I'm almost surprised that you are actually running an article on Edward's affair, seeing as how hard it was to actually find it on your website. Matt Drudge has this as his first story right now, the New York Times puts it on the front page of its website. And where does NPR place a story on a Democratic politician's embarrassing affair? On some blog. This is big news; I suspect even your listeners will be interested to hear/read about this.

Sent by Matthew Baird | 3:41 PM ET | 08-08-2008

This is not big news. There are far more important issues currently in our society to worry about some male cheating on his wife. Aren't you more concerned perhaps with Darfur perhaps? Or how about our health care issues? Shall I go on? The only reason I came upon this was because it was actually quite easy to surf NPR's website and click on the link!

Sent by Angela Randazzo | 3:53 PM ET | 08-08-2008

Not interested. So, very, very, very not interested. Over 4,000 soldiers dead in an illegal invaision. Nope.. who John Edwards sleeps with is not even on the list!

Sent by Kathleen Conner | 3:55 PM ET | 08-08-2008

Edwards and his Two Americas. What a hypocrite! Will he go away now? Dems don't need this pretty boy. We need the best America has to offer, Obama!

Sent by Susan | 3:56 PM ET | 08-08-2008

get a "life" Matthew Baird!!!

Sent by Me | 3:59 PM ET | 08-08-2008

omg.. this is huge.. im having clinton flashbacks... and obama is not the best this nation has to offer.. more like the bottom of the barrel

Sent by sydney | 4:01 PM ET | 08-08-2008

Not front page, above the fold material.
Its funny, but leave it for FOX to sensationalize it.

Sent by Bryan | 4:04 PM ET | 08-08-2008

In response to Mr. Baird's comment: while it's a sad story for Mr. Edwards' family, embarrassing for Mr. Edwards himself, and yet another poor and hurtful decision made by one of our public servants, I do not see the need to raise an issue with NPR for choosing not to run it as story #1. Why does Edwards' affair, an issue outside of his duties as a political figure, trump NPR's choice of the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Olympics and all it brings with it on the world stage?

Sent by Cameron Petke | 4:06 PM ET | 08-08-2008

This is truly sad news to hear, because he is such a fine man and I was hoping so desperately that he would be the running mate (Vice President) this year as we really do need him, but now this sheds an unfavorable shadow. However, I would be willing to bet that there are very, very few politicians that have not had affairs. Let's move on to the war and how Bush lied to everyone just to cushion his own pockets. Far more serious than this affair story.

Sent by P. Sale | 4:07 PM ET | 08-08-2008

Who cares with whom he is sleeping?? Maybe his cancer stricken wife,it is not our business. I don't care who you sleep with. My goodness people,we have alot of problems like war,invasion of illegals,economy,gas prices the list goes on and on and John Edwards sleeping partners is NOT.

Sent by shirley mcdaniel | 4:09 PM ET | 08-08-2008

Let me see Matthew...John Edwards is not a presidential candidate anymore, nor is he a senator. Granted he is a respected member of the Democratic party, but his affair is not going to affect the presidential election.

I'm glad that NPR doesn't devote it's time on the sexual exploits of our government officials (that could be a full-time job!). Personally, I think the economy, war, energy issues, Darfur, Pakistan - just to name a few - are of much more importance. So, no...it isn't big news as far as I'm concerned (it's just dirt). Look who broke the story - the National Enquirer!!!

Sent by Terri Evans | 4:10 PM ET | 08-08-2008

Oh thank God it happened when the cancer was in remission, otherwise it would be reprehensible!?! Please... This is yet another example of why we need a woman as our President--someone who isn't at the mercy of his genitalia. And to think some people still believe that a woman's reproductive system is a threat to her ability to perform the job! I dare say that we're taking a much greater risk with these guys who can't help but follow their you-know-whats despite the harm it causes the people they supposedly care for the most. What, I wonder, will they be willing to do when the effect is on people they don't even know?

Sent by Wendy | 4:12 PM ET | 08-08-2008

Acknowledged, now move on.

Sent by julie gillern | 4:12 PM ET | 08-08-2008

I really take issue with the term "Public Servant" We all know that Politicians are in this game for the money, prestige, and the connections that will help them later in life.

Sent by Benjamin | 4:14 PM ET | 08-08-2008

I completely agree with Angela Randazzo the facts are that the media hypes up tabloid news like affairs and drugs in order to help the ignorant people ignore the real issues that can be well somewhat of a downer. I am so tired of all the useless garbage in the news I care about issues that will affect me and the people I care about. I honestly could care less who sleeps with who as long as our elected leaders are not starting unnecessary wars and committing war crimes. Shame on the reporters who feel news like this merits any thing more than four words. Mind Your Own Business.

Sent by Seeth Mc Gavien | 4:15 PM ET | 08-08-2008

NPR has placed the story right where is should be. Besides, John Edwards is no longer in politics. Talk about family values... the Republican party has more failed marriages then the Democratic Party. In case you forgot, review the primary contenders from both parties from earlier this year.

Sent by Robert Farrell | 4:16 PM ET | 08-08-2008

This story is ultimately insignificant, especially if what Edwards says about his wife's knowledge and the lack of a child, is true. There are far more important issues, in politics and in the broader society. The only people who view this story as "important" are conservatives looking to smear the entire Democratic party, superficial gossip hounds whose chief concern in the world of politics is personal scandal, and cynics who want more negativity and poor behavior to reinforce their views. If you truly believe that our government should be by, for and of the the people, you should view this story as no more important that of any other citizen's affair. Of course, very few of us are really willing to accept this, because politicians are easy to tear down and provide an often unwarranted target for our frustration and anger.

Sent by Andrew | 4:18 PM ET | 08-08-2008

All of you guys on the left (NPR) made a big deal about Ted Haggard. What elected office did he hold?

Sent by Bill | 4:22 PM ET | 08-08-2008

Media...media...media...Not this headline again!

Sent by Monica L. McClellan | 4:24 PM ET | 08-08-2008

The real issue here is the egregious double standard of an unabashed demagogue who lectured us about poverty while residing in a multi-million dollar Shangri-La and who shamelessly spouted off his "family values" schtick while indulging in the temptations of the flesh. Why are sexual imprprieties committed by Democrats dismissed as "irrelevant" or "personal issues" while those attributable to the other side of the aisle are somehow worthy of being shouted from the rooftops? One more example of liberal "do as I say not as I do" hypocrisy.

Sent by R. Steven | 4:29 PM ET | 08-08-2008

Does this mean Edwards won't be speaking at the convention later this month?

Sent by Rich Morgan | 4:34 PM ET | 08-08-2008

A disappointing distraction, sure! Definitely not story #1 (unless you're the National Enquiere!! Can we get back to asking the politicians the much harder questions such as an honest cost/benefit assessment of offshore drilling, or how can the US pay for it's deteriorating infrastructure (highways and education) while lowering our national debt, or the actual effectiveness of Homeland Security, and so on. Let the tabloids take of John's personal affairs, but NPR please keep your focus on the management of America (ref: The Mismanagement of America, Inc by Lawrence G. Hrebiniak http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=2023). Thank you!

Sent by Billy V | 4:35 PM ET | 08-08-2008

4136 of our soldiers dead in an illegal, immoral war and a private citizen's affair is news?

Last I knew, John Edwards was not an elected official, but a private citizen.

Have a little respect for his wife, at least.

Sent by Janet in Nashville | 4:37 PM ET | 08-08-2008

Please cite when John Edwards promoted any certain morality code. "Family Values" and pushing a narrow morale code is a Conservative issue. So yes, it makes it much more interesting when someone preaching morality cheats on his wife and gets massages and meth from gay men.

Sent by J. Malachi | 4:48 PM ET | 08-08-2008

R. Steven's perspective on what "the real issue is" is deeply flawed on not at all the real issue. The real issue is how citizens and media should react by lapses or morality in our elected officials. It has nothing to do with Edwards' views on poverty or his multi-million dollar home. R Steven is simply venting his conservative anger over the thought that government has a role in helping the underprivileged. (one note here: I take issue with your link between his poverty views and his home. A much more accurate criticism would have been the presence of a heated walkway in the home of a man who talks about global warming). Edwards is certainly not the shining star in American politics- he is a hypocrite and his affair was wrong and regrettable. However, he is not currently in public office, there is no connection between these actions and his views, and as I said in my previous comment, we always overreact to affairs by our public servants. I do not believe that there has been any significant pro-liberal coverage of affairs in the past. The President of the United States, Bill Clinton, was a Democrat, and his affair lead to his impeachment and is without a doubt the most famous affair in American political history, trumping the affairs of other Presidents (Harding, FDR, Eisenhower, Kennedy).

Sent by Andrew | 4:48 PM ET | 08-08-2008

No, John Edwards is NOT a private citizen, but very public . . . by choice. All of you who are standing up for the privacy of the Edwards family, were you saying the same for Ted Haggard?

Sent by Just Me | 4:49 PM ET | 08-08-2008

Many men cheat. And so do a lot of women. No one is above imperfection. Not Clinton, not Bush, not Obama and not mcCain. Indeed, not even Kennedy or King.

Furthermore, the lifestyle of a politician is very similar to that of a rockstar or professional athlete. They spend much of their time away from their family and on the road, especially when campaigning.

The truth hurts.

This is why 'we' American's would rather talk about Paris Hilton, Britney Spears or a politicians affair, rather than the 4,000 + dead in Iraq, and our nations impending implosion thanks to our addiction to OIL and our faulty healt care and education systems.

Sent by Nathaniel Mezmer | 4:50 PM ET | 08-08-2008

Well said, Wendy!!! Bravo.

Sent by murphyvalentine | 4:59 PM ET | 08-08-2008

A man or woman's personal life is just that. It's between him or her and his or her family. It may reflect on judgment, sure, but it does not negate a person's commitment to using his political voice to speak up for the concerns of those whose voices are mostly ignored. John Edwards is one of the only politicians taken seriously in this country willing to talk about poverty. I pray that Obama will not forget this important issue as he attempts to appeal to a braod enough range of voters this fall.

Sent by Arlie Sims, Chicago | 5:04 PM ET | 08-08-2008

I am not concerned with other private citizens affairs as well. Let's try to focus on poverty, education, the environment, and the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Don't listen to what the media over-hypes on, look at the farve scandal..who cares?

Sent by Jeremy L | 5:06 PM ET | 08-08-2008

In response to Wendy...Who, exactly, do the straight men who have affairs have them WITH? If gender were a gaurantee that a person will make all the most morally solid sexual choices, then married, heterosexual men would have no one with whom to carry out an extramarital affair. I agree we need a female president someday, but really, do you think she'd be incapable of sexual indiscretions?

Sent by Arlie Sims | 5:10 PM ET | 08-08-2008

Whenever a politician is outed and has his career threatened by something like this, you need to look at what they have said, with whom they are aligned, and who they are aligned against. Someone wants their career ended.

Let's not pretend, ALL of our leadership is corrupt, a decadent elite of drug addicts, and sexual deviants. When the facts come out, there is a reason.

Sent by Jody Sol | 5:13 PM ET | 08-08-2008

John Edwards is no longer a candidate for President or any political office. If his marital infidelity is so important, then how much more important are the well known marital infidelities of the Republican Party's candidate John McCain?

Sent by Long Tall Texan | 5:18 PM ET | 08-08-2008

Why are the religious Rightwing so obssessed with politicians, especially Democrats, having affairs. Most politicians do or are tempted to because of the power they wield. Power attracts people of the opposite sex. Europeans are not surprised when their politicians do. Actually, they do not just have affairs, they have mistresses and yet they perform their jobs well. Americans needs to mind their own business and stop worrying about the bedroom lives of others whether, straight or gay. The hypocrites who sensationalize these trivial events have nothing better to do to contribute meanigfully to society. Get a life! As has been mentioned, let's work hard to elect Obama and shut up these fanatic, religious wackos, control-freaks once and for all.

Sent by Joe | 5:20 PM ET | 08-08-2008

Could not care less who sleeps with who. Does not alter one way or the other their allegiance to America and their desire and ability to lead the country. Personal character? Everybody has SOMETHING that would be better left unexposed. Doing a "bad" thing does not now now has it ever made someone a "bad" person.

Sent by T. L. Hale | 5:22 PM ET | 08-08-2008

So now NPR is getting it leads from The National Enquirer and reporting on such tripe and regarding a family that has had it share of real pain.
Thanks for nothing!

Sent by Mathew McFarren | 5:27 PM ET | 08-08-2008

Hmm. A lot of passionate response to an 'insignificant'matter. Sometimes we NPR listeners don't wear our calm, objective, merciful selves on our sleeves. The point about fidelity is one that I think should not be overstated, but which has some validity to the extent that it does say something about honesty to people you've committed your life to caring for. On the other hand, is a person who lives in a big house got by honest means who also feels passionately that we can spread the wealth around better than we do somehow less venerable than a person who lives in a big house and doesn't say or do a damned thing for the poor? Liberals tend to err on the side of mercy, conservatives on the side of justice. A conflict that reflects the schizophrenic nature of American society--most of us want mercy for ourselves and justice for others. I would hope that NPR listeners would be able to mete out a balance that reflects their good sense and education as well as their love for their fellow human. Should we hold people accountable? Yes. Should we start casting sharp projectiles? I sometimes fail. Were all my failures made public, whether atoned for or not, I would cry for mercy. I want to live justly but to love mercy (esp for the repentant) and to walk humbly in the sight of both God and Man. I'd rather see a powerful manifestation of Love writing in the dirt, the stone throwers disarmed, and hear the voice of Love say, Go, and sin no more.

Sent by elisa in central tex | 5:28 PM ET | 08-08-2008

Your coverage of John Edwards's affair is so National Enquirer. Unless it affects your listener -- and there's no way in which it does -- who cares, except the three people directly involved? Perhaps NPR should act as the role model, mentioning the issue once, quietly, rather than following the tacky, irrelevant histrionics of the tabloids. Stick to real news,and excellent features, please. NPR is so good at those.

Sent by Corene Johnston | 5:29 PM ET | 08-08-2008

Please, NPR don't get involved in the gosspip and vindictive ways of the typical media. I care more about the immoral behavior of President Bush, in starting an UNJUST war, and being responsible for killing and destroying many Iraqui citizen's lives, and what, now over 4000 young American soldiers. That's the news that should be covered and analyzed. Don't stir the pot like every other news channel.

Sent by ann | 5:30 PM ET | 08-08-2008

Please, Elizabeth edwards, take care of yourself and don't succumb to the antiquated and humiliating "Stand By Your Man" mentality!!

Sent by Carol, WI | 5:30 PM ET | 08-08-2008

It's rather pathetic that anyone thinks this is news at all. Someone's private life is his own affair. Jesus is reputed to have said, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." There's a lot of common sense in that. Edwards never claimed to be a perfect human being and his wife already knows about the affair. It's not our business. And it's VERY unimportant in the scheme of things. The Beijing olympics is much more important as are things like, oh, the hypocritical republicans trying to pretend that drilling for oil will actually fix the problem.

Sent by Tom G | 5:33 PM ET | 08-08-2008

I'm really happy that NPR chose not to sensationalize this matter. I'm tired of hearing about people's personal affairs on the front page of every paper and the headline in every news story. It's not news, it's a distraction and it's none of our business.

Sent by Carrie | 5:34 PM ET | 08-08-2008

Frankly, I'm surprised NPR would put something like this on the front of its web site. With China's first Olympics and Russia choosing this day to invade Georgia the Edward's story is better on the pages of People or the National Enquirer. Why can't we see the difference between gossip and real news?

Sent by Dave | 5:40 PM ET | 08-08-2008

My non-scientific gauge of the sense of this blog of predominately liberals is that what John Edwards did was not right, but what he did is of no importance and doesn't need to be reported. I want you all to remember this position and look in the mirror at your hypocritical selves when something like this happens to a conservative or Republican. As proven by recent history, your take will be totally opposite, and you'll make up some excuse why the circumstances are different, just as you are covering for Edwards now because he is not currently in public office. Some of the people you and the media have derided recently were never in public office but that didn't matter then.

Sent by T Allen | 5:47 PM ET | 08-08-2008

yeh get it John! Do It!

Sent by Hogan Harrison | 5:49 PM ET | 08-08-2008

I hope John Edwards speaks at the Democratic Convention. Obama would be a wuss not to have him on the stage. John Edwards is the only one who put POVERTY up as his number one concern for this country. After this news, I still like John Edwards very much. Some choices in life come around a bite you in the behind. Obviously, he's made a few. But, WOW, he sure got far in his political life; the dude has run for President TWICE! I am sorry for the suffering consequences of this current revelation ... still admire the fellow very much. PEACE.

Sent by lbnelson | 5:52 PM ET | 08-08-2008

Can we say distraction?

Sent by Patti | 5:53 PM ET | 08-08-2008

An affair involving an elected official currently not serving in gevernment is big news? As long as people are interested in National Enquirer politics, we will continue to struggle as a nation. Big news to me would be energy, healthcare or educational policy that will allow my children to enjoy the type of life I've had in America.

Sent by Scott Akins | 5:56 PM ET | 08-08-2008

Andrew (earlier poster)....is this really "big news" when our country is at war, billions of people are poor, slavery still exists, and there is a world wide (yes--world wide) food shortage?--this shouldn't even be here on NPr--it belongs in the enquirer. Republican, Democrat, or Independent--what they do in bed is not my concern when there are more important issues to be heard.

Sent by Phillip Raskin | 6:02 PM ET | 08-08-2008

Hopefully we will have this many comments on how we intend to raise back from the desisaster that the Bush administration leaves behind. it's time to deal with the consequences and the people who lied to put us there. at least John Edwards has been making efforts to help improve the serious problems. it should be possible to respect someone's private life in the land of the free. how about some perspective?

Sent by A. Smith | 6:20 PM ET | 08-08-2008

Thanks for giving Sean Hannity something to talk about for the next three weeks and further eroding the moral credibility of the left. We really, really didn't need that...

Sent by Mark Middlemas | 6:33 PM ET | 08-08-2008

I saw the report first on FOX News (at work no less). That says it all.

Sent by G.Weeks | 6:34 PM ET | 08-08-2008

This is no different then a long ago reponse by Harry Truman when asked by a reporter what he thought of the divorce of then governor Nelson Rockefeller of NY. Harry's reponse to the question, "It's none of my business. None of yours either." was dead on and the same response is applicable to this non-event now.

Sent by Former Republican Verne in NY | 6:34 PM ET | 08-08-2008

Sure it's news, in that it means Edwards cannot be Obama's VP, and may not be able to speak at the Democratic Convention. It will have an effect on listeners in so far as the two campaigns have to respond to it in some way (Obama could denounce lying to the electorate during the primaries or refuse to respond to what he deems a private matter, and McCain has to choose whether to attack Obama's response or not). It may refocus the media on family values with regard to the current candidates.

Most of the follow up news, however, will no doubt be simply for entertainment. For example, did the woman get hush money from the campaign? It doesn't really matter, but I bet people will be curious.

Also, I'm sure stories about "Whether or Not this is News" will come up as well. That might be a good angle for NPR to cover in a few days.

Sent by Jeremiah | 6:41 PM ET | 08-08-2008

Sex and the Suffragettes

Betcha don't know which president had a love child while campaigning for office - and how that helped women win the vote.

Most people are quite a bit in the dark about HOW women won the vote.

Now finding out the sexy, shocking truth is as easy as opening your e-mail.

"The Privilege of Voting" is a new historical e-mail series that follows eight women from 1912 to 1920 to reveal what led to women winning the vote in England and America.

Two of the most beautiful and outspoken suffragettes -- Alice Paul and Emmeline Pankhurst are depicted, along with Edith Wharton, Isadora Duncan, Alice Roosevelt, and two stunning presidential mistresses.

There are lots of hot affairs on the rocky road to the ballot box.

The best part is it's ALL true!

Unique, sequential e-mail series that makes discovering history fast and fun. Each exciting episode is about 10 minutes! Perfect for coffeebreaks or anytime!

Subscribe free at www.CoffeebreakReaders.com/tpovpage.html

Sent by Virginia Harris | 6:56 PM ET | 08-08-2008

Not really news. His wife's known for two years, it's over, we are all human. This American obsession with sex scandals is tiresome.

I still support his policies even if I've lost a touch of respect for the man.

Lots of people cheat and politicans are not immune. I just wish that instead of moral contrition we'd start a real discussion about the fact that maybe monogomy just isn't functional for many, if not most, people. If the Senator and his wife had discussed and agreed to this beforehand an admission like this would only raise my respect for him. As is, it's just a little sad.

Sent by thomas in pdx | 7:07 PM ET | 08-08-2008

"Why are sexual improprieties committed by Democrats dismissed as "irrelevant" or "personal issues" while those attributable to the other side of the aisle are somehow worthy of being shouted from the rooftops? One more example of liberal "do as I say not as I do" hypocrisy."

Sent by R. Steven |

Well R,
Liberals mind their own business when it comes to sex and personal relationships while the conservative right does nothing more than force their core values down our throat. The conservatives are consistently preaching a lifestyle they themselves do not live. While the liberals only approach the issue when it is brought forth to them. Honestly look at the facts before you spout off your mouth.
"do as I say not as I do" How about focus on the real issues and mind your own business why is that so hard for politicians to do ? I will agree that the liberals often approach issue in a hypocritical manner but willing to admit the ones focusing on core family values and religious undertones are the conservatives trying to breach their way of life to a government must.

Sent by Seeth Mc Gavien | 7:13 PM ET | 08-08-2008

Spare me the drama. Save the space for the news that matters.

Sent by Carol | 7:16 PM ET | 08-08-2008

A major Democratic candidate for president - and a front runner in the choice for VP - is caught repeatedly lying and this is not news? Please! The man cheated on his dying wife, how bad can you get?

NPR should be ashamed of themselves for not pursuing this story, and for doing all they can to hide it.

Sent by JLD | 7:18 PM ET | 08-08-2008

In Response to Wendy
Look I agree the cancer in remission was low to say that does not make it any better it sounds real bad. Don't start clumping all men into a category of brainless self indulgent sex driven maniacs. I am so tired of the war between the sexes and the races the only real reason I am posting on this is because I am tired of news like this being reported. Look Wendy I am not going to say women have not been treated unfairly they have and still are in countries around the world. We need equality and I agree a women president would be a good change but women have the same misgivings as any man. What upsets me is there is this radical I hate men movement in this country and yet elsewhere where women being raped is a daily occurrence and widely accepted I don't hear women banning together to try to stop those injustices. Granted I do not see men doing that either. Point being we are all human and will make mistakes no one is perfect so in order for true change we need to stop targeting each other and focus on the real issues and for once focus on the betterment of mankind.

Sent by Seeth Mc Gavien | 7:28 PM ET | 08-08-2008

You're right, Edwards is a "private citizen" right now. But if he had it his way, he would have been very much a public figure as the Democratic nominee. All you hacks who want to hide this story and attack anybody who brings it up should consider yourselves very lucky that Obama isn't dealing with National Enquirer stories like this (that apparently turn out to be true sometimes).

Sent by Matthew Baird | 7:42 PM ET | 08-08-2008

The commentator said this finishes Edwards chances of VP,ok maybe. He went on to say it finishes his chances of ever running for president again. WHY! In Cindy McCains' biography online she admits starting an affair with John while he was married. If John McCain can run for president after having divorced his wife for a much younger, much richer woman I think John Edwards can run for president again. Also when McCain whines that Obama gets all the breaks from the media as yourself why this little tidbit from his past doesn't come up!

Sent by Diane Harvey | 8:05 PM ET | 08-08-2008

Such incredibly selish (no surprise!) and poor timing for Edwards... worse timing for the Democratic Party! Yes, there are far more significant issues out there, like Russia invading Georgia, the latest sleaze from the current administration, the miserable economy, etc. I wonder now will Elizabeth finally stop being John's doormat?

Sent by S. Denison | 8:08 PM ET | 08-08-2008

Why are Americans so hung up on people's sex lives? If it's among adults and is consensual then it's not important.

Sent by shari | 8:13 PM ET | 08-08-2008

The hypocrisy of the mainstream media is the real story here. The blogosphere is where cutting-edge journalism can be found today.

Sent by Jack | 8:35 PM ET | 08-08-2008

Patti is dead on.

Sent by Jody Sol | 8:53 PM ET | 08-08-2008

To T. Allen: I don't care what conservatives do in their own bedrooms! It's only when they go around espousing how this or that is a sin and then get caught in a sexual picadillo that I take some pleasure in. Ooh, particularly if they are homosexual in nature. Otherwise I couldnt' care less what side of the aisle a rep is when these things happen. I don't think it's news. It's between the Rep, his family and his mistress and nobody else. So, please stop crying that conservatives are unfairly treated in this country. That is an old song that I for one am particularly sick of.

Sent by Dave | 8:59 PM ET | 08-08-2008

This news really disappoints and saddens me. Are there any politicians in the world that don't sleep around? I know he is a private citizen now, but why in the world can't our leaders think with their brains not....

Sent by Kathy Goodson | 9:11 PM ET | 08-08-2008

Another LYING SACK OF SH*T POLITICIAN, THAT John "look at me preen for the mirror" Edwards! OsiSpeaks.com

Sent by KYJurisDoctor | 11:01 PM ET | 08-08-2008

Does this mean we'll have to start thinking of the National Enquirer as a reliable news source. Sorry NPR, Washington Post and New York Times.

Sent by Bill | 11:13 PM ET | 08-08-2008

Can't even keep from screwing the help.

Sent by Steve Foley | 1:20 AM ET | 08-09-2008

Senator Edwards,
Your actions were morally wrong ! Your admission of an affair symbolized the end of your political career. After denying the rumor of your affair, you finally confessed. As the Malinkes of Mali say,"If you hide your s*** at the bottom of the river, it will eventually come to the surface."
Guy at guyblaise.com

Sent by Guy Blaise | 2:47 AM ET | 08-09-2008

Weakness and stupidity on his part but certainly not news making. The things that your president has done to the US and the world are far, far worse.

Sent by jan farley | 7:47 AM ET | 08-09-2008

I am not going to preach. Nor am I going to judge. Humans are humans/complex, simple, stupid, incredibly gifted and kind amnd iontelligent....I would NEVER EVER 'cast the first stone' for I am not without sin either. R U? Every one of us has made mistakes and done things we are not proud of. Let him alone, let his family and him work it out .... go away "rest of the world". Yes, he's a leader and a politician, but he is also a fallible human just like you and me. Let it be.

Sent by me in Newark, DE | 10:03 AM ET | 08-09-2008

It never ceases to amaze how Republicans and Democrats perform the rationalization dance when one of their own chooses to shoot him/herself in the foot. Please, the man is sludge! He's a personal injury lawyer for crying out loud! What did you expect? Integrity? The only thing that matters is the effect this will have on his wife's ability to fight her disease. My heart goes out to her and the family. Him? Nah.

Sent by Mel Melman | 10:17 AM ET | 08-09-2008

This really not a story...it is a story about several human beings who have had their peronal lives invaded by a media outlet that is best ignored. Now they chase down Edwards to a hotel to visit a woman with whom he has had a relationship to see what is going on in her life. Shame on all the media, you have collectively embarassed a good man, his wife, and many others.

Sent by Paul Smith | 10:52 AM ET | 08-09-2008

Finally..., the guy has proven he is normal. I had my doubts up until know. I thought he was just an empty headed pretty boy. Now he has the qualifications to becoming a true politician. Maybe even a republican!

Sent by TC | 10:54 AM ET | 08-09-2008

Frankly, let NYT and Drudge run it. They have to sell papers to keep their shareholders off their backs. We have more important things to worry about than the personal indiscretions of a politician who is already out of the race. We have major issues going on that need lots more reporting from NPR. How about voting machines all over the country and the mounting evidence of tampering exhibited by discrepancies between final results and exit polls, and testimony in congress of people who worked in the voting technology business. NPR certainly isn't running a firestorm about that. There's plenty more at stake in this 'Democracy' than the personal immoral values and behaviors of politicians, which is nothing new.

Sent by Brett Barndt | 11:33 AM ET | 08-09-2008

John Edwards: Just another hypocritical politician who does not think that gays and lesbians should be allowed to marry, while he himself abuses the "sanctity" of the institution. Go to hell, Breckboi.

Sent by Virilene.Manly | 12:52 PM ET | 08-09-2008

I couldn't care less about what Edwards does but I do think that it's only fair to mention that NPR had Senator Craig on the front page numerous times for his innapropriate behavior.

Just be fair.

Sent by Philip E | 1:01 PM ET | 08-09-2008

John "con" Edwards is not a human being. He is a REPTILE.

Sent by Ralph E. | 6:06 PM ET | 08-09-2008

Edwards now reveals a portion of his plan to address poverty and economic disparity in this country. Seems it is simple redistribution of wealth. To get the ball rolling, unemployed, unwed mothers would receive free housing and $15,000.00 per month. From him! What a guy.

Sent by murphyvalentine | 6:51 PM ET | 08-09-2008

The thing that really concerns me is that Edwards could have potentially gotten the Democratic nomination..what a diaster that would have been. very irresponsible of him!! Kathleen L.

Sent by kathleen lally | 5:18 AM ET | 08-10-2008

SO, where's an equivalent piece about Jon McCain's treatment and continuing LIES about his abandonment of HIS first wife? Old news? I think not - it speaks to the lack of character of the GOP candidate who STILL cannot tell the TRUTH about his behavior.

Sent by Kathy in Ohio | 10:57 AM ET | 08-10-2008

I, like many others, are very disappointed in Mr. Edwards behavior. What I find even more disappointing is that no one is asking where Rielle Hunter's judegment was at that time. And we certainly have more pressing issues like people loosing their homes, jobs, insurance etc. Let them deal with their indecencies themselves.

Sent by Rosanne Rosenberg | 9:36 PM ET | 08-10-2008

Shirley McDaniel, what do you mean by invasion of illegals. What is your background? I am sure that you family came from another country.

Sent by yo | 2:16 AM ET | 08-11-2008

Larry Craig is front page and Edwards is on a blog with attendant apologists. It is not the affair, as tawdry as it is, that offends. It is the lawyerly way Edwards smiled through repeated lies and his grand condescension that makes him so reprehensible. Having said that, there are more urgent matters in the political arena to investigate like the MSM rationalizing its own non coverage aforehand.

Sent by Joseph D. | 4:27 AM ET | 08-11-2008

Matthew Baird is a republican slander-monger. no problem though, he'll fit right in with mcain.

john edwards not being a quality husband is not big news. sorry. it is however, big news to (guess who) "FOX".

Sent by jt dodge | 8:43 AM ET | 08-11-2008

oh...and those that wonder why senetor craig got more of a lime-light with his weird affair.

well he was in a public airport bathroom attempting to solicit sex from other folks by a sleazy known foot tapping method.

trust me "Craig" earned the front page. Edwards is simply one more standard extra-marital affair. news...but not big news.

Sent by jt dodge | 8:47 AM ET | 08-11-2008

I'm not surprised that NPR is covering this, as everyone else is. Fact is, this is NONE of anyone business except the Edwards. The problem is that the sex lives of politicians have become an appropriate diversion for the public. Practically every president since Wilson has been documented as having extra-marital relations while in the white house. Our country is faced with the largest crisis in its history (how to dig out of the morass left in the wake of George Bush and his wrecking crew), and this sort of thing is exactly the kind of diversion they love

Sent by pD in VA | 10:01 AM ET | 08-11-2008

This subject does not belong to the public at all! This is between the parties of the marriage alone. I don't know how "WE" as Americans think it is "OUR" business of who sleeps with who. I believe this only takes attention off of the real issues we face as a Country. Each time something of this sort reaches the media it makes it harder for the families with all the publicity. If there is a chance for those to mend a marriage and a attempt of family redemption then it is owed to them to stay out of personal business that we do not belong in.

Sent by Linda Laffredi | 7:37 PM ET | 08-12-2008

People on here that find this so offensive are the same people who buy the rag mags. It goes against the man's character. Don't put yourself out there as a leader when you are a weak,lying,cheating idiot. We already have faced that embarrassed before. Can we say Kennedy & Clinton???????

Sent by R Bruce | 11:34 PM ET | 08-12-2008

The point is that his lies reflect on his character, and according to many Edwards was a potential top choice for a cabinet position: Labor Secretary or Atty General. Now it appears that he may have lied when he "confessed", and that former campaign operatives have been paying his mistress and Mr Young $35,000 per month. Potential campaign finance violations are a possibility. Like it or not, it's about more than sex. All this makes it a newsworthy topic. And while I wish her the best, I also hold Elizabeth responsible for standing by and saying nothing while her husband lied about the affair during the campaign.

Sent by d allen | 1:45 PM ET | 08-13-2008

Please ! Stop mixing personal life with professional life. This shouldn't even be on the news. What should be a SCANDLE is thousands of innocent people dying in an irresponsible war... Bush is still in power after 8 years of SCANDLE. So, you are telling me that if we found out Bush was cheating on Laura then only then we could make him renounce...that sounds unreal and absurd.

Sent by Giselle Fionda | 11:49 PM ET | 08-14-2008