever....   August 10th, 2008 5:05 pm ET

If it was Mitt Romney, Wolf Blitzer would be holding daily specials on the developing story and most who peruse this site would be decrying the former presidential hopeful as being morally bankrupt. Some of you guys are hypocrites on the basis of political party. Incredibly lame.

Walt   August 10th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

Frankly it is none of anyone's business who John Edwards has sex with other than Edwards and his wife. Why it is even a story is beyond me. It has nothing to do with politics. I long for the days when the media kept its mouth shut about these sorts of things. Eisenhower, Kennedy, Clinton and lord knows how many other presidents had affairs. The only one I would guess who probably didn't was Nixon and that's likely only because he couldn't get any woman to sleep with him.

Wrinkled Old White Man   August 10th, 2008 5:01 pm ET

Interesting how Edward's adultery is a problem for Obama, and McCain's adultery is not a problem for McCain

ML - California   August 10th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

Edwards will pay a much bigger price for his lies and his cheating
that brought this unfaithful fiasco out in the open. Bill Clinton survived "his fling" – Edwards probably will do the same.

Eric Camp   August 10th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

He's not in office or running for anything. He's accountable to his wife and family, period. Unless campaign cash was used to keep this a secret., I find that it remains tabloid trash used for ratings. It's hardly relevant to me and my family.

I like our mainstream press upholding standards that keep my newspaper from like British newspapers.

Joel   August 10th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

So, John Edwards cheated on his sick wife and the world screeches to a halt. John McCain dumped his sick wife for a rich heiress half his age, and he skates by.

I get it. It's Okay If You're A Republican.

Kevin   August 10th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

Why is stuff like this news? The only difference between Edwards and other politicians is that Edwards got caught. I don't care who's sleeping with who, as long as they can bring the cost of gas down and finish what we started in Iraq...

Bob   August 10th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

Edwards life is his and it is no one's business but his, his wife's and his familys business. This is rag journalism. Shut up already.

Call me cynical   August 10th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

I donated to his campaign and regret having done so. He is a scumbag. Integrity is the issue, whether it is related to sex or sniper fire. It is a real challenge finding a candidate worthy of our trust, donations and vote. Hypocrisy is rife amongst politicians, we all know that, but it doesn't make it ok.

John in Daytona   August 10th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Everything is a "Conspiracy" these days,LMAO

Taylor   August 10th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

Blaming John Edwards for Senator Clinton's loss is ridiculous. Wasn't Bill Clinton involved in several scenarious of the same kind when he ran for president in 1992, and beyond? Haven't democrats and republicans been involved in similar trysts? Doesn't McCain have some shameful skeletons in his closet? Does one honestly think that Bill Clinton, John McCain, and others who've been in the same mold would risk giving their opinion about the Edwards issue? What these public figures stoop to is beyond disgusting. Edwards has been out of the presidential race for months and is not on a VP shortlist. As such, the media needs to turn their focus to more important news.

Mike Dallas   August 10th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

Only if you think the words "The National Enqurer" and "credible source" can be used in the same sentence. After all, just how many two headed cows from Venus stories is one expected to take seriouslY/

newsnut   August 10th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

This would have most definantly thrown a bad light on the Big shot Journalist who put their grandmothers up for calateral for B.Hussein O.'s charoit of fire miracle. For proof, look at what his church mentor did for him, and yet they hailed him to the sky. And the doper charge vanished like smoke at the cogering of the almighty Journalist.

Elly   August 10th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

For the sake of this family enough is enough!!!
He made a human error in judgement he is guilty of infidelity …he did NOT kill anyone or steal anything!!!!
who knows what bad judgements humans will make because of human weakness or even maybe stress
I am sure John Edwards will punish himself enough without us as mankind judging him.Let he who is without sin cast the first stone as it says in the bible and for those who continue to do so news flash!!! *re-examine your own conscience*!!!

Holy Media!   August 10th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

The 'Media' has been (and will always be) a part of every conspiracy. A conspiracy can't work its way along without the 'Media'.

S. Denice   August 10th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

Although what he did is immoral, he has confessed it to his wife and before the general public. His affair had nothing to do with the democratic primary and absolutely nothing to do with Hillary Clinton's loss. It will not play out on the convention floor as the disillusioned Ethan from Denver suggests. John Edwards did not cause Hillary's loss, Barack Obama did not cause Hillary's loss, the delegates and superdelegates did not cause Hillary's loss. Hillary and Bill Clinton caused Hillary's loss. At any rate, if John Edwards has asked the forgiveness of God, then forgiven he is...

jr   August 10th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

The media in general is so far in the tank for anything with the term democrtatic attached to it that it comes as no surprise none of them bothered to follow-up the National Enquier stories, which they don't consider real journalism. The election of an American President has become a media event having nothing to do with what is best for the citizens of this country. Journalisms best days are behind it. Broadcast news is full of opinionated phonies all posing for ratings points. What a sad state of affairs.

newsnut   August 10th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

John Ridge looks like an undercover spy for B.Hussein O.'s people. Watch this whole event of picking a V.P. for Senator McCain turn into something down grading, and no one in his campaign will be able to understand how the B.Hussein O. Spin Team got a hold of pertinent information before Senator McCain. The same senerio played out on Senator Clinton's campaign.

bakersfield   August 10th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

the news media did not vet edwards just like they don't vet obama they have their favorites. they don't do it to the ones they like, they go after the ones they don't like example bill and hillary

Pointng Fingers!!!   August 10th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

TO-bobie August 10th, 2008 2:37 pm ET
the main stream media knew about this and covered it up – the media is doing whatever it can to hand NObama the election.
bobie *****You are an IDIOT!!! The Media and Senator Obama had nothing to do with Senator Edwards Love Affair ....Pathetic!!!
****************************************************************************
TO- Ethan from Denver August 10th, 2008 2:27 pm ET
He stayed in the race to keep Hillary Clinton from Winning
**He stay in the race because he is a Disloyal IDIOT and so are You**

bill in montgomery   August 10th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

If Edwards had been closer to the Clintons, Billary would have told him how to handle affairs.

Sue in MI   August 10th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

Exactly, Laurie-like getting Bush and company in prison where they belong; getting Pelosi out of the House (go Cindy Sheehan!), and getting elected as many first time people as we can...politicians who are there for life cannot possibly be doing a job for their constituents.

Vig   August 10th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

The more relevant question was Obama part of the conspiracy? Did Obama also know and play dumb? We already know the media has become the evil empire during this campaign season – hijacking Hillary Clinton's nomination with their bash and trash while shoving Obama down our throats. It's time to reclaim Hillary's destiny and place her name in nomination as the next President and the first woman President in over 200 years. We don't want a media-sponsored candidate – we want a leader. Hillary '08!!!!
The media has been complicit in promoting only men – Edwards and Obama ganged up on Hillary during the debates – both with their smugy smirks and pompous pounding. The media controls your mind.

DR. YES   August 10th, 2008 4:27 pm ET

i'm sure the msm was holding on to this until they could use it to influence the election.

Ken   August 10th, 2008 4:26 pm ET

Hey Flipper. You neo-goons stick out here like the bright red butts of baboons in the trees. You guys bring nothing to the table other than more right wing whining about the 'liberal media'....just pathetic. Like Mr. T. says: "Get some nuts!" And perhaps more important: "get some brains". Here is a quiz for you, designed to enlighten your muddled outlook - there is a difference between Edwards and Craig; which one broke the law while the other didn't?

By the way, your name cracked me up. It fits your candidate to the 'T'!

Mauri   August 10th, 2008 4:21 pm ET

The Edwards adultery story had to be told. Now it's time to let it go because he's never been popular anyway, and for the most part, people really don't care. I was for Kerry, had to take Edwards, but now he's proven to be a sleaze, double-crossing his wife and children, and like so many of his ilk - needs to go back into his hole and pull the dirt over the top. And even if he's heard from again, no one would believe anything he has to say. Very sad.

Reggie, Germany   August 10th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

Well as a Dem, yet looking to be objective, I guess you could say the case could be made that they were.

MSM will tell you that since the only source was a tabloid paper know to cook up facts, that their acceptance of Edwards and his advisors denial were logical . This does not absolve them of their responsibility to follow through on a check of the facts independently, which was not done here.

The consequences of such neglect could have been for the Dem. party to have Edwards as a nominie where these facts are just now coming out. That would have not just been a betrayal to his family and advisors at that point it would have been a betrayal to the entire country.

That said the MSM is also asleep at the switch when it come to McCain!! They speak not one word of how McCain handled his first wife and basically threw her under the bus upon his return from Viet Nam so he could have an affair and then marry Cindy McCain only days after their divorce. The situation with McCain is no less repugnant seeing as his wife was seriously injured at the time he chose to behave in this manner. So why not make an bring this to the publics attention.

Or better yet why simply accept McCain peoples explaination regarding his non affair with that female lobbyist??

Now these are two real examples of a media 'conspiracy of silence'.

Jim   August 10th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

Why sure they did....See how they treated Hillary during the primary season....Glad he was in Obamas camp like most news media outlets...The main stream media knows that if they can elect Obama, the story line continues for at least four years...The news media does whatever it wants...we should all give up News....Oh Yeah, It isn't always tabloid trash in those grocery store papers at the check outs.

Delphine   August 10th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

Don't ever trust somebody who calls himself John...

that's why Barack Obama rules.
08

Martin   August 10th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

Bashing the MSM is not a cop out. There are so many examples of how the media in this country is not objective and fair. Sandy Burger stole documents from the national archieves and the whole issue swept under the rug! Ever notice when a republican does something wrong there always is a nice big fat "R" next to his name. For some reason when democrats are caught doing something wrong the main stream media more often than not seems to forget to add the "D". Republican gets caught in the bathroom at the airport with "happy feet" and it makes headlines for weeks. Democrat govenor "comes out" and he is labeled a hero. What ever happened to the democrat from Louisianna who got caught with all that money in his freezer?
The newspaper industry is dying out for a reason. These papers are so full of one sided partisan editorials most middle of the road folks are not buying them anymore. The internet is winning because there are no filters on the conservative point of view. I want my news to come from a variety of perspectives. The is no diversity in the MSM. That's why people like Rush Limbaugh and Mike Savage are doing so well. You may not always agree with them but at least you get the stories / topics the MSM is either not talking about or is too lazy to investigate.

Marie in California   August 10th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

It wouldn't surprise me if the mainstream media hushed this up as long as possible. It's no secret they're in the tank with the Democrats, and especially so now with Obama, their Big Fish.

Had Edwards been a Republican they would have been all over this like fleas on a dog.

Personally, all I see in this entire matter is another politician who can't manage to keep his pants zipped up.

Was for Hillary.....now for McCain!

Michelle   August 10th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

Congratulations, MSM. Even the National Enquirer is out-ranking you on investigative journalism.

And you have seriously dropped the ball on vetting Obama.

You are making fools of yourselves with your tingles in your legs and stars in your eyes!

jon   August 10th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

Yes. CNN and other news organizations helped keep this story under wraps. It just shows the BS media for what they are. Cheerleaders for either side of the aisle. There is no more objective media. Sickening.

Bill Charlotte, NC   August 10th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

No, but how about the silence on McSame's marriage breakup and the scandal there?

Larry Sinclair   August 10th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

It's lucky for Barack Obama that he hasn't been accused of such misconduct.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   August 10th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

Edwards looks like a choir boy compared to John McCain. Atleast Edwards didn't leave his wife in the midst of her illness as John McCain did to his former wife while carrying on his affair with Cindy.

Veritas   August 10th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

Of course the media was part of the problem. Though all share the blame, the papers and tv stations firmly under left wing control (The NY times, The W Post, CNN, The Boston Globe, etc) are the ones that no doubt made an actual decision to kill the story as part of heir efforts to "control" the news. When wing nuts like Keith Olbermann are called journalists and command a big audience of stooges, you know something is very very wrong.

It's still going on!   August 10th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

Hmm...there's the middle of the night visits to see the ugly mistress and their child (which I think she claims is another married man's child). There's also the HU$H HU$H money and mansion being given to her through a third party. Now he offers to take a paternity test and she DECLINES his offer. How cavalier AND convenient.

wilfred   August 10th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

If it was a republican it would be front page news on any undocumented source. However for tyhe demodratic liberals they have
to have at least 2 dozen documented sources to put it on page 15 ans give it 3 sentences.
What a bunch of BS.
We are all lucky we have the internet and yes even the Enquirer that
will report news.

Christopher, Madison, WI   August 10th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

Thomas if you don't like The New York Times, don't read it. Just to clear things up for you, McSame did the same thing to his first wife and children, but ran off and left them. McSame is trash and so his his wife/mistress Cindy the lizard women! Stay over at FoxNoise where your little mind won't have to think!

semp   August 10th, 2008 3:56 pm ET

FDR,Nothin on Harry,JFK, skip LBJ, Carter(lusted in his heart),Clinton Oh Yeah and still ... ol Johnny Edwards is just followin his heroes on dat Booty Trail :-D

Really??   August 10th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

Interesting how the MSM had no qualms running a story about a former VP candidate's infidelity. Meanwhile, a current candidate for president had a well-documented affair with a "Paris Hilton-look-alike" after his wife was maimed in an auto accident, after which John McCain chose to divorce his injured spouse for his new "Trophy Wife".

Meanwhile, various McCain backers have been rationalizing his behavior and kept quiet while the Edwards story in in the news. What ever happened to those right wing "family values" folks?

Laurie   August 10th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

What Edwards did was wrong, but he is out of the race now. So why not ignore him – who cares. He did the exact same thing as Clinton did and so many others. It is between him and his wife now – not the public. There are more important issues in the world and country.

bill for barack   August 10th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

This entire nation has been screwed for the past 8 years by Dubya, McIdiot wants another 4 years of the same, and this is the most important thing you can find towriteabout ?
The man has made his peacewith God and his family.
LEAVE HIM ALONE.

randy   August 10th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

Well the need to understand that obama got this locked up.

Jeff Fallon   August 10th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

Reminds me of the affair(s) of our "beloved" ex-prez. If Bill Clinton can keep coming back after multiple lies and disgracing his "wife"–Edwards should have no problem in regaining political traction.

Scott, West Chester OH   August 10th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

It was bias toward the Democrats that kept the media away from the story. If this had been Romney, Huckabee, or Guiliani, the story would have been everywhere months ago.

The Truth Be Told   August 10th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

Thank goodness the National Enquirer is pursuing the Larry Sinclair story.

John Sylvia   August 10th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

John Edwards is a perfect representative of the Democratic party. His behavior mimics that of the average Democratic politician.

If you want the party of immoral philanderers (Kennedy, Clinton, Edwards, etc) to run this country, by all means, vote for Obama.

Independent from PA   August 10th, 2008 3:41 pm ET

Disappointed the Edwards did not come clean at beginning of presidential bid if he had indeed disclosed this to his wife. Would have been a traversty if he had ended up the nominee to had this to the McShames. I doubt that Obama would have had the same media 'blind eye". There is a double standard with reporting in the media. If all of McCain's blunders were replayed on and on; he wouldnt be going around as arrogant as he is about being more competent!

randy   August 10th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

Well john macain need to understand that this election is about change he can talk about obama is on on celebrity all he want as long he tells us to bellive then we shall

Obama 08!

Bruce   August 10th, 2008 3:39 pm ET

OF COURSE THE MEDIA HID IT!!!

Bruce   August 10th, 2008 3:39 pm ET

Everyone was ok with Hillary being crucified for her husband's infidelity YET everyone's ok with John Edwards (whom stated he was the new morality in the democratic party – LOL). It's amazing – people are ludicrous – that's why their chosen one – Saint Obama – WILL LOOSE in November!

John from LA   August 10th, 2008 3:37 pm ET

Absolutely a cover-up-Why? Inquiring minds want to know????-Start doing your job CNN and other media outlets-start reporting the news instead of interpreting it-Maybe you'd find something interesting about other politicians...say BO?????

Chuck   August 10th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

I do not understand how any press could not report on the deal about McCain. He left his wife after she supported him as a POW. He came home, she was badly injured in a car accident. So he goes after a young woman. What a jerk!! The Edwards thing is mute! He is history. They should start reporting the McCain thing!!!!!!!!!!!! McCain is the biggest sleaze in the history books of sex scandals and it is not being reported!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Psbro   August 10th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

Of course the media kept it quiet. If it had been Clinton, it would be blasted on every network, newspaper & magazine. You guy's mask is really off this season.
There is so much out there about Obama, nobody is talking about it. Again I say if it were Clinton, you would have done a 244/7 on it.

Joe   August 10th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

To Larry in PA:
Normally I would agree with you but his sessions of "bumping uglies" was occurring as he was seeking election to rule the free world. WHich means he is fair game to be poked, prodded, scratched, beaten, doubted and exposed by not only his mistress but the media, and anyone else with the goods. Power is the suductress and tends to expose the high and mighty for what they are(hopefully before they take office). Had the Lewinski scandel occurred 2 months prior to re-election(Slick WIllie's second term)...history would be different.

MM   August 10th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

One reason the story on Edward's affair wasn't followed up by the news is because the media had plenty on their plate to write about - i.e., Hillary and Obama. With those two, Edwards didn't have chance to win the nomination, so why sling mud and get into his sex life?

TLIOH   August 10th, 2008 3:33 pm ET

As if the New York Times is concerned about what they report! PLEEEASE!

Another grumpy old white woman for Obama   August 10th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

At least he confessed to his wife and didn't dump her and the kids for a newer richer model.
Not excusing his (John Edwards) behavior. These people all should have learned a lesson from the Clinton debacle.

Obama /Biden
Only logical choice.

PhilT   August 10th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

This whole thing is nobody's business but the Edwards'.
The lies may be pertinent, but those will be dealt with by the american people who either end Edward's political career or don't.

John McCain cannot comment because he is an opportunist whose despicable behavior toward his first wife and family were never forgiven by Ross Perot and even the Reagan's were disgusted with "The Maverick".

I once thought very highly of JM. I've lost all respect for McCain. He is a shell of his former self. He sold his soul to the Republican slime machine hopeing to become Bush III.

Ron   August 10th, 2008 3:30 pm ET

CNN didn't report it even when Foxnews did after the Enquirer story. To me there is little doubt that CNN was protecting one of its' former candidates. We all know the CNN, WSJ and NYT and to a much lesser extent Fox are all very bias in their coverage. CNN is in favor of Obama and democrats in general and they don't hide it. If CNN would ever take time to review their newscasts they would see how the little things they say and do show they are no longer a true news channel but rather an op-ed channel.

Silence Dogood   August 10th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

Another example of the pro-Obama press. Other people's affairs are horrible and demonstrate poor judgement. But an Obama supporter affair? Just keep in it quiet and private.

Rememeber when Obama hated the Washington "dynasties". Then the Kennedy dynasty came out to support them. Um – time for a "change".

Flexible morality is very handy to an Empty Suit. Now I finally get the "change" idea.

Kirsten Powers   August 10th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

"If it looks like a phony, walks like a phony, and quacks like a phony, it's a phony."

Does this sound like anyone else we know?

merry   August 10th, 2008 3:28 pm ET

Dear Sham on You:
Does that statement also apply to John McCain?

Mk   August 10th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

Why is this important ?
Give one good, solid, valid reason anyone but Elizabeth Edwards and her husband should care about any of this.
While there are some out there who have anointed themselves the supreme judges of what is morally acceptable and what isn't. The bottom line is this, there is only one God and I doubt he is posting here at the CNN website.
Everyone else needs to get over themselves and focus on issues that actually are important to the well being of the country.

Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC   August 10th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

Every time any of those talking heads say how sorry they feel for Elizabeth and re-run this, they are adding to her pain.

Edwards did similar to Elizabeth that McCain did to Carol. Difference? McCain married a much younger multi-millionaire that kick-started his crooked political career – Edward and his wife reconciled.

If character is a factor, McCain should be booted from politics also. Leopards don't change their spots – in fact, I believe the media is covering up McShame's most recent "affair" now. The media is marketing McWarmonger – repubs own the media, folks. Get real.

Like a top   August 10th, 2008 3:26 pm ET

Sean Hannity and Fox News were the only two talking about this in the mainstream media when it broke.

I love the spin that CNN puts on this article - that this story was from the National Enquirer. Sure the Enquirer was there but this story was independently verified by Fox News. They spoke directly to the security guard who helped Edwards leave the hotel after the media saw him.

Boken   August 10th, 2008 3:25 pm ET

So typical of the liberal media to try and ignore an isue that tarnishes the Democratic party. If I did not keep up with the news I would swear that Obama was running unopposed. Media slant toward him is so obvious it is ridiculous.

Kenneth M.   August 10th, 2008 3:24 pm ET

Poor guy. She made advances on him. What could he do. Americans make too much of a bid deal about things like this. Especially women.

Nonsense   August 10th, 2008 3:24 pm ET

This is no different than the media choosing to ignor the messiah's shady background and the company of fellow sophisticants he grew politically with...you know Rev. Wright, David Ayers, Rezko, Michelle the militant. I just realized something....Obama is black (when he chooses to be) and his middle name is Hussein. Do you think the country would vote for someone named John Hitler McCain who happened to have a small back patch of hair under his lip?

Ratgurl   August 10th, 2008 3:24 pm ET

Seriously, who cares? I didn't care about the Clintons' affairs & I don't care about the Edwards' affairs.

informed florida voter   August 10th, 2008 3:23 pm ET

Something is wrong with our media today. They are bought and paid for. It's evident that they are protecting Obama as well. I wish some reporter with a penchant for the truth would grow some cajones.

Jeff Brown   August 10th, 2008 3:21 pm ET

Yawn...

Russ, Seattle   August 10th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

Please remember that it was the National Enquirer who broke the story. NO Legit reporter would rush to vette a tabloid story. The fact that they were right about it is a true rarity. I don't see the conspiracy.

Obama = Carter the 2nd   August 10th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

Yes the media was part of it. If this was a Repub than it would have been in alot more places.

george   August 10th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

If only it had remained silent.We are being drowned in over-coverage and sensationalism of average news stories. I can only pray that John Edwards and Brett Favre never had an affair.

Andi, NY   August 10th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

Of course the media kept it quiet-they were afraid it would affect THE ONE.

Pauly   August 10th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

Why did the media not report on it? Why was there a cone of silence? BECAUSE THERE ARE TEN ZILLION THINGS MORE IMPORTANT GOING ON RIGHT NOW. The biggest love affair in this country is the media with itself.

AK   August 10th, 2008 3:14 pm ET

Edwards is a conman. He conned his family and his supporters.
Media knew nothing about it ????????????
Media had no shame, in leading our country to war, then siding with wallet loaded lawyers. How come other professions are not equally relected in politics. Where are the academicians, scientists, philosophers?????

Jim   August 10th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

Does anyone really care about this crap?? I can't believe this was all over the stations, everytime it came on I kept having to change the channel but I guess the ratings must have gone up for them to be talking about it for so long...but what the hell does this have to do with anything? This is a personal matter, and to have it play over and over in a loop for days, this is pathetic...I can't believe so many people care about this and won't let it go and let him move on.

joe   August 10th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

Your wounderboy has been caught with his pants down and all you libs want to do is bash McCain, Fox and everyone but the sleezeball himself. I guess you can say he was keeping the the tradition of the party of Bill Clinton.

Benjamin   August 10th, 2008 3:08 pm ET

Don't worry. If the story was about a Clinton affair, it would have been the only thing anyone in the media talked about.

Political Cheaters   August 10th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

First it was Bill Clinton!
Then it was John McCain!
Now John Edwards!

McCain is the only one that hasn't told the Truth about it!!!

CNN has done a poor job of reporting these things. They haven't even reported about the Financing Fraud case that's going on against the Clintons NOW!!!!!!

A.J. in Fla   August 10th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

Moraly corrupted and prostituted print, radio and TV media was part and still is of a conspiracy to protect anorther moraly proistituted "ambulance chaser" politician. And by the way I will like to kmow how many of you will leave the country in the company of some of the Hollywood elite and how may of you will drink the"cool aide"

Further, while In the same subject, I wonder how many of you will question yet anorher moraly corrupted politician who is making a lot of money with his "dooms day" crap about the environment and ask him which city or town in the good old USA have polluted air as we wirtnessed every day in China ( see the Olimpics...!!! )

Open your eyes, wake up to reality, be a Patriot , vote Republican..!!

T-n-EP   August 10th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

Fox News picked run a segment on his late night visit to Hunter last month. And CNN get your writers to say the right thing. On an article yesterday you said: "The woman who had an extrmarital affair ......", i'm sorry but the one having the extramarital affair was the jerk, Edwards. She is just another ...ore out there taking advantage of situations.

RJ   August 10th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

Heck yeah there was silence. CNN didn't report it, CSNBC didn't report it, neither did any of the big 3. The only one that even reported it was Fox. So yeah, I have to believe there was something up.

The truth will out, as Shakespeare said. The truth will out.

Fortunately the truth IS out and it shows what a hypocrite Edwards is. But he will move on and I hope things between he and his wife will be worked out, but then again, you never know.

Educate Yourself!   August 10th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

Not only did the Media not talk about the Edwards Affair...

They also have not talked about the Financing Fraud Case against the Clintons!!!!!

rayster   August 10th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

Its time gov stayed out of the bedroon of the nation.
You slime that chase this story down could not hold a real job.
Its nobody's buisiness what someone does unless you are involved and then you have to deal with it.
Privacy????? These media story tellers have no right to dwell into another persons life regardless of what you think of it.
The media better pray to God no one every checks thier background as they are the dirtiest of the bunch. I know of meny who have done the same and worste

JIM...TX   August 10th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

bobie...the media is doing whatever to give NOBAMa the election????? What in the world are you thinking???? MSM covers up Edwards affair and that helps Obama by...??????? Wouldn't you an the rest of the PUMA's been peeing on yourself IF Edwards had been picked an then this came out????? Some peoples ignorance is amazing......

Larry Sinclair   August 10th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

Can you imagine if Barack Obama had engaged in such conduct?
Oh yeah, he did.

wiser   August 10th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

The media has been selectively reporting throughout this entire campaign season. First, the media was only interested in Clinton bashing. The media along with the current DNC leadership was pushing anyone that’s not a Clinton.

Early in the primaries that meant supporting Edwards and Obama and providing daily negative stories about Senator and President Clinton. Of course, they ignored the Edwards scandal on purpose!

Now, the media is virtually ignoring Senator McCain or providing negative press.

Wake-up America, the press only serves their own agenda. We the citizens are paying the price of a press that is neither fair nor balanced. Remember, the last election they gave great press coverage to George BUSH.

For the security and prosperity of our nation vote the opposite of the anointed press candidate Senator Obama. This is the left wing’s answer to choosing a candidate with virtually no substantive experience. This is not the American Idol election!

Haven’t we all paid a heavy price for selecting a candidate that the pundits said, “everyone wanted to have a beer with?”

Democrats for McCain!

Nathan from Texas   August 10th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

Person A: "The Media has a liberal bias!"
Person B: "Where'd you hear that?"
Person A: "I heard it from the Media!"

Ursula.S   August 10th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

I still find it fascinating that a close Clinton pal, Roger Altman, is part owner of the National Enquirer. Altman has been wanting back in the White House since Bill left and Altman served in the Treasury dept. He's served for both the John Kerry and Hillary Clinton campaign in financial issues.

I still smell a rat. Was this a way for Hillary to knock out a candidate 10 months ago and then to know him completely out of the part so he'd be out of the way for Obama's Vice President or some other position or a run again in 4 years if Obama loses?

RENEA   August 10th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

39% of the TV stations and newspapers in this country are owned by Rupert Murdoch a conservative .Fox News and WSJ are just two of media outlets he owns.So why not bash the man who is owner of the most media outlets in this country? Bashing the MSM is a cop out.

ALECO1 -----NOKOMIS,FL   August 10th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

IS IT TRUE EDWARDS MISTRESS DOES NOT WANT A PATERNITY TEST-- I THINK ITS BECAUSE JOHN McCAIN IS THE REAL FATHER.

Thomas Galvin   August 10th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

Interesting how the NYTimes had no qualms running a story on its front page about John McCain's "affair" with a young lobbyist. That was pure tabloid trash.

Meanwhile, various Edwards backers have been paying off Ms Hunter and Andrew Young to keep quiet the bizarre goings-on.

Griff   August 10th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

Borack Obama is not a World Celebrity. When you have a Nation saturated with Imigrants. Like France, Britain Germany, Belgium Etc...
They had to accept the Idiot....

julie overvig   August 10th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Throwing stones at a political man who had an affair, is like going fishing for fish in a barrel.

bobie   August 10th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

the main stream media knew about this and covered it up – the media is doing whatever it can to hand NObama the election.

don't trust cnn, abc, nbc, fox etc...get ur news off the internet

trudi   August 10th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

I feel that we are all vulnerable and use poor judgement for reasons.
However, John Edwards chose to show us the family man squeaky clean side to him and it is a big disappointment. If only he had told the truth from the get-go.
Feel sad for him and for Elizabeth and their family.

Shame on you !!!!   August 10th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

John Edwards admitted Friday that he had an affair with Rielle Hunter in 2006.......Mr Edwards is lower than a snake and he is still lying about his affair and the baby .......just disgusting .....John McCain said No comment because he did the same thing to his 1st wife I personally think Edwards shouldn't get anymore Coverage ...the Heck with Him and his mistress !!!

Larry, Hazleton, Pa   August 10th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

This is the stuff that needs to stay between John and Elizabeth Edwards and is no business of mine or yours. As they say clean up your own backyard before starting on mine.

NPA   August 10th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

Perhaps this scandal will bring some attention to John McCain's own scandalous sex/romantic life. At least Edward didn't leave his wife after he learned she had cancer. McCain married a girl who could be his daughter before even finalizing a divorce to his wife after his wife survived a car accident but lost some height. Had that been Obama's past, no one would have heard the end of it from the media. John Edwards could have gotten the democratic nomination; John McCain got the republican nomination: so why is the media making a big deal of Edwards' past and not McCain's? Even McCain himself would never stop talking about it had it been Obama who left his wife for a kid after his wife survived an accident.

ron   August 10th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

does the media report any of obama's past in dept. the same bias seems to follow certain democrats. once the election is over guess where cnn's ratings will go. we are forced to follow now because of the extensive coverage but the bias with which it as shown to sen. obama is sickening. his past is never brought up, his racial remarks ( there are many if you chose to look) are never brought up, his belief (remembering he says he is a christian) about not buying his children Christmas and birthdays gifts are never questioned.his books are full of rebuttals and references to rev. wright are no longer believable. no bias no bull lol. cnn is even starting to sound like a tabloid we are given a heads up on what will be on say ac 360 and when it happens it's pathetically vague or just a fox or abc skim over

Flipper   August 10th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

Of course left-leaning mainstream media outlets went out of their way NOT to report this. Is this really a surprise to anyone here that is intellectually honest? Because the story was broken by the tabloid National Enquirer, CNN & other outlets used that as a feeble excuse to barely report the story, or to follow it up.

Edwards was spotted late at night in a hotel visiting a woman that was not his wife. Once he was caught, he ran like a little girl into the bathroom where he hid for 20 minutes until security escorted him out. Wow, that sounds like perhaps the media should do some sort of investigation. After all, if this was a Republican/conservative who was caught doing this, we all know it would be the top story for a month (Don't believe me? Can you say Larry Craig & toe-tapping?).

This episode is just further proof that CNN & many other media outlets lean left & have abandoned any objectivity or journalistic integrity they had once possessed.

G. Penley   August 10th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

The media makes or breaks people, and does their best to elect their choice of candidates for office. You should all be very ashamed for what you have done with "freedom of the press." I am ashamed for you, and for all of us who listen to you.

Mathew   August 10th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

It reminds me of a time when journalism waited to push a story until they had credible evidence to back up conjecture. That's not called a blackout, it's called avoiding tabloid journalism. Stop me if I've lost you, CNN

Ethan from Denver   August 10th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

John Edwards did a great dis-service to the DNC and the Primary Season. He knew about all these skeletons in his closet and yet he carried on a fake and impossible campaign for the presidency.

He stayed in the race to keep Hillary Clinton from Winning. If you ask me, John Edward is the one single culprit who LOST the nomination for Hillary Clinton

Bill Clinto is not going to be able to keep quiet about this. The 18 million voters who voted for Hillary is not going to keep quiet about this. This is a shame and i have an eerie feeling that it will all play out on the convention floor.

GO Hillary – I will be writing in your name this fall.

Texas Trail Dog!   August 10th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

THE MEDIA DOESN'T HAVE THE RIGHT TO AIR OUT EVERY ONE'S DIRTY LINEN. THE WORLD HAS NO BUSINESS KNOWING WHAT HAPPENS IN PEOPLES PERSONAL LIVES. THIS IS SO DISGUSTING AND NOT NEWSWORTHY. LEAVE PEOPLE ALONE OR HAVE YOU PEOPLE OF THE MEDIA BECOME GOSSIP COLUMNISTS.

Griff   August 10th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

That Guy is an Idiot....

Elly   August 10th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

For the sake of this family enough is enough!!!
He made a human error in judgement he is guilty of infidelity ...he did NOT kill anyone or steal anything!!!!
who knows what bad judgements humans will make because of human weakness or even maybe stress
I am sure John Edwards will punish himself enough without us as mankind judging him.Let he who is without sin cast the first stone as it says in the bible and for those who continue to do so news flash!!! *re-examine your own conscience*!!!

tom, boston   August 10th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

trashy corporate media living up to their true colors, all over again.

Leave them alone!   August 10th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

He's not running for an office, nor does he hold one. This is the Edwards' personal business. I am sick of seeing headlines about it in the media.

I liked what his statment said, and I like what his wife said. I hope he is being honest at this point, but WHY did he go see her again if he'd told his wife everything and it was OVER? This puzzles me, but it's not my business.

Please just leave them alone. There's enough suffering in the world without the media causing more. You are actually making it worse on his wife and may not be helping her medical condition because you are stressing her emotionally.

Here's a thought...possibly Elizabeth or John could sue you!

California Gold   August 10th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

To the majority of voters, Edwards' affair is on NO IMPORTANCE.

AnAmericanPerson   August 10th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

Yes. Not the least of which was CNN.

The Nightingale Sings in Berkley Square   August 10th, 2008 2:14 pm ET

It's really none of our business.

A bunch of nothing except hurt for the Edward's family.

Let's move on and forget about this tawdry affair.

Malama Makena   August 10th, 2008 2:12 pm ET

How about John McCain's affair?

Is there a media conspiracy to cover up McCain's affair? When he came back from Vietnam he had an adulterous affair with Cindy while he was still married to the wife who waited five years for him. Why doesn't the press ask him his opinion of adultery?

And isn't this a question of his judgement?

Griff   August 10th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

So who's is it? Shush! Keep it quiet until after November.. The Democrats have to win... Then the true story comes out... It's Barack Obama's Kid...

Wendy   August 10th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

I think the media was being sympathetic to Elizabeth Edwards.

RL   August 10th, 2008 2:02 pm ET

This type of "conspiracy of silence" with the MSM is going to have alot of people questioning what else the MSM is keeping quiet about. They had now confirmed to the public that reports in the National Enquirer can be true. So people will now begin to wonder if all the rumors about Obama might be true and the MSM is just not reporting it.

Jaime in Texas   August 10th, 2008 1:58 pm ET

CNN protects Obama, so why not protect Obama supporter, John Edwards?

DemsSuck08   August 10th, 2008 1:57 pm ET

Hmmm....well Mr. Edwards there really IS two America's. One that you live in and one that your say you supposedly stand for but keep repressed so they continue to vote Democrat. Typical double standard, but of course Slick Willy really set the tone for this I guess. Edwards is a lying dirt bag. Nice thing to do to your wife while she is battling cancer.

Sen. Barack Obama   August 10th, 2008 1:52 pm ET

John Edwards on the reason for his affair:

"This is what happened. It's what happened with me and I think happens unfortunately more than sometimes with other people...I got elected to the Senate and here we go again, it's the same old thing again. Adulation, respect, admiration. Then I went from being a senator, a young senator...running for president...and becoming a national public figure. All of which fed a self-focus, an egotism, a narcissism that leads you to believe that you can do whatever you want. You're invincible. And there will be no consequences. And nothing, nothing could be further from the truth."

Thank goodness, that could never happen to me.

scott winter haven   August 10th, 2008 1:50 pm ET

If Edwards were a Republican he would have been rode out of town on a pole long ago. Once again the liberial media shows how it protects it"s own and makes the smallest of Republican stories major news. This story will only have another 36 hours of legs while if it were a Republican it would be tied to the war in iraq and big oil somehow.

Tammie from Cleveland,Ohio   August 10th, 2008 1:49 pm ET

Who cares, it's over let it rest in peace. We've got more things to wory about in this countrythan someone having an affair.

ben   August 10th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

If his political carear is over then we are a nation of hypocrits!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ben   August 10th, 2008 1:45 pm ET

Show me a man whether president of the US or a garbage collector who would not lie about his private sex if he was a married man. At least four hundred of our political leaders would fall into that catagory.

Rickymo   August 10th, 2008 1:45 pm ET

How silly...if someone on FOX had found out it would not have been kept silent! Just silly...

rich   August 10th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

I do have to say that it is very admiral of him to come forward admitting what he did. I have much more respect for him, its not right but he is the right road.

Republicans Hate America   August 10th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

Why doesn't McCains cheating on his wife after she was disfigured not get publicized as he is the one running for president not Edwards?

matt   August 10th, 2008 1:39 pm ET

Its simple..
CNN, ABC, Msnbc, All report news more on the liberal side,

Fox news, and Small papers * national enq* report All news or more Conservative news.

So in order for someone to truely understand whats happening they must listen to fox, and cnn. There is so much information left out sometimes from both sources. and the information is always different. So you have to pick up the pieces yourself.

Its rather disgusting but its how the world works.

For instance, When fox news reports something about the presidential campaign its about mccain having a poll where he won. When cnn does it.. Mccain is always behind

Informed Voter   August 10th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

Why are you still running this story??? .. put this in your tabloid ticker

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