The new book "Game Change" about the 2008 election certainly slices and dices whatever was left of former U.S. Sen. John Edward's reputation -- and this time leaves his wife Elizabeth's image in the same shape.
They fought constantly over the course of the campaign, to hear authors John Heilemann and Mark Halperin tell it, including one horrendous public spectacle at the Raleigh-Durham private aviation terminal when she ripped off her blouse and screamed "Look at me" to Edwards as embarrassed staffers turned their heads.
Edwards has long been revealed as a shameless egotist who believed the people loved him, and the stories of how he treated his staff poorly while pursuing an affair with a videographer, the truly bizarre Rielle Hunter, are well-known. But it will come as news to many that Elizabeth, a lawyer whom many regarded as a sympathetic figure also treated campaign staff like dirt and even made fun of John, calling him a "hick" and ridiculing his parents as "rednecks," the authors wrote.
Edwards' pursuit of the White House began within two years of his arrival in Washington, and changed him from a down-to-earth guy who was nice to people into a constant candidate striving for the big-time. At one point he tried to cut a deal with Barack Obama in the 2008 campaign to become his vice presidential candidate -- or that Obama would become Edwards' VP running mate if Edwards won early primaries -- and later tried to parlay that into becoming Obama's attorney general nominee. Toward the end the best deal Edwards could cut was for a speech slot at the Democratic National Convention, and then even that opportunity evaporated.
A number of people on Edwards' staff tried to warn him that he was playing with fire, including one of the smartest pollsters ever to work in N.C. and national politics, Harrison Hickman. Heileman and Halperin wrote that in 2005 Hickman tried to get Edwards to see how he had changed for the worse:
“You can’t talk to people that way,” Hickman scolded him after one off-putting display. People are attracted to the nice John Edwards, and for a lot of them, you’re not that John Edwards anymore.
Edwards bridled at the criticism. “I don’t know where that’s coming from,” he snapped. “You have to consider the source … A lot of these people are hangers-on.”
Read more: An Excerpt From John Heilemann and Mark Halperin's 'Game Change: Obama and the Clintons, McCain and Palin, and the Race of a Lifetime' -- New York Magazine http://nymag.com/news/politics/63045/index1.html#ixzz0cKG8Svrn
Monday, January 11, 2010
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64 comments:
I, too, read the excerpt in New York magazine, and was plenty appalled. Mr. & Mrs. Edwards certainly had a different private life than their public persona, and it's not a pleasant one to have lain bare before us. Their moral sensibilities are questionable at times, and far worse than that at others; and I'll admit, it would be a best-seller as a novel (and may well be as a relatively-true story).
However, one must--should, anyway--put this new expose into context with the real good both Edwards' did on behalf of the public over a number of years. I realize it's all debatable in politics, but to present their private demons without the "rest of the story" does them, the public, and especially their children a grave disservice and disrespect.
It's unfortunate that we've determined that private lives and stories are more interesting to the general public's tastes than the actual public's business...in itself more like sausage-making than many of us could stand.
The Edwards' are not monsters...no more so than so many others who remain behind closed curtains with their indescretions, insecurities, and other weaknesses to which the the flesh is subject. That their lives are "publicly-accessible" subjects them to more scrutiny than the rest of us is a life they chose (and could have walked away from). But all people (ok, well, most people) have a lot of good in them, and they don't deserved to be forever villified for eternity.
Perhaps, after this, we can all just get back to the more pressing business of talking about the public's needs, and doing the public's good.
I am not suprised to hear these ugly stories about Mrs Edwards. Most people would forgo their ambitions after a cancer diagnosis to focus on their children and family. Not this duo. Now we know they continued on in the face of the cancer while also knowing about his extra curricular activities. Trashy and shameful.
Hey 12:53, tell me where I can find him, and I'll do the job.
No surprise at all. Some attorneys are egotistical to the point they feel they can treat their staff as slaves and say and do anything they want to them. Good riddance to this terrible family! If you treat others horribly, karma does come back to bite you in the you-know-what (and they way Edwards walks proves it!)
It's amazing how certain people would do certain things for money and power despite hurting anyone and anything in their path.
To anon 1:07, please inform us of all the good Edwards has done. I must have been asleep when he was our representative.
If building 25K sq ft homes is the mark of being "good", well he fits.
What kind of carbon footprint does John Edward's mansion carry? Is it similar to Al Gore's?
"HA! She thought he was a hick and instead found that he was a real prick." HAHA This post was priceless!
While no a fan of Edwards, I did admire his life story and what I thought were populist beliefs. Is there an honest man left in the world? Although perhaps he is getting his just desserts having to live with Elizabeth, who sounds sounds like a nut job. If he is such a "hick" then why did she marry him? There wouldn't be a mansion big enough for me to cohabit peacably with someone like her. I can't beleive it, but I actually feel sorry for him. A real Icarus story...
Now that we all know the story on the Edwards, Clintons, Obamas. and recently the Woods,What good has it done us or america (nothing), Do we as people have to stoop this type of news. It 2010 let get our head out of these people bedroom and private lives, and look at what good some of the people have done and doing for us and america.KEEP OUR MINDS OUT OF THE GUTTER.
1:07, that's a pretty good post.
Who knows what private demons drove John Edwards? Certainly his oft-told story of having to leave a restaurant as a child because his dad could not afford the prices on the menu may have left a deeper scar than we know.
In my experience, highly accomplished professionals usually aren't the kindest and nicest people in the world. They are frequently "driven" and "driven" is not a compliment except for those who see revenue generation as their sole measure of worth.
I would also imagine that successful politicians aren't the nicest people, either. With John and Elizabeth Edwards we of course have both.
Although their behavior has embarrassed me deeply as a North Carolinian, we should leave them alone. In fact, I thought this whole book was very much beating a dead horse, quite gossipy and hurtful. (Did we really need to hear about Elizabeth ripping off her blouse?) Few of us labor under the impression that politics is a Sunday school picnic. We don't need to have it broadcast to us through a bullhorn again and again. I'm even starting to feel sorry for Sarah Palin. Enough already.
And people actually wanted this guy as president???
If you look up "dysfunctional" in the dictionary, it will say, "See John and Elizabeth Edwards."
I've had to leave a restaurant because I couldn't afford the prices - should I worry it will scar my children?
greed/power/greed/power/greed/power
this country is up a creek (and I'm oft considered an eternal optimist by my peers)
That sorry Laura Bush wasn't half the woman Elizabeth Edwards is. I would rather have a cheating husband than one that is despised by most everyone on the entire damn Planet Earth! Give me a damn break, by God.
2:45 Do you realize the irony of your last statement? You are the one spouting hatred.
Can't wait for the SNL version of the airport scene....WOOT!
oh my gah yall
"Edwards' pursuit of the White House began within two years of his arrival in Washington, and changed him from a down-to-earth guy who was nice to people into a constant candidate striving for the big-time."
How is this different from the guy in the White House now?
In response to Bush and cocaine.....you are such a Barack lover, did you not read his book??
Another reason not to get married... especially if you go into politics.
In response to the person that trashed Laura Bush....What has Michelle done? Planted a garden? Shopped at J. Crew? I don't know what's bigger, her ego or her butt
Better than being married to a racist, lying, warmonger. Laura Bush was just another mantle piece. She kept her mouth shut when Bushy womanized and followed daddy's war on the innocent. May God have mercy on you ballantyne soccer mom trash.
Clearly, neither Mr. or Mrs. Edwards is an angel. Pretty despicable, actually. And as some of the commenters here will tell you, the fact that they are despicable is George Bush's fault. The last inaccurate snowfall forecast? Also Bush's fault. Haven't found your soulmate yet? Bush's fault. Any bad thing that happens in the US for the rest of the 21st century? BUSH'S FAULT!!!!!
God forbid anyone have to face the consequences for their own actions.
I agree there is no need for all these details of the Edwards' private lives to be made public. None of our business. At the same time, I'm not too upset that the nasty way they treated others and each other is coming back to haunt them.
Not as despicable as that sorry George Bush and his leader, Dick Cheney! They led our country straight to hell and we will never forgive them for it. YES, it was their bleeding fault, by God. I highly doubt the people on the other side of the globe think worse of the Edwards than George Bush. They burned pictures and mannequins of George Bush in the streets and cursed the very name itself. Thank God they are out of the White House. Now, just stay down in south charlotte and keep attending your clan meetings.
I'm not sure which leaves me the more incredulous- that anyone would care enough to write such a book in the first place, that some people are still willing to defend John Edwards' actions, or that it took until 2:45 for it all to be blamed on George Bush.
Well believe it sugar. George Bush is the fault of the ruination of this country and we can start saying it anytime we feel like, just like the rest of the world would say!!!!!! Get over your eletist self.
Wow, guess the last poster/moron doesn't realize that the Secret Service may be showing up at their door - very soon. 'Anonymous' really won't help you either. Also, guess this just confirms what we've all said about the sickness and hatred of the republican party.
Some friendly advice? ...as weak as your epithets are, it would behoove you to at least spell 'elitist' correctly.
Why don't you behoove my middle finger?!! You angry pitiful republican ELETIST.
Republican gay bashing again. May God have mercy on your souls.
4:24, is there an adult around who could assist with some of your reading comprehension, spelling, and English-composition challenges?
4:02, if you were referring to me at 2:27, I was defending neither John Edwards nor Elizabeth. I'm just discussing what may have occurred in their lives to account for their awful behavior. In other words, a reason for what they did, not an excuse.
I've seen enough high-level professionals in my career to recognize the all-too-common shabby treatment of others. (Again, not an excuse.) What I have found particularly disturbing was John's adolescent musings ("no one knows the real me"-I'll say!)as well as his pursuit of Miss "Bright Lights Big City." Also, Elizabeth's appalling blouse-ripping. Yuck.
One other thing: You'd be surprised-or maybe not- how many lowlifes go to law school.
It takes two to tango. Sad and yet all too unsurprising.
All I'm getting from these posts is that you Crats can't spell! 3:43 Who is Pat McCrary? 4:10 what is an eletist? If you can't spell it, please don't BIT%H/comment about it!
Could we all learn how to spell "Ballantyne?" :)
Do I want to pay more taxes no, but I can.....have a job, got a raise, and a bonus and live in Ballentyne....what is really gonna hurt is when all you free-loaders have to start paying for Barack care and cap and trade and inflation hits hard to pay back all the deficit. I can weather the storm on my own, cany you without a handout!
The further we get into the Obama administration, the better Bush looks.
I think the "Anonymous" posting all the republican hating is really just trying to be funny. Good God, surely no one is truly that ignorant!
To the nut job talking about people in other countries burning pictures and mannequins of George Bush, who gives a s--t!! These are the same idiots who cheered in the streets when the Twin Towers went down. I also liked your reference to Bush's "war on the innocent". Are you crazy?? I'd love for you to find one person in the world who didn't think that Saddam was the biggest threat to peace in the Middle East and beyond. Youtube is full of video showing all of the leading democrats talking at one point or another on how the world would be a better place with Saddam removed. Clinton, John Kerry, etc. Wake up pal. Maybe then someone will take you seriously for once.....
I am a Democrat and happen to agree that Bush was the rape of our country. The person that keeps posting over and over who is slamming the Democrats, just give it a rest. I agree that Bush was and still is hated by most everyone in the world, yes, he is HATED in every country, and in every corner of the globe. Well, except for Charlotte North Carolina!
Bush always was, and always will be a war criminal.
To the Ballantyne mob: Give it a bloody rest. The air is getting too thin in your expensive bubble down there. Come out into the real world and breathe!!!!!!
To the crazy poster who blamed Bush for all the world's ills:
Please get off of welfare and get a job! You posted all day long, its obvious you sit at home doing nothing but wait on that check to come in. You seem so spirited, perhaps you could focus that energy into gainful employment and off the gov'ment dole. I know you think the money comes from Obama's "stash", but it really come from those hardworking people you like to put down.
"Edwards' pursuit of the White House began within two years of his arrival in Washington,"
As I recall it, he was in New Hampshire and Iowa almost immediately after taking office... I don't think it took two years!
He was NEVER North Carolina's representative in the US Senate... he just had an office to handle his mail.
The funny thing about liberals is that the best defense they can offer is to blame everything on Bush, who has been out of office for a year!
You need to find a new record, that one is worn out!
all repubs are not racist, yeah they are naive, petty and wrongheaded, but are not all racists. However all racists are right-wing nazis or worse.
Charlotte Observer,
How about doing a REAL public service and restrict forum comments to only those willing to register and set a screen name instead of play KKK and spewing hatred from behind the sheet like cloak of "Anonymous"?
Anonymous 6:46 (and probably most of the anonymous posts today), the laundry called and your sheet is ready.
All racists are not repubs, but the vast majority are right wing.
Administrators are repubs!
I love DELETIOLNS
There is no possible way she ripped off her blouse and said, "look at me". He still has his vision.
Please..please quit allowing anonoymous post. "JOHN" really tells us who YOU are. John, why not post your name, address and phone.
Anonymous...
You need help man, and that's a professional opinion.
I'm just glad he's out of politics forever. He duped a whole lot of people!
Thank you to all who posted! This diatribe has given me the best laugh in quite a while!! Way funnier than SNL. :) For the sake of humanity though, I hope some of you did go back and re-read...and hope you are laughing now. Otherwise, I'm sure we have a few hot-headed Charlotteans who have had stress related heart attacks this evening. Honestly, I had to read all posts because I found them hysterical! (Not to mention the article...what was that about again???)
Yeah she is a real prize herself. She may want to drink some SLIMFAST before she goes insulting anyone else.
Edwards never did anything for NC while a Senator. His goal in from day one was all about him. Thank God Obama did not cut a deal with him.
You silly south charlotte fools. We have the right to post anonymously just as you have the retarted right to 'register' and use all fake info - LIKE IT MATTERS! Most of the posts are duplicates from republicans who go from site to site and put up their propaganda and anti-democrat/anti-Obama hatred. Fox News sure thinks it works for them, so why not do what it is you were born to do: Be a snobby idiot.
Blame Bush, you bet your tightwad, greedy republican ass we will. It took 8 years for him to get us in this fix. Being out of the oval office for a year doesn't mean a damn thing. It will take a lot more than that to clean up his trash.
So, enjoy posting the lies, make it seem as everyone agrees with your right wing, psychotic ideas - but know at the end of the day.....that all that's just a big ol' pathetic fantasy. If so many people didn't like the democrats, then I guess you were in a coma back in November when all of you lost, and lost BIG! Good luck, God Bless, and get over it. We're far from done with you rich bastards! Sleep on that one!
Piss on the edwards, and piss on all you bleeding heart liberals.
Any truly thinking and observant person would realize that Racism is very common among Asian people and those of Asian descent, Black people in native lands or their decendents in other countries, basically indigenous people of all kinds, including nth America and Pacific countries. Racism Is NOT usually politically based and is certainly nor confined to " Right or Left Wing " I have Asian, Native American, " Black", " White", " Hispanic" and " mulatto" ancestors, family members and relatives of virtually all areas of politics from left to right wing. Do NOT let your own prejudices lead you to make ignorance based staements about racism. papabear
Both John and Elizabeth are the quintessential Democrats. They claim to represent the common man, but are really just egotists out for personal gain. What scum bags they both are and so are all of you Dems who adored them and were easily fooled by their lies. Typical Dems. Ha ha
You must really be a scum bag for Obama not to cut a deal with you. Just ask Mary Landrieu,Ben Nelson, the SEIU, the UAW, ACORN, and on and on.Obama would bribe just about anybody to get what he wants. Obama and Edwards, just 2 empty suits.
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