Edwards: What a Jerk

We can all try for the familiar refrain: his personal life has no bearing on his ability to do his job, what goes on with his marriage is between him and his wife. Sure, why not. Let's face the facts though, if we heard this story about anyone, we'd say "what an asshole."

I never cared one way or another about Bill's Oval Office blow job. Since I did end up hearing all about it, my reaction was "what a pig." I still thought he was a great president, just one who was also a pig. And I quite honestly lost some respect for Hillary because she didn't toss his stuff out on the White House lawn. At least as a symbolic gesture.

Still the Edwards story just strikes a different chord. The image they've presented, all that fresh-faced, hand holding (apparently fake) happiness. And there's no way to overlook Elizabeth's battling cancer. No matter what the timing of the affair and his telling her was or is, how shitty is it that on top of fighting for her life, she had to wake up every day wondering when this story would hit. And we won't even get into the whole "love child" angle. (What a stupid term. Is this the 60s?) Or the assistant who is really the father because wouldn't that be an amazing coincidence, or will anyone believe whatever we're told the DNA does or doesn't show, not that it's any of our business anyhow.

The worst of it all though is the man continued to run for President! If he'd managed to get the nomination, and this came out now?! Or if he was already signed up as VP? Can you imagine the fall-out? Clinton weathered the storm because he was already president and he was doing a good job. This story would have been the kiss of death to a presidential campaign in a race as tight as this one. He had to KNOW sooner or later the shit was going to hit the fan. And still he kept trying. We all know politicians and EGO go hand in hand but there's a fine line, John, and you tromped right across it.

On the plus side, thanks to the Enquirer (go figure), the timing minimizes the potential damage. And when all the finger pointing starts, it will be a great lead-in to remind any Republicans who want to play Holier than Thou about their own candidate's shaky marital history.

The wife John McCain callously left behind

Like it or not, these days politicians are akin to celebrities, and their lives are scrutinized every bit as much. Maybe that's our loss, no doubt we lose potential leaders who aren't willing to toss themselves under the microscope. It certainly shouldn't come as a surprise though that your secrets will come out. If you don't like the rules, then don't play the game. Don't be stupid enough to go full speed ahead when down the road your doing so will torpedo your entire party's chances at a win. What a freaking jerk.