A young, fresh Democratic underdog upsets an older, entrenched Republican United States Senator. North Carolina Democrats take heart. Washington welcomes a promising new face.

Today it’s Kay Hagan. Ten years ago this month it was John Edwards.

Today Edwards gives speeches and the questions are pre-screened. Of course, the hosts insist, it has nothing to do with preventing questions about the scandal. Certainly not.

Today Edwards could be the subject of rumors about his role in the Obama administration: Attorney General? Another Cabinet seat? Poverty czar?

What happened? It’s simple. Like many before him – and surely many more to come – he went to Washington and lost his bearings.

In retrospect, the worst thing that happened was his quick rise to fame. Had he not been on Al Gore’s short list in 2000 – down to him and Joe Lieberman – Edwards’ story might have turned out differently. He might have found his cause before he lost his way.

Instead, he fell to the oldest failing of man. Yes, that. But also pride.

One of the most spectacular falls in political history. A lesson to all who won Tuesday.

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