I think pr**k is a better word, considering that's what he was thinking with.

I think Elizabeth really wanted to try to work it out, but how do you do that when he's still being deceptive and duplicitous three years later?

"Oh what a tangled web we weave....."

This is one divorce for which the no fault divorce laws should be thrown out. Does Elisabeth have a brother, if so, you need to beat the live crap out of John. There are about another 100 million brothers that would love to help. John is an absolute embarassment to the Democratic Party and should be excommunicated and tarred an feathered. I am a Republican, but we all better start cleaning house or America will.

Man, you guys are too quick to want to crucify John Edwards. I'm pretty sure none of us truly know him or his wife. It might have been a rotten thing to do while his wife was sick/dying...but he has since apoligized for his mistake. We all make mistakes. We all have lapses in judgment. With his wife being sick for so long I'm pretty sure he wasn't getting any action. He had a moment of weakness and hooked up with his lady friend. He is human right? Anyways, I'm glad its over. Now he can be with the mother of his child.

A mistake? Oh brother! A mistake is eating an extra piece of cheescake, getting clocked speeding in a school zone, spending your milk money on a pair of Jimmy Choos. Adultery is adultery, whether or not your spouse is terminally ill and incapable of sex or not.

Do you really believe that this was his first mistress? Puh-leeze!

Totally agree, she deserves so much better. Its a different man who cheats on his wife while she is battling cancer. I cant think of the word....

psmitty2005

Now he can be with the mother of his child.

________________________________________________________________

Wow if I was Rielle Hunter I wouldn't take him for anything except child support (which without the political party to donate the money I doubt if he will come through). He has lied and cheated for years. He has spent 2 years denying his own daughter and to me that is the lowest of the low. He can't be trusted.

I watched Elizabeth Edwards many times last year in interviews. I could not believe when she was asked about this baby that he might have fathered..she kept answering that it had nothing to do with her or her family. It certainly took her a long time to realize that it has everything to do with her family. Glad she finally woke up from her fantasy.

I agree. Same goes for Ensign, Sanford, Vitter, Ted Haggard and all the holier than thou hypocrites who claim superior morality and turn out to be lower than a snakes belly. I guess John Edwards didn't claim devotian to Christian principles for votes, but certainly used his wife and young kids to come across as an upstanding family man. Maybe he was until his vanity got the best of him. It's hard to believe that all it took was a homely, gold-digging opportunist to destroy a brilliant career, ruin a reputation, destroy a family, and break up a long, and close marriage. Agnes Hunter seems proud of herself too.

What can one say? What a sleaze.

What I find puzzling is that it took her meeting this child before she could make this decision. It's entirely flabbergasting to me. Upon finding out, I would've moved out, no question--and the demand for divorce would've been served right then and there.

The man is a douchebag!!

This is a better case for polygamous marriage, though America is fixated on same sex marriage.

Elizabeth, listen to me; get him for all the money you can get.

Breaking up assets in this situation $$$ (other woman could get her share) could be a bad thing, or divorce this double creep talker, the one with the 400 dollar haircuts, or is it a "toupee"?

Men have affairs, but the dirtiest scumbags, are the ones who cheat on their wives while they are undergoing cancer treatment, have a terminal illness, and stand by them while they are running for the Presidency.

John, dig a hole; bury your head. We don't want to see you and your narcissism anymore. That thing of yours has been all over the map.

You are cooked, and no repentance can undo the crud put upon your wife and your children.

Creep!

psmitty

Please, don't fall for the snake oil salesman. He has used people for fame and fortune his entire life. This time though it will cost him. I hope she gets his hundreds of millions.

psmitty, I am willing to bet that John Edwards will never be "with the mother of his child". Certainly not in the way he was with the other mother of his children.

And this isn't a better case for polygamous marriage because, obviously, Elizabeth doesn't want to participate. Everyone would have to be hunky dorey with the arrangement, and they are not. Besides Ian, there's no way you can convince me you're in favor of polygamous marriage.

psmitty, it sounds like you are excusing his behavior, because he wasn't getting sex and he apologized. I would expect my husband to go without "action" if I was like Elizabeth, fighting cancer. Just as he would expect me to go without "action" if my he was fighting cancer. It has do with " in sickness or in health" part of my wedding vows. I think Elizabeth has done enough for John. If my husband cheated on me, I wouldn't trust him overnight either.

psmitty...really he's not getting any action??? Oh poor f*cking John, poor baby...not getting any while his wife goes under horrible cancer treatement...you're just as big a pig as he is.

Hunter says Edwards was "inspirational", what does the vine think Ms Hunter was?? It takes two so they both are at fault.

Glo25420 So you are blaming Reille Hunter? She is no pillar of virtue either, but HE is the one who took the vows to Elizabeth, then cheated, lied, destroyed his marriage and hurt innocent people. While Elizabeth fights cancer, and I am sure the grief over losing a child never ends, he adds insult to injury to his faithful wife. It's pretty obvious this was not a one night "mistake" and Reille bears guilt also, but after he's had his rolls in the hay with Reille, he turns his back on her and their child. But then, what could she expect? Pretty boy is pretty damned ugly! I hope Elizabeth never takes him back, he's hurt her more than enough. She needs to take care of herself now and cherish having her children loving her.

Stay strong, Elizabeth. Good for you.

Wow...touchy subject? Anyways. Even if I come off sounding like a pig for not condemning him to death...I still say this kind of thing happens everyday to regular people. I've made mistakes and so have you all. Who am i to chastise someone else for a mistake that effects them and their family knowing I've made mistakes as well? I'll do you ladies a service and not comment on this any further. Obviously, you all are going to side with Elizibeth.

janineinthisworld wrote "And this isn't a better case for polygamous marriage because, obviously, Elizabeth doesn't want to participate. Everyone would have to be hunky dorey with the arrangement, and they are not. Besides Ian, there's no way you can convince me you're in favor of polygamous marriage."

I don't think that a polygamous marriage should need be totally consensual among all parties. If a father wants some or even more children but his wife is unable or unwilling to provide them, then adding a new wife rather than booting the current wife would be a way to do that. Divorce typically is non-consensual and usually involves removing the father from the living space of the children.

And looky here- another example of something for me to strive for. If the father isn't allowed in the living space of the children.. there is probably a good reason for that.

The "good reason" is that American women do not feel emotionally fulfilled and find that they are simply happier with their husbands removed, but not their assets or income stream. The children aren't happy about that, though.

Well Ian I really gotta thank you for putting words in my mouth. Being I am an American woman. I think you've been.. indulged too much though on this thread. This isn't about her removing him from the home or her being fulfilled without a man or trying to keep the kids away from him.

This is about him lying, @!$%#ing another woman and conceiving a child. She has the right to decide if that is the life she wants. Don't deflect and act like this is about "women". Misogyny is so disgusting.

She wants out. She's done her part. Why the @!$%# does she need to stick around for more?

What? The article says he gets to inhabit a barn??

He belongs in the pigsty.

You are pathetic, John.

A number of people hold you beneath their contempt.

Enjoy the life you have chosen, but stay away from decent people. Ask forgiveness and be penitent for life.

Yes she is.

I hate to see any marriage end but he has left her no choice. More and more details keep coming out and the stress is too much for a woman going through treatments for cancer. She needs to focus on herself now.

I have felt sorry for Elizabeth Edwards and I think John Edwards is despicable. However, I also have felt it takes two to tango and no relationship this ill is all one sided.

This has been borne out by staffers close to the Edwards throughout the campaign. According to both his and her staff, Elizabeth is no walk in the park. She is described as a very controlling, domineering and demanding woman who is verbally abusive to those around her, particularly those who can't fight back. She is prone to rages and outbursts littered with profanity. Not the picture this lady would like us to believe from her book.

If we're going to scrutinize the one, in fairness, we have to also scrutinize the other.

Tempe, that's interesting--I've never heard that about her. Still, he could have just divorced her if he was unhappy. It would have been more honest than cheating on her while she was sick.

Mrs Edwards has guts. This Hunter woman does NOT!!! The old saying goes, it takes two!!!
Hey, Ms Hunter you are just as evil as Mr Edwards.

Tempe, I have not heard of the things you say. Even when it first came out that he had an affair, I didn't hear that said. If this is coming out now, then I would have to wonder if it's spin masters trying to paint her as the bad guy.

Now I do agree that it takes 2 to make a marriage work and no doubt there could have been some problems. The answer to those problems is not bringing a third person into your marriage. In Edwards case, he went as far as to bring a 4th person into it. Edwards also denied this affair in the beginning, probably in an attempt to save face. He just plain did not man up to his cheating until it was forced on him to do so. IMO, he is not a man worth anything.

If one wants to live in the public eye, then one must watch that glass house they live in so their own actions do not shatter it.

Have you all heard the saying, "What comes around, goes around".

It will happen to John Edwards and/or Hunter. Someone is going to dump the other or fool around on the side again. If they can create havoc, and not have a conscience while committing these horrid acts of adultery, they will repeat it again with someone else while still in the current relationship..

It's been proven, these people have sociopathic personalities.

One of them is going to get burned. They both deserve each other. Rats find other Rats.

She goes beyond class and displays great courage and faith.

He can't understand why she doesn't trust him?

You don't have to trust him. Just trust him to be a man.

Covers all the bases nicely.

You don't have to trust him. Just trust him to be a man.

Covers all the bases nicely.

With all due respect, I don't think that is fair, nor do I think all men cheat. In fact it is the few that give the rest a bad rap. Each person, man or woman, should be judged on their own merit, not by what other "men or women" do. I completely hate stereotypes.

It is the majority of men who give the few good men a bad rap. Men see nothing wrong with cheating. Women need a reason to cheat - men only need a place as it means nothing to them until they get caught. If Rielle Hunter has a brain she will take her child and get as far away as possible and take his money with her. Why she would want a man who denied he ever knew her - had an affair with her - or fathered a child with her - is beyond me. If he cheated on his wife - he will cheat on you too. I doubt Rielle was the first one - not even close.

I agree. That quote made it sound like she drove John to this point. He hasn't done much in the way of proving he deserves her trust. "Sorry" doesn't cut it here.

It's time to open a "Swine Farm" (on the Appalachian Trail) for these d!cks that think that marriage vows can be renegotiated if they're caught stepping out on their spouses. Those that agree to castration can be considered rehabilitated.

I hope Mrs. Edwards gets every cent from her scumbag husband. She's been humiliated enough.

I certainly don't want any of these hypocrite's representing my interests! The lies just roll off their tongue. Do they think they're too powerful to get caught?

Typical abusive husband, "he can't live with HER because SHE doubts him, SHE checks his cell phone". SHE did this, SHE did that. This guy is the epitome of a wolf in sheep clothes. His wife has cancer so he has an affair and father's a child. Then he denied the affair and the baby. The man has no shame...

SableGirl wrote "It is the majority of men who give the few good men a bad rap. Men see nothing wrong with cheating. Women need a reason to cheat - men only need a place as it means nothing to them until they get caught."

You are seeing the same behavior that drives men to pursue women. Women see this as the "power of the hole", and enjoy the favor and fortune that men throw at them. Most men are pretty good at suppressing this fundamental behavior when they enter marriage.

Why does the 'other woman' always think the guy will leave his wife and family for her? Many times, even when the marriage implodes, the man still doesn't go back to the other woman?

Any insight ladies?

They not only think that they will get the man but that he will be faithful to them.

Why would he be faithful to them when he's not even faithful to his wife?

Janeinthisworld

Why does the 'other woman' always think the guy will leave his wife and family for her? Many times, even when the marriage implodes, the man still doesn't go back to the other woman?

Any insight ladies?

______________________________________________________________

Duh-----If he cheated with you he will cheat on you.

John Edwards and Rielle (aka Lisa....I guess she thought Rielle sounded more exotic) are both pigs and deserve each other. A person can just hope that there will be a day of reckoning when these less than honorable characters face the big kahuna.

Lisa/Rielle use to be married to Boulder, Co DA Alex Hunter's son....there are rumours she is a flake but Edwards appears to be just as flaky. Maybe in the long run they did the ever classy Elizabeth a favor.

Elizabeth, I hope that you find complete peace and happiness now that you can move on from this big phony fraud....you deserve better!

Like she needed a picture for proof. Really, c'mon. It's more likely she is woman enough to recognize that this little child - who will someday find out all the sordid details - is innocent in all this and only knows 'daddy' as 'daddy'. Maybe she was sending the signal to the adults that she recognizes that this child has no bearing on their actions to create it. ONE sad thing is, this little girl WILL someday find out the details and that knowledge could really hurt HER. Elizabeth Edwards did exactly the right thing where this child is concerned and set an example for her own children - only hold those responsible, responsible.

It was just a joke...calm down...

My understanding of her type of cancer is that it cannot be 'cured', only treated.

I have no sympathy for the "other woman." If he will cheat on his wife, he will cheat on anyone. I know, believe me.

I've heard the samething. Treatment will only slow its spread. Its unfortunate but will eventually get her.

Don't you dare blame Johnny boi's impregnating his employee photographer to "women's faults"? This was no one's doing but John Edwards and his mistress, which knew better. Why didn't the mistress kick his sorry butt out and say go home to your wife and kids John? This is John's doing and not "women" raising their sons right.

I so agree with you. I am one of the very fortunate wives who married a man for whom trust and loyalty is everything. And I believe our son has the same values. We are truly blessed. My in-laws did a terrific job in raising their son, my husband. I wish this for everyone. I hope Elizabeth takes John Edwards to the cleaners and leaves him bankrupt and destitute.

Lynn-350504 - I'm not blaming her for John's behavior. I blame him for his behavior.

I'm blaming her for staying as long as she did. I'm blaming her for falling for a guy who would treat her this way. I'm blaming John's mother and father for not raising him better. I'm blaming "women" for always being the ones who have to "work on the marriage" and being the ones who put in all the effort to "fix" things. It makes us appear...pathetic.

I'm blaming "women" for always being the ones who have to "work on the marriage" and being the ones who put in all the effort to "fix" things. It makes us appear...pathetic.

I don't think that makes us pathetic, I think that's what makes us strong, makes us problem-solvers, makes us make things work when they appear to not be working. After 32 years I can't say I blame Elizabeth for wanting to work things out. However, I also can't say I blame her for facing the music and moving on. I do not find Elizabeth Edwards to be at all pathetic.

What needs to happen is more partners need to be the one who "works on the marriage" and put effort in to "fix" things.

Blaming anyone is not going to change a thing. It's a horrible situation. Everyone is coming out a loser. The child will always have this stigma attached to her of being John Edwards' bastard. The child's mother will always be known as his whore. Elizabeth will always be known as the dying wife. John will always be known as the filthy, lying, monstrous cheat. All of these things are not going to go away. It's a given.

What good that can come out of it is to teach our children, family and friends that this type of (cheating) behavior is unacceptable. We can give them a real life example. We can emphasize the meaning of commitment--through a marriage contract (straight, gay, life partners, or whatever--I'm not playing favorites, so don't try to play on this)--that it really does mean "in sickness and in health," as well as all the other parts of "cleaving only to one another, forsaking all others," etc., etc. Not following these requirements violates the contract, and thus ruins the relationship and destroys the family. Again, this is a real life example.

Now is the time for true partners to make or remake their vows of commitment to one another. Grow together instead of apart. Really make the effort to be part of a greater thing. Remember why this other person you are commited to is your one true love. Don't let this real life example of disaster be lost on you and yours. Unfortunately, it's the only good thing I can see coming out of this. Take time to treasure what you have. Those, like John Edwards, who have discarded their commitments and values have lost their really important relationships, families and respect.

We can give them a real life example.

Exactly, zapper45701. I want my daughter (hypothetical) to know that it is okay to stand up for herself and expect MORE from her partner. I want my son (hypotehtical again) to know the same. I don't ever want to show my children that it is acceptable for even one second to be used in any way. I want my husband to do the same. We are their real life example...someday. :-)

The problem is that humans are imperfect and fallible beings, and we have a habit of using each other, both as exploitation and in mutually consenting situations. It is the nature of being human. We screw up; sometimes really really bad. It would be very difficult for any couple to go their entire married life together without, at some point, crossing the thresh holds into not only using each other but committing an offensive act.

From one Jane to another: That's why we must learn to keep our eyes on the prize. Realizing that little bit of integrity is far more important than a hormone driven impulse. That's why we were "given" the gift of thinking (that T word again.)

Time, i totally agree with you. Marriage is the biggest sham I know. To the best of our knowledge he was faithful for 28 years. 2222888888 years basically half of his life, he messes up in the last three, and all of a sudden he has no credibility. I think if you put up with a woman for over 25 years you should get a free pass.

You're joking right? I mean, I think she put up with plenty of "worse".

Why get married if you're going to have affairs and children with your mistresses?

Why get married if you're going to bring shame to your family?

Why get married if it's going to cause you to be a habitual liar- to yourself, your family and the general public you want to vote you in to office?

Give me a break! This dude checked out a long time ago and didn't take care of his WIFE in "sickness and in health". It's ridiculous to think she needs her life to end while still being screwed over.

I say lady- Go and take care of YOU!

Kirby, you are an a--. May you reap what you have sown with your words.

I'm sorry but I have to side with Kirby..a little anyways. Edwards probably was faithful the entire 28 years. He has a moment of weakness and you all want him crucified. Why do people get married? I don't know. Maybe its expected from society. Maybe...just maybe...man was truly meant to be faithful to one woman. The timing of his affair sucks but I don't know him or his wife and can't say I know with certainy that their marriage during her sickness was rock solid.

A moment of weakness is a one night stand, NOT a mistress and another child. That's BS!

I doubt that this was Edwards first affair.

Saddie, what will I reap honesty, candor, calling it like it is. Thats why i posted what I posted because this sham that is marriage has people

1. getting married because they either feel guilty or give in to society.

2. They are given an ultimatium by the person they are involved with.

3. Geniunily love the person they are with, and over the course of time (32 years) may find someone else physicaly attractive.

Now while I may not see things the way you do, i don't lie to myself. When you got shows of who wants to marry a millionare, the bachelor, the bacholerette, etc how sacred is marriage?

And to top it all off the rules of marriage are slanted in womens favor.

It is disturbing when people who are miserable try to come across as an intellectual and think we take the rantings seriously. See a shrink.

And many thanks to my wife for 24.5 great years of love and friendship.

Saying this without malice, Kirby: I am guessing you had an unfortunate relationship with a woman.

There is a difference between "for better or worse" and "for better or intolerable".

No matter what the legal status of a marriage may be, there sometimes comes a point when, emotionally and psychologically, the "marriage" is simply over. Not everyone can overcome that and it doesn't seem appropriate to continue to share all other aspects of a life with someone when it's just over. There is something to be said for cutting your losses.

sorry he just got caught in the last three!!!

I'm guessing Kirby got caught cheating on his wife...

Kirby I feel sorry for you.....what a bleak way of looking at life and people. There are people out there that are very much in love and enjoy the extreme closeness and trust that one enjoys in a marriage. I know I have been married for 30 years and together for 34. We have endured all types of heartache and stress (not adultery) and I couldn't imagine facing these crisis alone.

Elizabeth should sue John for attempted murder........screwing around with who knows what and possible infecting her with a life threatening illness.

Vooda,

Have you seen the recent divorce rates? Over 50% of all marriages end in divorce. John cheating on his wife isn't a shocker to me. Hell I'm willing to bet that 95% of our senators/congressmen have mistresses on the side.

His comments speak of nothing but arrogance.

shellyb:

Poor Edwards. His life must be an absolute hell. It isn't right to make someone live with the consequences of their own actions. The fact that Elisabeth Edwards is suspicious of him must be driving him absolutely crazy, poor thing.

I think he should be extremely grateful that she didn't pop him upside his pretty haircut. The fact that this woman has stood by him; when she was sick he was selfishly pursuing an adulterous affair. I don't care if she was a peach to live with or not. Some of you people are outrageous. If E.E. is controlling and high-strung, she's been through an extreme amount of duress - losing her son; being sick; that it would make anybody high strung. That sick and lying man - (I know this must be true if he fathered a child) - betrayed her while she was sick and trying to publicly support him. I despised him then; as my sister died with cancer, and cannot imagine her having to bear public scrutiny and live in the public eye. Mrs. Edwards will not recover, but Mr. Edwards is much more sick than she.

Um, until it's proven she had affairs, lied about it, and timed them to be while he was dying from cancer... while dragging him thru the spotlight and political circuits, THEN having a child, denying it, coercing someone to claim it, continue to deny it, hide it... sorry... I'm gonna stick to giving him a bit more blame.

I also heard the excerpts from the book talking about Liz loosing her cool a few times.

Can you imagine all the pressure on her to stand in front of the cameras with her kids and cancer stricken body knowing her husband is f@cking the chick that's taking her picture?

I think Liz deserved every unscripted moment she had.

She was married for 32 years, I would absolutely expect her to lose her cool a few times. I never thought she was a stepford wife.

Clare:

I find your reply to be nothing less than absolutely heartless. You and

psmitty and kirby are blaming this woman because of her husband's actions. I don't care if she slapped him upside his pretty haircut, the decent thing to do is get up and get out of there. Dragging his family through the mud was a disgusting and selfish thing to do.

Do either of you three want to come up with reasons as to why the kids also deserved to be treated so badly?

Arslp,

I never blamed her for what happened but I'm also a realist. When a couple isn't happy or both parties arent getting what they need and an opportunity presents it self...well people make rash decisions. It happens everyday and its unfortunate for the kids, but it happens. I don't expect anyone to suck up and be unhappy just to keep up a fake mirage of a happy family. If one or both are not happy and you've tried all that you can and it doesn't work...well get out of it. Move on. The kids will eventually get over it.

Couldn't be more clear than that.

Uh I would say they are equally scum-tastic. It's like they were simese twins separated at birth.

I don't think they're any worse than mothers that decide to dump and isolate their husbands and the fathers of their children after an average of six years of marriage. With 70% of divorces initiated by women, Tiger Woods and John Edwards are just average Joes in the American divorce society.

I dispute the 70% divorce rate initiated by women. But just for argument, lets say its true. The statistics for men who cheat is up around 60%. I've seen some studies which say as high as 75% of married men cheat. Men are also more likely to have drug and alcohol problems as well as tendencies to use violence against their partners. Do you see any correlations in the numbers?

Like I said before, there's a difference between "for better or worse" and "for better or intolerable".

Women have their share of problems as well. I'm sure you can find a study that also states that 70% of the women are unhappy with their financial situation and want more control over the income of their husband. But, I see your point: marital problems are always the man's fault.

Oh Ian Blowhard is everywhere it seems. I'm starting to sense a trend with you. Obviously YOUR divorce didn't go well for you and you are sad little dude. You think that women are nothing but a leech on society, deserve no financial support but yet, need to raise the children.

After reading so many of your posts, it's hard to imagine why any woman couldn't make it work with you.

You're wrong on every point.

Then you get a divorce and go your separate ways. You don't put a woman, especially one who is ill, through this public humiliation. There is NO excuse. I don't care if Elizabeth was a total bitch, his actions were wrong.

And he was running for President!!

SAS: r u one who is willing to "mind your own business" on EVERYTHING occurring now in this country? If so, you are the sort of American citizen (and I am assuming you ARE one) who scares me to death in 2010!

Well if it was just anyone else perhaps no one would be talking about it.. but since THEY keep talking about it, making statements and participating in interviews... well... they are asking to be talked about.

R u kidding me, SAS? I don't care how miserable you are in a marriage.......get the hell out before you go dipping your stick in unknown parts. And besides that the Cheshire cat was on every station known to man oozing love and respect for the incredible woman Elizabeth is/was.......what a lying sack of dung.

Oh NO Liv! Don't group that whore with the "new modern women"! She's an old-fashioned home-wrecker, a gold-digger. Someone you wouldn't let around your husband for ten minutes alone. This is a GAME to her.

New Modern Women are educated and savvy enough to realize that they don't need ANY MAN to define themselves

Hey, at least women know they are the mother of their own child. A man always has to take the word of the mother. Try living with that.

She didn't move...................he did.

She should have slammed the door on his pecker.

You can respect her for hanging in there to see where the money is.