...Yeah, I Fucked Her.

I'd resisted writing about the bubbling subterranean chatter among blogs of a story initially covered by the National Enquirer about John Edward's alleged extramarital affair, because who the hell can trust the tabloids?

But no, turns out it's true. He did have an affair, but is now denying that he is the father.

So, if the timeline is correct, John Edwards was cheating on Elizabeth while she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Which, by the way, is now terminal. Charming.The Democrats certainly dodged an enormous bullet by not nominating him. How on earth could he campaign for President, knowing about this potential firestorm just waiting to erupt behind him? Did he really think he could get away with this? Didn't President Clinton teach him anything?

Oh, and denying the baby and not taking a paternity test, well, I know one person could get to the bottom of this. This is a job for Maury Povich!

Here's the newsbite. Via ABC News:

John Edwards repeatedly lied during his Presidential campaign about an extramarital affair with a novice filmmaker, the former Senator admitted to ABC News today.
In an interview for broadcast tonight on Nightline, Edwards told ABC News correspondent Bob Woodruff he did have an affair with 44-year old Rielle Hunter, but said that he did not love her.
Edwards also denied he was the father of Hunter's baby girl, Frances Quinn, although the one-time
Democratic Presidential candidate said he has not taken a paternity test.
Edwards said he knew he was not the father based on timing of the baby's birth on February 27, 2008. He said his affair ended too soon for him to have been the father.

Security Breach, What?!

John McCain: ARE YOU CRAZY?!

Why, WHY, would you disclose the Iraq travel plans of Obama and "several senators" to the media? Yes, we know that he is scheduled to take a trip there, but providing the exact date paints a giant red target over him and his entourage. Way to go, traitor!

Republicans sure do enjoy leaking classified security information to the press (while of course, claiming a monopoly on patriotism and all things AMERICA FUCK YEAH!) when it serves their party's own interests. Imagine the fallout if this had been done by a Democrat.

Via Talking Points Memo:

DETROIT (Reuters) - Republican presidential candidate John McCain said Friday that his Democratic opponent, Barack Obama, is likely to be in Iraq over the weekend. The Obama campaign has tried to cloak the Illinois senator's trip in some measure of secrecy for security reasons. The White House, State Department and Pentagon do not announce senior officials' visits to Iraq in advance."I believe that either today or tomorrow -- and I'm not privy to his schedule -- Sen. Obama will be landing in Iraq with some other senators" who make up a congressional delegation, McCain told a campaign fund-raising luncheon.

George W. Bush Hates Earth (UPDATE: He Also Hates Italians)

As if we needed more proof that President Bush is deeply ensconced in the oil companies, has little concern about the future of our enviroment, and has shit all over our rapport with the interntational community.

At the most recent G8 global summit, which was addressing climate change, President Bush refused to accept new protocals for reducing carbon emissions. But his parting words were sickening in their condescension:

Via The Independent:

President George Bush signed off with a defiant farewell over his refusal to accept global climate change targets at his last G8 summit.

As he prepared to fly out from Japan, he told his fellow leaders: "Goodbye from the world's biggest polluter."

President Bush made the private joke in the summit's closing session, senior sources said yesterday. His remarks were taken as a two-fingered salute from the President from Texas who is wedded to the oil industry. He had given some ground at the summit by saying he would "seriously consider" a 50 percent cut in carbon emissions by 2050.

Glad to see the protecting our planet is nothing more than a joke to you, Mr. Bush.

UPDATE: The President's G8 summit press kit also insulted the Prime Minister of Italy. I imagine in the global cafeteria, the United States is the fat kid who sits alone at lunch and at eats their feelings.

Jesse Jackson Threatens Castration, Look Out!

Step 1: Roll eyes.
Step 2: Lightly grasp temples, nose bridge, or arms of glasses.
Step 3: Shake head dissaprovingly, while exhaling in a sustained and disappointed manner.
Step 4: Watch as your credibility spirals down the drain.



Via Politico:

Jesse Jackson apologized today on CNN’s "The Situation Room," and later in a press conference, for comments he made last Sunday while in Fox News’ Chicago studio, when he didn’t realize that a microphone was still on. In the much-hyped video that captured his remark, Jackson is seated next to Dr. Reed Tuckson just before they were to appear live on "Fox & Friends" on Sunday. In barely more than a whisper, Jackson criticizes how Barack Obama has been speaking to the black community and how he discusses positions on faith-based issues. At that point, Jackson said he wanted to cut Obama's "nuts out."

Jesse Jackson quickly issued a furtive apology, and the Obama campaign said they "of course" accept his apology. But we all know that Jesse Jackson isn't at all sorry about what he said. He's sorry that he got caught.

John McCain Thinks Wife-Beating Is Funny

You know, I really hate to give in to the old stereotype of the dour, humorless feminist, but some things really aren't funny.

Via The Huffington Post (emphasis mine):

Why snub the governor? Ralston asked.
"I didn't mean to snub him. I've known the lieutenant governor for 15 years and we've been
good friends," McCain said. "I didn't intend to snub him. There are other states where the governor is not the chairman."
Maybe it's the governor's approval rating and you are running from him like you are from the president? asked Ralston in a question McCain clearly found loaded.
Said McCain, chuckling, "And I stopped beating my wife just a couple of weeks ago."

First of all, what?

Second of all, WTF?!

I'm not even sure how to wrap my brain around this one. Why on earth could John McCain possibly think this is an acceptable thing to say?

Ralph Nader Accuses Obama of "Talking White"

Way to further already-tense race relations in America, Ralph Nader! :

Via CNN's Political Ticker (emphasis mine):

"There's only one thing different about Barack Obama when it comes to being a Democratic presidential candidate. He's half African-American," Nader told the paper in comments published Tuesday. "Whether that will make any difference, I don't know. I haven't heard him have a strong crackdown on economic exploitation in the ghettos. Payday loans, predatory lending, asbestos, lead. What's keeping him from doing that? Is it because he wants to talk white? He doesn't want to appear like Jesse Jackson? We'll see all that play out in the next few months and if he gets elected afterwards."

I disagree with Nader's language for a two reasons.

First, his race-based statements are inflammotory and serves no greater good in political discourse. No further discussion necessary.

Second, how can Barack Obama appeal to liberal white guilt when many white people aren't aware of their privledge to begin with? I am sure that Joe Caucasian understands that minorites are more like to be impoverished, but has no insight into the fact that their poverty is institutionalized and that our goverment systematically implements policies to keep them in poverty.

Third, Nader's statements are slightly disengenuous because Obama has spoken out on these things, especially in regards to the mortgage crisis.

Barack Obama was understandably not pleased with Nader's remarks (via the Chicago Sun-Times):

Speaking Wednesday, Obama almost sounded sorry for Nader. "Ralph Nader hadn't been paying attention to my speeches, because all the issues that he talked about -- whether it be predatory lending, the housing foreclosure crisis . . . I've devoted multiple speeches," Obama said. "Ralph Nader is trying to get attention. I think it's a shame because if you look at his legacy in terms of consumer protections, its an extraordinary one." But now, Obama said, "He's someone . . . whose campaign hasn't gotten any traction. So what better way to get some traction than to make an inflammatory statement like the one that he made? It is what it is."

I would tend to agree.

I Make a Bloggings

I'm now a contributor at The Michelle Obama Watch! Michelle Obama, being the first potential African-American First Lady, is an extremely unique position and will face the media as no other woman before her has. She is an extraordinarily accomplished woman in her own right, and has been called Barack's most important surrogate on the campaign trail. She has attracted praise and criticism from all ends of the political spectrum. This blog will be a repository of all things Michelle in the media and blogosphere, in hopes that she is represented fairly..but we also understand that she may not always be.

I am thrilled to be a part of this important project, and I encourage you to read it.