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Elizabeth Edwards Breaks Silence About Husband's Affair
September 18, 2008 12:05 PM
ABC News' Raelyn Johnson reports: Elizabeth Edwards is breaking her silence about her husband, former Sen. John Edwards' affair. In an interview published today in the Detroit Free Press, Edwards says she's going through an ongoing process of finding her feet again.
"There's a lot of adjustments to make," said Edwards according to the paper. “When you mention trust, that’s probably the most difficult hurdle.”
Last month, the former presidential candidate admitted exclusively to ABC News that he had an extramarital affair with novice filmmaker, Rielle Hunter. Hunter was hired to make videos for the pre-launch phase of Edwards’ 2008 presidential run.
When asked if she forgave her husband for her actions, Elizabeth responded, “I don’t want to feed the monster, if you don’t mind.”
Since the admission, both Elizabeth and John Edwards have canceled previously scheduled public events, hoping to quiet the storm over what they intended to be only a private family matter.
This week, however, marks Elizabeth’s first foray back into the public spotlight, and the first time she has spoken about the affair.
She told the paper that, had her leg been amputated, instead of a child dying or her husband having an affair, people would not ask, “Are you over that leg thing yet.”
In a move seen as standing by her husband, Elizabeth published a statement hours after Sen. Edwards first spoke about the affair to ABC News, saying, “Although John believes he should stand alone and take the consequences of his action now, when the door closes behind him, he has a family waiting for him.”
Though criticized for her statement and for admittedly keeping the affair quiet while her husband ran for the government's highest office, Elizabeth Edwards remains fiercely loyal to her family, and the advocacy of health care.
The mother of Cate, 26, Emma Claire, 10, and Jack, 8, she says her desire is for her children to uphold the image of their father as “an advocate for poverty, not for this current picture of him to be the only one they carry with them, as young people and as adults,” according to the Detroit Free Press.
In an audio excerpt not published in the paper, Elizabeth further revealed, “The decisions I make are based entirely on what is the best thing for my children. And so, the best thing for my children has been to lay low and hope that sort of the public interest in this becomes less so, that it doesn’t become a badge that they have to wear.”
Edwards appeared Thursday morning on Capitol Hill, where she discussed the need for heath care reform in front of the Committee on Energy and Commerce's subcommittee on health. Edwards veered from her prepared remarks to attack Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain on his health care policy.
"Neither one of us would be insured under his health care plan," she told the committee, an attack she has used frequently against the Arizona senator, who was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2000.
"I do think that Sen. McCain's policy does focus excessively on providing a lower cost policy without, at the same time, guaranteeing a basic level of coverage in that policy or addressing the scope of inclusion for all Americans," Edwards elaborated.
In battling incurable cancer, she has made fighting for universal health care one of her top priorities. Edwards also participated in a health care forum on Tuesday in Philadelphia, Pa.
September 18, 2008 | Permalink | User Comments (156)
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Poor women. She should get together with John McCain's ex-wife. Maybe she could help her through this difficult time.
Posted by: Alice | Sep 18, 2008 12:26:10 PM
So sad that no one has posted any comments. I feel very sorry for Mrs. Edwards and hope her cancer is in remission, but she is wrong on her choice for President. COUNTRY FIRST, McCAIN/PALIN.......no "me-first" Obama ever!
Posted by: Emma | Sep 18, 2008 12:27:47 PM
There is nothing "poor" about Elizabeth Edwards. She embodies the true spirit of a strong Southern woman. Her life won't be defined by what has happened to her, but rather how she gets beyond it to what is really meaningful. I believe she told us: her children and changing health care for America.
Posted by: Tess | Sep 18, 2008 12:35:36 PM
McCain/ Palin is the ultimate "me first" ticket. Palin is ignorant enough to admit she didn't even blink when offered the chance to run. Knowing she is not qualified to be VP or President, or Governor for that matter. But Alaska being 48th in high school graduation rates, that doesn't surprise me. Only in America are smart people derided for being smart. Why should we vote for another dumb President? Look what the last eight years got us. I have no sympathy for Elizabeth Edwards regarding her marital situation because if John Edwards had been the nominee and this had come out, it wouldn't be 49%/49% like it is now. This country would be in real trouble, and may still be if stupid voters have their way. If you make less than 250k annually and vote Republican, that includes YOU. Gay marriage and abortions should not be your primary issue (unless you are gay or plan to have an abortion). I'm sure you do have to fill yourm gas tank weekly though.
Posted by: Clt | Sep 18, 2008 12:35:58 PM
Elizabeth Edwards is a total class act. I have always admired her for her efforts on heath care and other issues. To me she is someone who stands for "strong values." Not some of the pretenders out there.
Posted by: DMR | Sep 18, 2008 12:37:01 PM
I feel sorry for her. But I feel more sorry for the country. If Edwards had stepped out of the race when the story first broke, we would have Hillary as the nominee and Universal Health Care on the table. Now we have absolutely NO chance of health care, since O's plan has zero chance of passing and M's plan will be making companies insure but be allowed to rate you out of the ballpark.
Sorry Elizabeth that you were betrayed by your husband but why did you then turn around and betray the rest of the country and claim to be in favor of health insurance?
Posted by: Deborah from Oklahoma | Sep 18, 2008 12:37:24 PM
For John, it probably wasn't his first affair, nor will it be his last. However, it was the one he was "caught" in. Mrs. Edwards will be an "enabler" if she turns a blind eye. Bill Clinton is cut from the same mold. Sleazy, creeps. No integrity.
Posted by: islemom | Sep 18, 2008 12:37:48 PM
For John, it probably wasn't his first affair, nor will it be his last. However, it was the one he was "caught" in. Mrs. Edwards will be an "enabler" if she turns a blind eye. Bill Clinton is cut from the same mold. Sleazy creeps. No integrity.
Posted by: islemom | Sep 18, 2008 12:38:02 PM
Stop harassing Elizabeth Edwards, for allegedly *standing by her man*
UNTIL you've walked in her shoes, no one can say what she is doing is wrong.
Yes he cheated, yes it was especially hurtful and terrible under the circumstances, but, do WE decide how she should deal with it?
It is a personal family matter, that needs to be put to rest. Sadly her children will or have already dealth with it and the aftermath.
She is doing what she believes in her heart is right for all involved.
You can't just throw away being married to someone for 30 years, who is the father of your children.
Not know how long she has left, do you spend that time hating your spouse? Asking your children to pay the price?
She's doing what SHE needs to do, so everyone just BUTT OUT. Let her live her life her way, having cancer can give you perspective that the general population cannot possibly understand.
She has clarity of what's most important in her life, we need to RESPECT that!
Posted by: Catherine | Sep 18, 2008 12:40:01 PM
Clt...Gov. Palin was vetted for four months and had plenty of time to contemplate this with her husband. Don't be stupid that she gave it 2 minutes consideration.
Posted by: Emma | Sep 18, 2008 12:40:20 PM
Sorry Emma should have been Rob Paul and whom ever these 2 haven't a clue and don't even agree on any of the main issues listen to them he says one thing and she says just the opposite. As For the Edwards since I am not without sin I will not cast the first stone and neither should anybody else. This is all between the 2 of them not the whole damm country.
Posted by: Rose Szymanski | Sep 18, 2008 12:40:22 PM
I have always admired Elizabeth Edwards. Her strength and grace in the face of such difficult circumstances only make me admire her more. You're in our prayers Elizabeth!
Posted by: Independent08 | Sep 18, 2008 12:41:01 PM
Pack his bags. Set him out. The children have two people to look upon as role models. Step up to the plate and put him out. Tell the children frankly and honestly. I loved your dad, I love you more than life, but I will not have him around as we build a life of integrity and love - your dad hasn't found that yet. Never put yourself in the position of having a child ask you years from now - why in the name of heaven did just roll over, shrug your shoulders and say it was for us kids? Come on Mom, no one takes self-pride and esteem from my Mom, no one including my father who made the mistake.
Posted by: OnTheGloryRoad | Sep 18, 2008 12:43:42 PM
I hope she continues to fight her battle. She made the commmet about "If this had been a leg they amputated, they would have said how is that leg thing doing" What she is not saying is that is totally different then getting your heart ripped out of you!!!! This woman is hurting , you know she is, so anyone that is actaully bringing up other politicians or their wives are complete idiots!!!!!!
Posted by: sissy | Sep 18, 2008 12:45:04 PM
The reason I'm angry at John Edwards is because he hurt her. This has NOTHING to do with us. He betrayed his wife. McCain's affair certainly isn't hurting him in the polls. This is a private family matter.
Posted by: Independent08 | Sep 18, 2008 12:45:26 PM
Elizabeth Edwards is a strong woman to have gone through so much and then have to deal with all of this on top of everything. I respect her decision because after all it is her decision and she is the only one who has to live with the choice she's made. If she feels that she's doing what is right for her family and it's a choice that she can live with, then I say more power to her.
Posted by: Barb | Sep 18, 2008 12:45:57 PM
Sorry for what's she's going through and hope she can survive. However, I'm disgusted by the fact that she knew he wasn't who she said he was and yet she "kept quiet", allowing thousands of good folks to have faith in her husband. This was deceitful and a very dishonorable thing to do. I therefor I have a real hard time believing anything she says or supporting anything she does. Whether it's the economy or family or friends-confidence is everything and I have no confidence in her.
Posted by: Bill Robberson | Sep 18, 2008 12:46:35 PM
I feel sorry for this lady, her husband is abouty as pitiful a human being as there ever was.
Posted by: david | Sep 18, 2008 12:46:46 PM
While I have absolutely nothing good to say about John Edwards, I have nothing but admiration for Elizabeth Edwards. She certainly deserves better than she has with John.
Posted by: Sasi1 | Sep 18, 2008 12:47:00 PM
Elizabeth Edwards has it so together on health care reform! It is incredible, incredible that she has the fortitude to continue to advocate for others on the health care issue while dealing with her own severe health issue.
Where do we get women like this??
Posted by: marena Groll | Sep 18, 2008 12:47:21 PM
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