AHN Media – Edwards’ Political Future is Over
Expert Says Edwards’ Political Future Is Over
August 12, 2008
Kris Alingod – AHN News Writer
Washington, D.C. (AHN) – Despite finally telling the truth about an extramarital affair with a female staffer, former North Carolina Senator John Edwards’ political career is probably over according to psychiatrist and personal coach Dr. Mark Goulston.
Having an affair with novice filmmaker Rielle Hunter during the 2008 presidential campaign “while his much admired wife was battling terminal cancer will be seen as unforgivable and unpardonable,” Goulston told AHN in an interview.
Furthermore, “Edwards’ [affair] is seen as more egregious, because of the physical state of Elizabeth and because of the heartfelt way she seems to have supported her husband,” Goulston explained.
“Also so far, his way of showing regret but not manifesting true remorse comes off as disingenuous. Manifesting true remorse is one of the most difficult things for narcissistic people. To do it you need to be able to empathize vs. sympathize with those you have hurt and narcissistic people have nearly an inability to to do this,” Goulston added.
Since admitting his affair, Edwards has released a statement saying, “I was and am ashamed of my conduct and choices, and I had hoped that it would never become public. With my family, I took responsibility for my actions in 2006 and today I take full responsibility publicly.”
Nonetheless, Edwards repeatedly denied having an affair with Hunter when asked during the campaign.
The admission has rocked the Democratic party, including supporters of Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY), who believe if Edwards would have admitted his infidelity earlier, the former first lady would have stood a stronger chance of being chosen as the Democratic nominee for president.
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August 26th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
She was hot but pretty stupid… I should have known better.
August 18th, 2010 at 11:43 pm
The quality of your article is very good. Nice reading, informative, and thought provoking.