Elizabeth and John Edwards and Authenticity
Hearing and watching the two talk about the recent turn of events is a study in contrasts.
John Edwards’ written words on August 8, 2008: “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. When a supermarket tabloid told a version of the story, I used the fact that the story contained many falsities to deny it. But being 99% honest is no longer enough.
“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. But that misconduct took place for a short period in 2006. It ended then.”
Not.
“Liason”? “99% honest”? “Took full responsibility”—in what way? “A short period”? “Ended”?
In the aftermath of that written release, the senator answered questions in a news conference, during which he came across equally insincerely. He thanked reporters for coming. When they asked the tough questions, he thanked them for probing, smiling as if he’d just been complimented on his hairdo.
Switch to Elizabeth’s interview with Good Morning America last week.
She reports that she was “angry, even furious,” with him. None of this “we’ve worked through it months ago and are both better people because of it” that we so often hear from those less honest. Her facial expression and tone underscored the pain of betrayal as she described her decision and choice, in light of the cancer and prognosis, to stay with the senator for the sake of their children.
She did not sound bitter, battered, or belittled. She simply sounded like the better person.
Authenticity counts for much in political races. If John Edwards ever decides to give it another shot in politics, maybe he should have Elizabeth mentor him.
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