The Edwards Scandal and the media

by soyousay, Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 07:17:55 PM EST

I was overwhelmingly confident that the Edwards adultery scandal was true; it's been circulating on the internet for quite some time now. In my opinion, Edwards silence was an admission of guilt. That being said, I'm more disappointed with the mainstream media than I am with Edwards.

The Edwards situation is sad but the media coverage or lack there of, is just plain wrong; MSM dropped the ball...again. This is a trust issue for me and I'm sure others feel the same way I do. The MSM was well aware of this story (politico stated this) and yet they failed to inform the American people. MSM has been derelict in their duty for a long time now when it comes to informing the American people. This is an ongoing trend; remember the lead up to the Iraq war? In my opinion, MSM are more concerned with cheerleading for their party/candidate.

The "tabloid" paper actually deserves kudos for following a story and reporting it, they did more than mouth political punditry.
 




Tags: John Edwards, mainstream media, msm, news, political pundits (all tags)

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Why don't you write about.... (2.00 / 1)

detailing McCain's infidelities.

No, lets tear the party apart more by attacking our own to justify your membership, or empathy with the PUMA idiots.

Let's remember who the real enemy is!


by IowaMike on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 07:21:57 PM EST

Re: Why don't you write about.... (none / 0)

This isn't about "the party." This is about the media doing their job. I don't believe in censorship.


by soyousay on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 07:27:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Why don't you write about.... (none / 0)

And the media not doing their job is when they keep repeating the talking point that McCain supports our troops when he's actually voted against GI benefits - repeatedly. Benefits for people who've sacrificed limbs, marriages, jobs, and their own mental health. Families who've lost a parent, spouse, sibling, or child.

This guy who's SUPPOSED to be all about the troops votes against their benefits and pay, and the guy who patriotism he questions votes FOR them.

And the media says NOTHING. There's censorship for you. There's trust issues.


McSame '08: Against All Hope - and Proud of It
by Its All So Goofy on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 09:49:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Well of course (none / 0)

like my father said in an e-mail this morning, McCain's infidelities are forgivable because he was a POW, so we should "give him a break"


The American people; they were for the war before they were against it.
by nrafter530 on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 09:52:36 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The Edwards Scandal and the media (none / 0)

Their are already a thousand diaries on this subject, and you have offered nothing new, so why post this just to rant and the media, AGAIN. Please go back to your PUMA site and leave us alone.


by venician on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 07:22:35 PM EST

Re: The Edwards Scandal and the media (none / 0)

On the media coverage or lack thereof for months on end?

BTW, I have nothing to do with "PUMA." I've already stated that to you several times.


by soyousay on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 07:41:21 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The Edwards Scandal and the media (none / 0)

No you just share their hatred of Obama.


by venician on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 07:55:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I don't hate Obama.... (2.00 / 1)

....an assumption on your part. I just see him as a typical politician like the rest of them.


by soyousay on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 08:03:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The Edwards Scandal and the media (none / 0)

Hey, hey. Perhaps, as a passer-through on this diary, I'm missing something.  But, a lot of comments seem to argue & respond based upon promoting or defending favorite candidates. 'Near as I can tell, this story is supposed to be about Edwards and the media's treatment thereof (earlier and now.) Sometimes when we are too quick to assume that its is anti-Obama or anti-anyone, we get too ideological and show too much of ourselves. (Didn't we learn the pitfalls of misplaced ideology from Bush?)


by christinep on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 10:18:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The Edwards Scandal and the media (2.00 / 1)

"This is an ongoing trend; remember the lead up to the Iraq war?"

So, you are comparing being derelict in cheerleading for a war, to NOT digging harder and exposing a politicians personal affiars?

So, do you KNOW what side you would have been in circa the Jenifer Flowers/Monica Lewinski era?

That is the same crap they Freepers kept throwing at the NY times, why weren't they out really investigating the "Broderick Rape Charge?"

Come on, I think we have gone TOO FRICKING FAR if we think it's incumbent on the MSM to dig out and instantly exposed affairs with the vigor of exposing a fake war?


On Nov 4th, we elected "the smart guy" and the world celebrated!
by WashStateBlue on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 07:24:34 PM EST

Re: The Edwards Scandal and the media (none / 0)

So, you are comparing being derelict in cheerleading for a war, to NOT digging harder and exposing a politicians personal affiars
The news in reference to the war was censored; that was my point. In reference to Edwards; it's a good thing this story came out now rather than later.


by soyousay on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 07:32:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The Edwards Scandal and the media (2.00 / 1)

The guy was running for office.  Hell yea it is bad they waited until a tabloid finally got pictures.  What if Edwards would have won the nomination?  I can think of at least one affair like this that killed the election chances.


by Classical Liberal on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 08:33:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The Edwards Scandal and the media (none / 0)

This isn't about "the party." This is about the media doing their job. I don't believe in censorship.


by soyousay on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 07:26:28 PM EST

Re: The Edwards Scandal and the media (2.00 / 1)

So, I read there is an expose of the inner dirt on the Clinton campaign comeing out next week.

Should be some really tasty dirt in that.

You going to write a diary compliment THAT article and the rigor of the press?


On Nov 4th, we elected "the smart guy" and the world celebrated!
by WashStateBlue on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 07:30:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The Edwards Scandal and the media (none / 0)

So be it; unlike you I'd rather be informed.


by soyousay on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 07:34:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The Edwards Scandal and the media (2.00 / 1)

No, I like to be informed, I just happen to think certain things ARE private matters.

Seriously, I thought you were a big Clinton fan?

How old are you? Did you miss what they did to that family?

Did what watch the daily assualt on the press to crucify the Clintons?

Yeah, Bill screwed up. But, what about the damage to Hillary and Chelsea?

I'm sorry, I think we have gone down this road at our peril, to where I think "who the hell would WANT" to go into politics.

John Edwards screwed up.  But, I see joy and glee here from folks who I kept thinking were supporters of the Clinton clan.

Evidently not.


On Nov 4th, we elected "the smart guy" and the world celebrated!
by WashStateBlue on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 07:39:09 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The Edwards Scandal and the media (none / 0)

No, I like to be informed, I just happen to think certain things ARE private matters
If the media had covered this when it originally broke, this would be old news and not so close to the convention. What if Obama chose Edwards as VP? This "private matter" would have pissed you off if Obama lost because of it...I'm sure.


by soyousay on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 07:48:56 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The Edwards Scandal and the media (none / 0)

A moot point, because, as you said, the MSM and surely the Obama vetting team knew early about this.

We are not discussing political vetting, I'm a little revolted at the confluence of the Tabloid and the (former) legit press, though, I think, maybe unlike you, they have already merged too much?

I figure, Jack Kennedy may never have had a chance to be president, if the press would have attacked him like they did Bill Clinton?

And, then I think, Oh, what would Richard Nixon have done in the Cuban Missle Crisis?

So, one guy screwed Marilyn Monroe, ONE GUY probably would have attacked Cuba and started a Nuclear Holocuast?

Thanks to the silent press, we got the right guy.


On Nov 4th, we elected "the smart guy" and the world celebrated!
by WashStateBlue on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 07:54:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The Edwards Scandal and the media (none / 0)

Thanks to the silent press, we got the right guy.

That's just too funny :D Controlled mass media is just so fascist.


by soyousay on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 08:01:30 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The Edwards Scandal and the media (none / 0)

"That's just too funny :D Controlled mass media is just so fascist."

No, that is what we have now, and you seem to like it, want to go more so?

I prefered the era of Edward R Murrow or Walter Cronkite?

Evidently, Wolf Blitzer leading with the latest gossip is more to your taste?


On Nov 4th, we elected "the smart guy" and the world celebrated!
by WashStateBlue on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 08:04:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The Edwards Scandal and the media (none / 0)

No, that is what we have now,
exactly
and you seem to like it, want to go more so?
I wouldn't have written this diary if I liked it. You think silence is golden :D


by soyousay on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 08:08:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

interesting.... (none / 0)

Here's something interesting in reference to Bill Clinton

"I think this President has shown a remarkable disrespect for his office, for the moral dimensions of leadership, for his friends, for his wife, for his precious daughter. It is breathtaking to me the level to which that disrespect has risen." - John Edwards


by soyousay on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 09:34:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The Edwards Scandal and the media (none / 0)

I don't believe in voyeurism.  And that is what it is when the PRIVATE LIVES of politicians are more important than poverty, genocide, a former superpower invading a tiny country; the environment etc.

The pundit class was all over it and I am sure many of them are going to try to make a career out of John's PRIVATE mistake, the way Chris Matthews made his career by trashing the Clintons during the Lewinski affair.  Sadly it still works cause some people still like tabloid crap over import issues.

John Edwards love life, marriage, fidelity has nothing, absolutely nothing to do with the issues.


by Jjc2008 on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 10:53:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

so you liked the vanity fair article on Clinton (2.00 / 1)


"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!
by Al Rodgers on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 07:27:02 PM EST

article on Clinton (none / 0)

It's not what I like or not; it's about reporting the truth.


by soyousay on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 07:28:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Don't be silly (none / 0)

According HuffPost (who pushed the Edward story) the LA Times and NY Time sat on a big Bill Clinton story, in the same way they pulled back on McCain-Vicky Isman affair.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bill-robin son/the-big-clinton-story_b_74391.html

Truth is off irrelevant.


"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!
by Al Rodgers on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 07:33:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Don't be silly (none / 0)

pulled back on McCain-Vicky Isman
MSNBC reported this; the evidence was much weaker than the Edwards affair.


by soyousay on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 07:36:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: article on Clinton (none / 0)

Perhaps if you find out where in the world this elusive "truth" is kept you could show it to us.


by Cincinnatus on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 10:01:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The Edwards Scandal and the media (none / 0)

soyousay..

not a snark..

What is your opinion of adulterer Bill Clinton given prime time at our convention?

I know you will post a diary linking the NYT article on McCain's affair with his lobbyist...

After all..you do not have a personal agenda.
After all, as a true Democrat, you will expose McCain for what he is...

You will point out that it is Obama..and not Edwards who is OUR candidate.


"harlequin speech of suicide, demanding instantaneous lobotomy"
by nogo postal on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 08:01:08 PM EST

Re: The Edwards Scandal and the media (none / 0)

Of course,,
this is bullshit soyousay?

yer fuckin hero

http://www.theleftcoaster.com/archives/0 08013.php


"harlequin speech of suicide, demanding instantaneous lobotomy"
by nogo postal on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 08:03:49 PM EST

Re: The Edwards Scandal and the media (1.00 / 1)

It figures these two would rec. this diary.

The Following Users Have Recommended This Diary:
linfar
ChitownDenny


by venician on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 10:30:28 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Your words, not mine (none / 0)

What is your opinion of adulterer Bill Clinton given prime time at our convention?
I have no problem with the "adulterer" John Edwards being at the convention, why would I have a problem with the "adulterer" Bill Clinton being there?


by soyousay on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 08:06:16 PM EST

Re: The Edwards Scandal and the media (none / 0)

hey soyousay...

here is another...

http://www.bradblog.com/?p=6164

shit..I can do this all night..
ya wanna know the google responses to
McCain affair?

(If you have anything on Obama..you know OUR nominee..please post...)


"harlequin speech of suicide, demanding instantaneous lobotomy"
by nogo postal on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 08:08:47 PM EST

Re: The Edwards Scandal and the media (none / 0)

Hey soyousay...

Ya need links on how the MSM played the Clinton marital affair?

Did they "drop the ball"?


"harlequin speech of suicide, demanding instantaneous lobotomy"
by nogo postal on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 08:11:26 PM EST

Re: The Edwards Scandal and the media (none / 0)

This whole topic is just disgusting.

I'm glad that the MSM didn't pillory a private citizen for a PRIVATE issue.

You got the attention that wanted with this diary.


by snark adam excuse on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 08:17:42 PM EST

Re: The Edwards Scandal and the media (none / 0)

oh yeah soyou say..
gotta go till tommorow

but

"I was overwhelmingly confident that the Edwards adultery scandal was true; it's been circulating on the internet for quite some time now."

if ya want more truth..

http://www.redstate.com/

http://noquarterusa.net/blog/

http://alegrescorner.soapblox.net/

Hwy it's all on the internet...


"harlequin speech of suicide, demanding instantaneous lobotomy"
by nogo postal on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 08:18:10 PM EST

Re: The Edwards Scandal and the media (none / 0)

Hwy it's all on the internet...
That's right it is all over the internet and that's why the media finally had to reported it. I get information from the Internet, cable news is just talking points :D


by soyousay on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 08:24:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The Edwards Scandal and the media (none / 0)

While I am thoroughly dismayed at the publication of behavior I consider to be private, I wholly agree with your assessment of the MSM.


Purity! Or else!
by ChitownDenny on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 08:20:17 PM EST

Re: The Edwards Scandal and the media (none / 0)

MSM came to the story late and that's the bottom line.


by soyousay on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 08:26:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The Edwards Scandal and the media (none / 0)

I can't say you're wrong.  I can say he is not a public official.  The publication of this "affair"  is tabloid, at best.  I'm dismayed with the facts, dismayed at the publication, and dismayed at what might have been.  But it, in light of current reality, is private.


Purity! Or else!
by ChitownDenny on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 08:43:36 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The Edwards Scandal and the media (2.00 / 1)

They held back because of Elizabeth Edwards. This is a really sad story. It isn't like Eliot Spitzer, where there's some kind of funny sensationalism to it. Nothing entertaining about this situation. I hope he is telling the truth that he ended the affair before Elizabeth received her diagnosis.

Also, I have to admit you were right. I didn't want to believe it.


"Hey, check it out. You just had yourself a glue OD. So you're learning another lesson. Don't do too much glue, or your night sucks."
by vcalzone on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 08:35:53 PM EST

I think unless it is something illegal (none / 0)

What happens in people's bedroom or marraige should stay with them, it is no one elses business. Other than his lying (which I don't condone), what effect does this have on anyone but Elizabeth and John Edwards?


by Dog Chains on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 08:41:22 PM EST

The question goes to trust (2.00 / 1)

Frankly, I prefer the "European model", where people are not so obsessed with public figures' sex lives. Ours is still a fairly puritanical country, let's face it.

That said, Edwards did lie repeatedly when questioned about the affair. By lying as often as he did, the man is just not credible.

Beyond that, he did use his cancer-ridden wife as a campaign prop to argue for universal health care. To cheat on her--as recently as a month ago--when she is battling cancer is beyond creepy. At this point, it would be best if he just goes away.


by BJJ Fighter on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 09:01:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The question goes to trust (none / 0)

Us Democrats cared a lot about Vitter and Craig cheating.


by truthseeker77 on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 09:44:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The question goes to trust (none / 0)

Did you read Edwards statement? He ended the affair in 2006. Elizabeth was not diagnose until March of 2007.


by harmony590 on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 10:30:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Who do you believe? The Enquirer, or Edwards? (none / 0)

Unfortunately, the National Enquirer has more credibility than John Edwards at this point.

As of tonight, his "statement" is not worth toilet paper, given his previous denials that anything happened.

The Enquirer article placed him at this woman's hotel--the Beverly Hilton--as recently as two months ago. That's well after 2006, when he claimed to have ended the affair.


by BJJ Fighter on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 11:03:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I think unless it is something illegal (none / 0)

It effects many people. It effects those who work for him. It effects those who TRUSTED him and would have never donated to his campaign if they thought he was cheating on his wife.


by soyousay on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 09:38:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The Edwards Scandal and (none / 0)

Why don't you go back to your PUMA cave???


by Spanky on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 09:10:31 PM EST

Re: The Edwards Scandal and (2.00 / 1)

Why don't you do a reality check? :D


by soyousay on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 09:23:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The Edwards Scandal and (none / 0)

Worse, she's really just a deadender of the first order.


by venician on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 10:33:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Agreed...there is ample evidence of bias in the (2.00 / 1)

MSM when it comes to sex scandals. The Jesse Jackson love child story simmered in tabloid-world for five weeks; when the New York Times finally ran the story, it appeared on A-21.

On the other hand, a poorly sourced story on John McCain and a female lobbyist made the Times front page earlier this Spring. To his credit, McCain went with a press conference that day to knock down the story...even many of his critics admitted that it was a textbook example of good PR/crisis management.

While I think the notion of "elite liberal media bias" is largely a myth started in earnest by Nixon and Agnew, the MSM too often lends credence to it by failing to be even-handed in high profile cases like the Edwards story.


by BJJ Fighter on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 09:15:09 PM EST

Re: The Edwards Scandal and the media (2.00 / 2)

I can't believe the media waited until Edwards admitted to the affair before actively investigating.


by truthseeker77 on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 09:43:31 PM EST

Re: The Edwards Scandal and the media (none / 0)

Facts are this:

Edwards is a scary ego fueled freak.  He as actually running for President, hoping we'd give him the nomination while this was going on.  I mean, what was he thinking?  The Enquier, who is usually solid on celeb gossip had broke it, and others where hot on his heels.   If he had won the nomination he'd be handing the election to McCain TODAY.

The media pooh pahed this thing because they didn't want to upset the Obama - Clinton narrative.


by RichardFlatts on Sat Aug 09, 2008 at 12:13:35 AM EST


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