General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Can John Edwards rehabilitate his image after this? [View all]Spike89
(1,569 posts)I'm sure there is a chance he could get past the adultery thing with a significant portion of the public, especially without his former wife around to get in the way. It would take time, but in a few years it becomes "the past" and the "old John Edwards. I really don't care.
What I was disgusted by and won't ever let go of was his cynical attempt to be the "poverty" candidate without repudiating his prior voting record (particularly the anti-bankruptcy bills he got behind). He also was a co-sponsor of the Iraq war, but ran as being against the war without adequately explaining (admitting) his serious error. It was obvious to me that his "getting in front" of the Iraq invasion was calculated to help him politically, but when the public became disenchanted with the war, he just flopped to the other side.
I do not have a problem with candidates changing their positions if they can show/convince me that THEY have changed. It only makes me angry when they change their position because the POLLS have changed. John Edwards has never shown conviction on any issue that wasn't a slam-dunk politically. I could never support that sort of person.
Socially, John Edwards can "save" his reputation somewhat, politically, he is toast.