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Neighbors Cool But Polite to 'Icky' John Edwards

Some North Carolinians would rather forget scandal

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 12, 2009 10:05 AM CDT

(Newser) – The national attitude toward John Edwards may be a mixture of mockery and fading recognition, but in his hometown of Chapel Hill, NC, the situation is more complex. Elizabeth Edwards is still a hit across the state, and the 2004 VP candidate is more than just a passing curiosity—he’s a neighbor. One resident said he feels “betrayed,” but “if I see him again I'll speak nice,” he tells the Los Angeles Times.

“The Bible says you're supposed to forgive,” the neighbor continues. Politicians and insiders seem more willing to let the former senator fade—both a liberal blogger acquaintance and the head of the state’s GOP called him “irrelevant.” One shining light is his Center on Poverty, Work, and Opportunity, which a UNC dean calls “redemptive,” though that might be “a bit too strong a word for it.” Others would rather just not talk about the Edwards saga. “It’s icky,” a newspaper editor says.

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John Edwards and wife Elizabeth. (AP Photo)

Former presidential candidate John Edwards. (AP Photo)

Cameras camped out in front of the Edwards compound in Chapel Hill, NC. (AP Photo)

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A lot of people who didn't like him said, "I told you so." And most of the people who were with him have fallen away out of disgust and disappointment. - Gary Pearce, former Edwards strategist

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 11 comments

yummines

Oct 13, 2009 7:32 AM CDT

this stuff really reminds me of The Scarlet Letter... with Dimmesdale being the "sinful pastor" who never admits his sin until it is absolutely necessary. Its funny to because while in the book Dimmesdale himself dies, so did John Edwards political career. Seriously, is an adulterer really a trustworthy candidate for president?

Wisconsin

Oct 13, 2009 3:26 AM CDT

I am as liberal as they come but I have to say John Edwards makes me want to vomit.

bewilderbeast

Oct 13, 2009 1:54 AM CDT

True, astroyo - it's not what you do, but how you react to what happened that REALLY counts. Edwards fails.

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Los Angeles Times (Source Grid »)

Politics • US

John Edwards • Elizabeth Edwards • sex scandal • North Carolina • University of North Carolina • Chapel Hill • Election 2008 • political scandal • Rielle Hunter • extramarital affair • Center on Poverty, Work, and Opportunity

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Neighbors Cool But Polite to 'Icky' John Edwards