Edwards affair: Was media part of a 'conspiracy of silence'?
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/08/10/art.edwards.gi.jpg caption="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.
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.