a book? a book? about some lame rich kid getting laid and his jerk off pal getting pissed? a book? geez, if it is worth anything, and it ain't, wouldn't a pamphlet do?

...that a lot of money will trade hands, though my suspicion is that the bulk of it will travel from the accounts of large national corporations to the hands of eager broadcasters and other so-called and self-identified journalists in payment for the increased numbers of eyeballs glued to the screen/page where they will also be subjected to the power of advertising and the allure of material goods.

Any way you slice it, it's behavior that takes your breath away and provides a window into one politician's character. A lot of people thought Edwards seemed phony, and lots of people have their doubts about trial lawyers. So, here we have a potential level of gall in a Democrat only equalled by scores of Republicans. Republican personal perfidy casts light on the insincerity of the family values mantra of the party. Edwards's perfidy casts light on the capacity of many, many politicians for virtually limitless gall, and on one instance of liberal insincerity about a deep concern for other human beings. And it confirms an impression that Edwards is a gold plated phony. And, to repeat, it's an astonishing story.

I don't see this sparking much interest, unless, as others suggested, Edwards did something illegal with campaign donations or public funds.

but Elizabeth has done nothing to him.

Why do a tell-all that can only bring pain to her?

That was the line that made me go "uh-oh." The money could come back to haunt him if given by a lobbyist, friend with influence or from the campaign coffers.

You would think that politicians would have learned that the cover-up is what does most of them in, not the actual "offense".

Let's not pretend there is nothing to this story. If the Edwards (and let's also not pretend it was just John) roped this poor man into claiming paternity of John's child, it is HUGE news. This is not about who had consensual sex with whom. It is about a presidential candidate making a member of his staff claim credit for a child that was not his own and causing untold havoc in the life of that aid, his wife, and their young children. I will read Young's book.

As long as it does not involve raping people, molesting children or scaring the horses I really couldn't care less about anyone's sex or reproductive life. Why the hell is this considered news worth reporting? I think we can all accept that most Americans cheat on their spouses/significant others so let's just get over it.

why should anyone other than family and friends give a damn?

I read the article. It was pretty straightforward. Where was the glee.

Trashing an ex politician private citizen

Republicans can cheat on their wives all they like, even if they're dying of cancer. That's the lot in life for a republican stepford wife, a fact most republicans apparently accept (even the women).

But Democrats? I don't see them ever forgiving Edwards for cheating on his own wife Elizabeth, who has become so well known for her brave fight against cancer. Had Hillary had cancer and been more sympathetic, Bill wouldn't be able to sell cheese to dogs.