July 31st, 2007
11:48 AM ET
12 years ago

Edwardses celebrate their anniversary at Wendy's

John and Elizabeth Edwards celebrate their 30th anniversary at Wendy's.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - John and Elizabeth Edwards took a break from their hectic campaign schedules on Monday to celebrate their annual tradition - eating their anniversary dinner at Wendy's.

The tradition started on their first anniversary, when the Edwards were in the middle of moving and too busy for a formal dinner. They decided to continue it and have eaten there every year since.

The couple celebrated their 30th anniversary at a Wendy's in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

–CNN Associate Producer Lauren Kornreich


Filed under: Elizabeth Edwards • John Edwards
soundoff (143 Responses)
  1. John, Rehoboth Beach, DE

    Some of you have nots sound bitter!

    July 31, 2007 02:37 pm at 2:37 pm |
  2. Diane Aiello Racine, WI

    I think that they are truly in love. It's nice to see them smile with everything that is going on in their lives.

    July 31, 2007 02:44 pm at 2:44 pm |
  3. Tim, Greensboro, NC

    CONGRATULATIONS to John and Elizabeth on the many years of happy marriage. You give FAMILY VALUES a good name again!
    To all the haters, please. Elizabeth is a good woman with a terminal illness. Let's let them enjoy their marriage with kindness, class and consideration.
    Yes, they are rich. Don't we all want to be?
    Yes, he had a $400 haircut. Get over it. Ever heard of Prada, Versace, Gucci or Fendi? Those stores are in 90210 where he had the hair cut–it's the LA culture, people!
    Yes, he has a big house. Don't most rich people? Doesn't Bush have a ranch in TX?
    It's so funny the only things negative one can say about John are silly and superficial. Unlike a war, a hurricane, shall I go on, Repubes?

    July 31, 2007 02:44 pm at 2:44 pm |
  4. Independent Voter, TN

    I can't believe anybody can really be that upset about the Edwardses doing this. I can't stand John Edwards and his populist rhetoric. I don't vote for holier-than-thou politicians that pit American against American. But seriously, how can anybody be surprised about something like this and why would you even care?

    July 31, 2007 02:48 pm at 2:48 pm |
  5. Chris, Pensacola FL

    Just two people eating dinner. Most Americans eat fast food. I don't think they called the local news agency and told the camera crew to meet them at Wendys. When you're in the spotlight, cameras follow you around.

    This dude will be the democratic candidate, you'll see. He is the only one that is a member of the CFR (Council of Foreign Relations). From my memory, most presidents lately have been members. So perhaps we'll see some strange activity from Clinton and Obama to propel him up. There are other reasons why he stands out in the triade, but I'm sure you can guess what they are.

    Don't be foolish and waste your time bashing him based on nothing. Some people are rich, some are poor. You shouldn't hate anyone. Everyone can have a good life if they give it a try, he did.

    I'm not a democrat, but I respect him. Before anyone acts like satan and bashes what they do not know, consider the thoughts in your heart.

    Peace to you.

    July 31, 2007 02:48 pm at 2:48 pm |
  6. Robert, Salem, OR

    Wow! I never knew Bubba (Pres. Bill Clinton) at at McD's!! That would explain a LOT !! hehehe!! His "robust stature", Monica, etc. haha!! 🙂

    July 31, 2007 02:49 pm at 2:49 pm |
  7. Trixey, Pixeyland, PA

    ohhh my-my!! i'm a gonna CRY !! 'til the tears do dry! Why, why, why?!?

    July 31, 2007 02:52 pm at 2:52 pm |
  8. Chris, Nashville, TN

    Just last week Elizabeth went on a tirade about supporting local farmers and eating locally grown foods. I'm sure those are North Carolina potatos that make up those french fries, and Chapel Hill beef and square tomatoes. Hey, I like the Edwardses, but if you are going to live the life of supporting local farmers, then do so. But you can't do that by eating at Wendy's.

    July 31, 2007 02:52 pm at 2:52 pm |
  9. Bill Tampa FL

    Well whatever you think about them, 30 years is nothing to sneeze at I hope my marriage lasts that long. I know that a lot of hypocritical family values Republicans don't make it that long.

    July 31, 2007 02:52 pm at 2:52 pm |
  10. Joseph, Cleveland, OH

    Happy anniversary, John and Elizabeth! I just got married and I truly hope that my marriage is as happy and loving as yours. We're praying for continued good health for Elizabeth!

    July 31, 2007 02:52 pm at 2:52 pm |
  11. Pamela, Cleveland, OH

    where is Murfreesboro, TN? do they have any *Smurfs* there?!? hee-hee! What's it like to live there?? thank you, Trixy.

    July 31, 2007 02:53 pm at 2:53 pm |
  12. Tom, Reno, NV

    I just ate the "Baconator", large fries, and strawberry milkshake for my lunch today. whewww!! i feel kinda blecchey or something–i want to lay down and take a nap... PDC 'ya think?? PDC = Post-Digestive Coma maybe a chocolate shake would have gone better with the Baconator & Fries... What does everyone think?!? lemme know I am sooo DEFINITELY going to the gym-health club to-nite!!

    July 31, 2007 02:57 pm at 2:57 pm |
  13. Osipov, Athens, AL

    It's a tradition! Of course the media knows where they are every second of every day. And if not, someone would alert them.

    Made his money off other people?? He took up for the injured party – NOT the corporations. Ever watch Erin Brockavich?

    July 31, 2007 03:14 pm at 3:14 pm |
  14. Claudia Columbus, GA

    Hey Jacque...it would really be nice if you would post a source for that John Kerry commment.

    Congrats to John and Elizabeth! May you have another 30 years together!

    July 31, 2007 03:17 pm at 3:17 pm |
  15. Vi Rothermel Shannon, IL

    Congratulations to Elizabeth and John on their 30th wedding anniversary.
    What a sweet thing to return to Wendy's each year.
    They are special people who know what real love is supposed to be like.

    July 31, 2007 03:19 pm at 3:19 pm |
  16. Kristen, Hiram, Ohio

    If only you people weren't so stupid as to feel the way you do about people who have money. They are so blessed to have each other for so long. Others loose there soul mates early on. This is the kind of relationship I want to see in office. Not a Hillary and Bill who can't keep each other happy, they have to look around. Or a Obama who is muslim, wake up america to what is going on in the real world, It is a shame you pick on love, when there are other important things in this world to worry about.

    July 31, 2007 03:24 pm at 3:24 pm |
  17. Tracy, Chicago,IL

    Please...at least he's not on his 2nd or 3rd wife like most of the "family values" candidates are. I'd rather go to Wendy's to celebrate my 30th wedding anniversay with my husband than to have one who cheats on me with hookers or leave me for a young bimbo.

    July 31, 2007 03:25 pm at 3:25 pm |
  18. Brad, Columbia, SC

    "Staged"? Can you think of anything that any of the presidential candidates of either party can do these days that doesn't have to be "staged" to some degree or another? You think Edwards can just walk into a Wendy's without having the media all over him? Of course there was someone there to take a picture. Those of you feigning such shock and outrage at this might consider using your brains.

    BUT I have to agree....

    This isn't a news item. Nor was it when I read about it in 2004. Nor was it, of course, back in the 80s when they were doing this for the same reason I imagine they're doing it today.

    July 31, 2007 03:34 pm at 3:34 pm |
  19. Ashley, Athens, Georgia

    It's sad to see how so many people are taking a special, personal moment for John and Elizabeth Edwards and turning it into something political, trivial and down-right hateful. Does it really matter where they celebrate their anniversary? It’s their tradition, not yours. At least they can say they have had a long-lasting marriage. I hope that I can say the same at their age.

    July 31, 2007 03:41 pm at 3:41 pm |
  20. Rob, Lake Tahoe, NV

    Very sweet!

    I think it's pretty fun to read all of these quotes blasting Edwards for being rich, for paying $400 for a haircut, etc. Um, last time I checked, I didn't see any Republicans (especially not our President or Veep!) living in humble dwellings and dining amonst the common folk. Nope, more like mansions, sprawling ranches, countless millions in family money, etc.

    So let's all stop blasting candidates for being rich. With a few exceptions (the ones who'll never get the nomination anyway...), they're ALL rich!

    July 31, 2007 03:47 pm at 3:47 pm |
  21. Josh Maloney, Oakland, CA

    I have great admiration for both of them. They both are true leaders with great intentions and specific plans. He would make a wonderful President.

    July 31, 2007 03:51 pm at 3:51 pm |
  22. Greg, NY, NY

    "If only you people weren’t so stupid as to feel the way you do about people who have money. They are so blessed to have each other for so long. Others loose there soul mates early on. This is the kind of relationship I want to see in office. Not a Hillary and Bill who can’t keep each other happy, they have to look around. Or a Obama who is muslim, wake up america to what is going on in the real world, It is a shame you pick on love, when there are other important things in this world to worry about.

    Posted By Kristen, Hiram, Ohio : July 31, 2007 3:24 pm"

    I agree with you congratulating the Edwards on their anniversary, but I had to point this out. Obama is NOT a muslim! I don't know how this rumor took off the way it did, he is a Christian. I don't believe an election should be decided on one's religion anyway, but if you must, go look up the facts.

    July 31, 2007 03:54 pm at 3:54 pm |
  23. Pixie, Murfreesboro, TN

    "... they have to look around. Or a Obama who is muslim"

    Nice to see Bigotry out here in full force!

    July 31, 2007 04:19 pm at 4:19 pm |
  24. Jay - Lake Charles, LA

    I am afriad that I am going to have dissent against the dissenters. I think making a mockery of anyones 30 wedding anniversary is pathetic. I'd like to see the percentages of Amerrican marriages that make it at least half that far in the modern age. Paltry, at best. Whether or not I would vote for the man has nothing to do with my most sincere congratulations to any one who can sustain a marriage for 30 years. Good on them, and shame on those of you so petty to make political stabs over this one.

    And for those of you who claim that he's "politicizing" their anniversary lunch by contacting the press to let them know they were there, I dissent against you as well. As a member of the press (news director for 6 radio stations, I might add) please give us our due credit. I knew of this traditon previously, and I guarantee the local and national press in North Carolina knew it too. Any newsman/woman on the presidential political beat probably knows their underwear size and blod type at this point, and now they know wheteher or not they like the baconator or fescata sandwiches. These people likely did not need anyone to tell tehm what was going on today. They likely had half the Wendy's on the east coast staked out just in case.

    For the record. I am not a supporter or his bid for the White House. But I do respect the committment and tenacity required to make a marrage last for three decades. Candidates and constituants alike could learn volumes, of they stopped pointing fingers and complaining about anything they get their grubby little mitts on.

    July 31, 2007 04:21 pm at 4:21 pm |
  25. Jim E Streamwood, Il

    It looks to me that Bush Co. is now paying bloggers to critisize each and every thing a Democrat does. The party of Family Values is such manure , that they can only attack. Even a simple picture such as the one you're all writing about is turned into shameful babble. Congrats to the Edwards' for being married for thirty years.

    July 31, 2007 04:23 pm at 4:23 pm |
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