The title tells it all. So, if you are tired of reading, discussing or ruminating about the John Edwards' affair with the blond videographer, stop here.

But I keep randomly thinking about it and hope by writing down some thoughts I can put some perspective on the whole "affair".

I was surprised to hear John Edwards' confession.  Why was I surprised? Don't all politicians have affairs?  Didn't I forgive Bill Clinton?  Wouldn't I still vote for Clinton even though he was totally out of line with Monica?  And, I know that John Kennedy had numerous affairs in office (although perhaps not the oval office!) and I still think he was a great man.  And FDR... So, why am I surprised about John Edwards?  I think it's because he professed his love and devotion to Elizabeth so often. And, didn't they tell us about the tragic death of their son and Elizabeth's cancer and how it made them a strong family? Didn't they make us think that they were a couple so devoted to each that nothing could shake their marriage?  And, was that all a sham???

I know, I know that a man's love life has nothing to do with his politics and how he conducts business.   I think Teddy Kennedy is a great senator and look what happened at Chappaquidick!  And, I know that in Europe they may not blink an eye at extramarital affairs carried on by their politicians.  But, this isn't Europe and I guess I'm just too American (prudish?) to say it doesn't matter even though I know rationally that it really doesn't.

I am disappointed that once again a man who appears so honorable does the one thing that every woman abhors - he cheated on his wife!  How honorable a man is he??  And, I was a great fan of John Edwards - I even thought that he had a very good chance to be the Democratic presidential nominee.  I thought that a white man had a better chance of beating the Republicans than a woman or a black man - so run John Edwards.  And, now I know that he was not a good candidate for president - this affair would have come out in the open and the Republicans would probably have won!!  So, I feel duped and am glad he was booted out of the race.

I am in wonder that anyone who has to campaign 24/7 has the energy to have an affair!  How do these people do it?  I am amazed our presidential candidates can keep up the pace of running from state to state, giving speeches everyday, shaking hands, kissing babies - and then to think that John Edwards had enough energy to pick up a woman and secretly arrange trysts with her completely boggles my mind!

I feel personally that John Edwards has laid another layer of skepticism on me.  I have been told by my closest friends that I am a skeptic - I never take anyone at face value - I always wait and make a judgment over time.  But, I did think that John Edwards was a truly good person and now I guess I don't think so any more and that just adds to my skepticism of others.

And, to think that while reporting the story it keeps being repeated that "Elizabeth was in remission at the time." Ha!  This makes me crazy.  Is it more ok to cheat on a woman in remission than Stage 4? 

And, what does it say that the best source of information about the affair was printed in The National Enquirer?  I always regarded The Nation Enquirer as hogwash!  Now should I start to believe the headlines?  Is Brad and Angelina's marriage in trouble?  Did an alien land in New Mexico?  Who do you believe anymore???

Furthermore, weren't we happy that a very very handsome fit man like John Edwards was so in love with a somewhat overweight, somewhat dumpy woman like Elizabeth - just because she was such a wonderful, smart lady.  Wasn't that romantic?  Didn't that make us all hopeful that there is real love in the world?  And now what? Now I have to believe that the man did get $400 haircuts, was vain, did look for a younger, blonder, svelter lover.

Last night I went on Youtube and watched the Bob Woodruff interview with John Edwards (and if you read my previous blog about my computer let me tell you that it was the first time I went on youtube to watch a TV show that I had missed!).  Yes, John came off sincere, yes I liked what he said about narcissm, etc..  But, I thought that if he wasn't downright lying, he was certainly answering the questions but not giving information.  There's a difference and I thought he was very clever in appearing honest but not providing the truth.   

No, I don't believe we know the whole truth.  I think the baby is his!  I think his aide is paying her (what's her name?) money for support and to keep quiet (why else turn down the dna test?)!  I think John Edwards' political career is dead (alathough it's amazing how we all have such short memories)!  I feel awfully sorry for Elizabeth what with her illness, dead son and now a lying, cheating husband!  And, I certainly don't think it's over - why oh why was he in the hotel room in July until 2:30 in the morning.  I don't know about you, but you don't stay at your "ex lover's" hotel room until 2:30 am unless you are up to something!

Ok so that's enough about John Edwards for now.  Like I said before, I am having trouble getting my head around this!  Any more thoughts???



Real Estate Hint #16 - Although realtors tend to be outgoing and have the gift of gab, w are  always a bit nervous to meet our customers for the first time.  We usually only talk to folks on the phone before we have to set up a full day of house touring.  So you are never quite sure how they will react to you, the houses, the time schedule, their own issues (feed the baby, car sickness, hunger, etc.) when you start out with your new clients.  Once the first day is over, and all has gone well, I am completely at ease with my clients.  But, that first time is like any first time - who likes to go on blind dates?? Not me!