Monday Morning Media Quarterback

The story no one wants to read (except everyone) about the politician with the brave cancer-stricken wife and departed son cheating with documentary film maker Rielle Hunter.  

As an alumni of the National Enquirer, I have to hand it to them, running the stakeout in the wee hours of the morning at the Beverly Hilton, and actually having the cojones to confront Edwards. 

“Senior NATIONAL ENQUIRER Reporter Alexander Hitchen asked Edwards why he was visiting Rielle and whether he was ready to confirm that he was the father of  her baby.

Shocked to see a reporter, and without saying anything, Edwards ran up the stairs leading from the hotel basement to the lobby. But, spotting a photographer, he doubled back into the basement. As he emerged from the stairwell, reporter Butterfield questioned him about his hookup with Rielle.
    
Edwards did not answer and then ran  into a nearby restroom. He stayed inside for about 15 minutes, refusing to answer questions from the NATIONAL ENQUIRER about what he was doing in the hotel.”

I’ll bet that one or both of the reporters is a graduate of the esteemed Fleet Street school of journalism, where the qualifications are simple: rat-like cunning, a plausible manner and a little literary ability.  Or as I like to say, “If you really want some shit, get a Brit.” 

Is it news? Oh G-d, who knows–but the LA Times has covered it, even if they pooh-pooh it in their Opinion Blog. The Enquirer staked out Gary Hart 20 years ago and caught him making hanky-panky.  Republican Senator David Vitter was named in a prostitution scandal, and of course ‘wide stance’ Idaho Senator Larry Craig.  (This one more than most is news, as he pled guilt to a crime.)  And yes, the Kennedys did it and everyone kept their mouths shut.

Is this story relevant only to Edwards, his wife and alleged mistress? Possibly (see above) but everyone will have an opinion about how awful it is (either the story or the alleged infidelity.) Gawker says cheating on your sick wife is a hallowed political tradition, practiced by John McCain and Newt Gingrich.

Should it impact Obama’s choice of a running mate?  If true, it probably will; another depressing sign of America’s political immaturity and hypocrisy.  French PM Mitterand’s mistress and wife both attended his funeral; Sarkozy divorced his wife and remarried his girlfriend in office.

Is it true?  Sorry, Senator; my money’s on the National Enquirer.  They don’t cover politics but they cover celebrities, and they wouldn’t throw resources at this story if they didn’t think they had something.