John Edwards...scandal. LA TIMES writer claims Rielle Hunter a plotting wacko!

Rielle scans room for rich and famous men...


The tale gets curiouser.

According to a writer who crossed paths with Rielle Hunter - the woman is a bit of a wacko - who plotted feverishly to land herself a "rich powerful man".

Of course - Ms. Hunter is the femme fatale at the center of the John Edwards' scorcher - which has titillated the Nation all week.

In an article in the LA Times today, Sarah Miller reports that in October (2001), she rented a room in a trendy Benedict Canyon home owned by a good friend.

As the report unfolds, there are couple of amusing asides about Harrison Ford - and conjectures that his virile hands crafted some of the woodwork in the house - but that ends up being mindless fodder in the grand scheme of things as Miller moves along.

Allegedly, when Miller relinquished the cozy nest - the now-infamous Rielle Hunter not only moved into her old digs - but became somewhat obsessed with the fact she was firmly ensconced in a lair once inhabited by a "famous writer".

For example, when Ms. Miller returned to the canyon home for a party one night, Reille bounced out-of-the-blue - called her "sweetie" - and lamented,

"It's soooo amazing to me that I am living in your room!"

Understandably, Miller was taken aback.

Why pray tell?

Because, Miller was one of the rarefied breed - a published writer - after all.

"You wrote that article that was published in an actual book in the stores (!) in the room I sleep in. In the bed I sleep in," she gushed incredulously.

Then, in response to Miller's blank look, she ironically exclaimed,

"Didn't you write - 'The Bitch in the House?'"

And, if the revelations weren't bizarre enough, she asserted bold-faced,

"I can feel your energy in there!"

Miller laughingly conjectured that since she was long gone, surely her energy had decamped, as well.

But, Hunter was not convinced.

"You have really strong energy. And I can feel it in there. And it's telling me what I want to be."

Quick on the uptake, Miller asked, "What is that?"

"I am going to be famous," Rielle said. "Rich and famous. I am going to meet a rich, powerful man."

And, she planned to do it the new-fangled way. I mean, forget about courting and petting in dingy movie houses in a sleazy part of town.

"I'm going to manifest it."

Yup, the lady is a space cadet, alright.

Now we know why she refuses to take a paternity test.

The DNA results will probably reveal her child is an alien from outer space!


Got my eye on 'ya, babe!

National Enquirer...Tabloids check facts. DiCaprio & Stone incident proved it to me!

Since the fifties, whenever the names of Tabloid newspapers pop up in a conversation, they conjure up wild images of tales about babies born with three heads, nine-legged aliens that have landed from outer space, whatever!

In recent years - the fodder has tended to be a little tamer - with a big thrust on sex scandals, drug abuse, and corruption in high places.

Like me, you probably expect that when you come across a photo alleging two Hollywood Stars are dating, that the two individuals have never even met; instead, were thrust together in a scandalous clinch by virtue of the skillful hand of a photoshop artist.

Nonetheless - many shoppers at the local supermarket are inclined to give the weeklies a surrepticious glance - before they head out the door with their groceries.

Alhough titillated, many are too embarrassed to be caught dead actually purchasing a dog-eared copy.

For the most part - many Americans are under the distinct impression that - The National Enquirer, The Examiner, and The Star - print up juicy tidbits of salicious gossip without even verifying the facts.

Well, I can attest to the fact that such an allegation would not be true.

A few years ago - I answered an ad in the local newspaper - that was canvassing for talented writers for a "popular" weekly magazine.

When I scheduled the interview, though, I was surprised when I found myself face-to-face with the Editor-in-Chief for one of the top sleaze-bag tabloid newsies in the country.

As one of my favorite characters on "In Living Color" would say,

"I'm not one to gossip, but - "

Although I'm not the type of individual to sort-through dirty laundry, or hang outside sleazy Motels in search of incriminating evidence, I thought - what the heck - I'll give it a shot.

There was one hitch, though.

The Editor requested that I come up with ten story "ideas" before they would sign me on as a regular feature writer.

So, I trundled off in search of a handful of leads from friends and business associates in the industry. God, it was like trying to pull teeth!

One day, I crossed paths with an old friend, and mentioned my dilemma.

"If you hear anything, give me a call."

As it turned out, my gal pal was dating a bartender at a trendy watering hole in Santa Monica. And - her lover noted in passing - that heart-throb Leonardo DiCaprio and Director Oliver Stone were spied huddling in the back room one night snorting cocaine!

When I called up the editor to pass on the tidbit, he demanded the name of the bartender and the exact location of the nightclub.

I put out a call to my friend with a request for the specifics.

At this point, she panicked. Her friend (who happened to be a woman) was antsy about stepping forward. After all, she was a Christian. Also, she was worried about losing her job.

"Well, see if you can get her to change her mind," I urged. "The newspaper will pay well for the tip."

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to me, the tabloid proceeded to contact the Bar behind my back in a scurrilous effort to secure the facts on their own.

Talk about a knife in the back!

Because I let it slip the bartender was a woman - and there was only one female barkeep employed at the establishment - they were able to quickly zero in on her identity.

Then, staff writers proceeded to pester her at work and later at home!

The poor gal freaked out.

Bottom line?

The newspaper wouldn't print the item on DiCaprio and Stone since none of the eyewitnesses were willing to step forward and confirm the facts.

I was surprised as he**.

But, the whole bizarre scenario was reassuring, too.

Until then, I was under the distinct impression the tabloids printed any old piece of gossip unchecked.

Not true!

In light of this, I expect you'll linger a little longer in front of those screaming headlines at the check-out counter, eh?

John Edwards...mainstream press criticized for ignoring affair!

I had a dream I'd get away with it...



Shortly after the shocking news about the John Edwards' scandal hit the fan - critics started pointing fingers at the mainstream media - accusing 'em of looking the other way.

In spite of the fact "The National Enquirer" managed to dredge up a few juicy kernels of evidence to merit a story (which they published many months ago) the big guns at the major dailies allege they struggled to drum up leads but came away empty-handed.

Curious, when you consider the John McCain fiasco.

If you recall - without much fodder to go on - a major daily accused McCain of being involved in a love tryst a few months ago. Later, the rumor turned out to be false.

Years ago - in spite of the fact reporters were well aware of President John Kennedy's womanizing - the media was inclined to play along.

In fact - when screen siren Marilyn Monroe appeared on stage and sang "Happy Birthday" to the President - there was a lot of winking back and forth.

Yeah, everyone knew the score.

But, that was a different era. As long as the President fulfilled his duties to the Nation, who cared?

Of course, today the media is more vicious. In fact, anything goes.

So, the issue is a mystery.

According to Sam Feist - CNN's political director - there just wasn't enough evidence available to give the "green light".

"In a story like this, these are significant allegations. I think it's entirely appropriate to wait...to wait to report a story until they have information that they're comfortable with reporting."

True.

But, the whole scenario makes a sensible person wonder a bit.

How is it that an underdog like the "National Enquirer" (a "Tabloid Trash" news outlet) appears to have a significant edge over the all-powerful competition in the news-gathering arena?

Maybe the dailies need to "hire on" some down 'n dirty investigative reporter-types who are willing to roll up their sleeves and get the job done come he** or high water.

After all - the scandal is not only an embarrassment to Mr. Edwards and his family - but to the media as well.

The Democratic hopeful managed to hoodwink the entire legitimate press.

We've all heard how slick politicians are.

In retrospect, it's evident now. John Edwards was mighty good!

Ben Okri once said,

"The magician and the politician have much in common: they both have to draw our attention away from what they are really doing."

John Edwards...Oh, my gosh! Had an afffair. More like Kennedy than I thought!

John primps for love tryst...


There must be something about Politics that revs up the old libido.

But - somehow - everyone thought that Edwards was a different kind of stud - um - breed of horse (in that regard, anyway).

To many, he gave the impression of being a loving husband and family man.

Golly - when I compared him to a charismatic John Kennedy - I was closer to the target than I ever imagined.

After all, John Kennedy was such a womanizer.

As George would say in - "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" - what archery!

After all, it's just been reported that John Edwards had a clandestine "affair".

Apparently - when the handsome Presidential Candidate was first confronted with the allegations - he dismissed the so-called gossip as "Tabloid Trash".

On the heels of the startling revelations now, many are irked by the fact he gave the stalwart impression that he was a forthright husband standing by his cancer-stricken wife.

Golly, there have been allegations that he fathered a child, too.

But, he's off the hook on that one.

A former campaign staff member stepped forward and acknowledged he is the father.

Sounds like this young lady was passed around, doesn't it?

The seedy goings-on along the campaign trail sure titillate!

Edwards confessed that he disclosed the tawdry details to his wife and family long ago. Then, shame-faced, he revealed he hoped the knowledge of the love tryst would never see the light of day.

An ABC News feature intends to report this evening that Edwards lied repeatedly about the affair with 42-year-old Rielle Hunter. And, that he has admitted that Tabloid reports that he secretly met with Hunter at the Beverly Hills Hilton, were actually true.

"In 2006, I made a serious error in judgment and conducted myself in a way that was disloyal to my family and to my core beliefs. I recognized my mistake, and I told my wife that I had a liaison with another woman, and I asked for her forgiveness. Although I was honest in every painful detail with my family, I did not tell the public."

He added that he was ashamed of his conduct and the choices he made with regard to his supportive family.

"I took responsibility for my actions back then. I take full responsibility now, publicly."

But, he has not stepped forward, without a lot of soul-searching.

"In the course of several campaigns, I started to believe that I was special and became increasingly egocentric and narcissistic. If you want to beat me up feel free. You cannot beat me up more than I have already beaten up myself. I have been stripped bare and will now work with everything I have to help my family and others who need my help.

David Bonior - who managed Edwards' bid for the presidency - acknowledged to the press he was not only disappointed, but angry.

"Thousands of friends of the senator's and his supporters have put their faith and confidence in him, and he's let them down," said Bonior.

"They've been betrayed by his action."

Asked whether the affair would damage Edwards' future aspirations in public service, Bonior astutely noted for the record,

"You can't lie in politics and expect to have people's confidence."

The whole fiasco makes him look like such a hypocrite, too.

After all, when Edwards was a Senator, he made some pretty disparaging remarks about President Clinton and his affair with Monica Lewinsky.

"I think this president has shown a remarkable disrespect for his office, for the moral dimensions of leadership, for his friends, for his wife, for his precious daughter. It is breathtaking to me the level to which that disrespect has risen."

Talk about the pot calling the kettle black!

There are also hints of some other improprieties, too.

Edwards' political action committee allegedly paid $100,000 (in a four-month span) to a firm run by Hunter to direct Web videos showing Edwards in candid moments.

But things get curiouser.

The payments to - "One America Committee to Midline Groove Productions LLC" - started just five days after Hunter incorporated the firm in Delaware.

The initial six-figure payment was followed with two smaller payments totaling $14,461 on the first day of April in 2007.

Sounds like pay for play, doesn't it?

Well, as I always said,

A stiff di** has no conscience!

Bill Clinton...pain in butt?

They're right...she does have a big a**.

The media has been trying to pin down Obama on potential running mates for the upcoming election.

But, he's been a bit coy with the press. And, determined not to overstep himself in these precarious political times.

In spite of the fact it's obvious someone in the wings will have to reach out with a hook, and yank Mrs. Clinton off the world stage kickin' and screamin' at the appropriate nod, Obama has been quite a gentleman about it - biding his time patiently.

Is the nomination in the bag yet?

Not if Hillary would have her druthers.

On the subject of choosing an individual for the Vice Presidential ticket, one reporter pointedly asked Obama,

"Will you be willing to consider everyone a possible running mate, even if his or her spouse is a pain in the butt?"

A veiled reference to slick Willy?

After a roar from the crowd, and a moment to collect his thoughts, Barack was inclined to note for the record that one of his heroes - Abraham Lincoln - often filled positions with rivals, so why not?

That old familiar saying comes to mind,

"Keep your friends near, but your enemies closer."

If that's the route he goes, the man must be a masochist.

If you ask me, jousting with Hillary in the White House would amount to utter he**.


Personally, I wouldn't tempt fate by sipping any beverage or munching on any delectable goody she brought to the Oval Office around afternoon tea, either.

Barack, beware of Greeks who bear gifts...

John Edwards...for Vice President of U.S.?

I hadn't heard from presidential hopeful - JOHN EDWARDS - since he bowed out of the race, so when a lone e-mail popped up in my inbox, I clicked it open to take a gander at what he was up to.

Of course - the big news splashed over all the newspapers around the Nation this morning - was John's announcement that he's backing Barack Obama in his quest for President. And, confirmation that Barack signed on to Edwards' anti-poverty initiative which Edwards launched yesterday with the goal of reducing poverty in the United States by half within the next ten years.

But, I didn't notice any reports on John's - "College for Everyone" - project; a scholarship pilot project started up by he and Elizabeth a few years ago in Greene County, North Carolina - the subject matter of his communication to me.

As Edwards notes in his e-mail,

"The (College for Everyone) program is based on a simple promise to students: make good grades, work at least 10 hours a week, and stay out of trouble - and the program will help pay for your first year of college."

Since the project was first launched in 2005, the percentage of Greene County high school graduates attending college has increased from fifty-four percent to seventy-four percent, according to the Edwards' team.

Current up-to-date records also reflect that one hundred and sixty-five high school seniors in Greene County are set to graduate in May and that ninety-four percent have been accepted into N.C. colleges and universities.

For John and Elizabeth, the previous numbers were heartbreaking.

"Every parent wants to give their child the opportunity that comes with a college education. But for too many American families, the dream of a college degree was just that - a dream."

John and Elizabeth are now asking for financial support from Americans around the country to help make the dream of a college education a reality for some hard-working students in rural Greene County, for starters.

Donors may make tax-deductible donations of - $10, $25, or $50 - to bring the Edwards' project one step closer to a realistic goal of a high-quality "College Education for everyone".

"By contributing now," notes Edwards, "You will help fulfill the college dreams of deserving students in Greene County and show the world that if we work together on big and important issues, change is possible."

On the heels of all this news overnight, it strikes me that it is wholly possible that John Edwards may make an excellent running mate for Barack Obama in a bid for Vice President of the United States.

Don't 'ya think?

info@johnedwards.com