Edwards, Again and Again
2011-06-24 - by
Every time there’s a twist or turn in the John Edwards case, I can count on getting a call from a reporter. I’m an accommodating soul – or maybe a publicity hog – so I usually oblige. Truth is, I’d rather stay out of it. But I know they’re looking for a quote from somebody who once had something to do with Edwards – and will admit it.
This week, after another interview about what he did and why, I got to wondering: Isn’t it time to turn a new page in this story?
After all, the court of public opinion has already convicted him for bad behavior. He’ll be punished for that for a long time. He’ll always be Exhibit A in stories about politicians that boil down to: What was he thinking?
But now, Edwards is facing a specific criminal charge involving a campaign finance law. And there are nonpartisan and bipartisan legal experts who question the case against him.
Still, the media – and the public – can’t let go of the focus on his affair. Why?
Well, a friend told me that there’s a perfectly good reason: The media and the public still don’t think he has admitted wrongdoing and taken responsibility the way he should. They sense obtuseness, moral blindness or maybe cluelessness on his part.
We expect big shots who do wrong – entertainers, athletes, businessmen and politicians – to flagellate themselves publicly, throw themselves on our mercy and beg forgiveness.
Instead, Edwards appears almost jaunty, flashing a big grin for his mug shot.
Which brings me to one question I got from a reporter this week: Can he ever come back?
I surprised myself by answering: Yes. Not in elected office or any public office, of course. But there’s always a second chance in America. Surely Edwards could put his considerable talents and his money to work for the public good in some way. Over time, he could earn forgiveness and even respect.
But that door will not open – even if he takes this case to trial and wins – until people believe he’s learned his lesson. That means pleading guilty either in a courtroom or in the public square.
Posted in General, North Carolina - Democrats
Edwards, Again and Again
2011-06-24/
Every time there’s a twist or turn in the John Edwards case, I can count on getting a call from a reporter. I’m an accommodating soul – or maybe a publicity hog – so I usually oblige. Truth is, I’d rather stay out of it. But I know they’re looking for a quote from somebody who once had something to do with Edwards – and will admit it.
This week, after another interview about what he did and why, I got to wondering: Isn’t it time to turn a new page in this story?
After all, the court of public opinion has already convicted him for bad behavior. He’ll be punished for that for a long time. He’ll always be Exhibit A in stories about politicians that boil down to: What was he thinking?
But now, Edwards is facing a specific criminal charge involving a campaign finance law. And there are nonpartisan and bipartisan legal experts who question the case against him.
Still, the media – and the public – can’t let go of the focus on his affair. Why?
Well, a friend told me that there’s a perfectly good reason: The media and the public still don’t think he has admitted wrongdoing and taken responsibility the way he should. They sense obtuseness, moral blindness or maybe cluelessness on his part.
We expect big shots who do wrong – entertainers, athletes, businessmen and politicians – to flagellate themselves publicly, throw themselves on our mercy and beg forgiveness.
Instead, Edwards appears almost jaunty, flashing a big grin for his mug shot.
Which brings me to one question I got from a reporter this week: Can he ever come back?
I surprised myself by answering: Yes. Not in elected office or any public office, of course. But there’s always a second chance in America. Surely Edwards could put his considerable talents and his money to work for the public good in some way. Over time, he could earn forgiveness and even respect.
But that door will not open – even if he takes this case to trial and wins – until people believe he’s learned his lesson. That means pleading guilty either in a courtroom or in the public square.
Posted in General, North Carolina - Democrats