Edwards Plans First Return to Public Stage

John Edwards will emerge from his month-long seclusion to speak in New York next week, the AP reports. Edwards has not appeared publicly since he admitted his affair with videographer Rielle Hunter. His wife, Elizabeth, will not join him as scheduled at the September 8th speech at Hofstra University. Watchers were wary: “I don't think the dust has settled sufficiently,” said a political science professor at Duke.

“You're going to see a lot of people who are extremely skeptical,” said Dennis Goldford. “It would seem that you would need a little more time.” Edwards’ docket is full, even without the Hoftra speech. He and his wife are scheduled to appear in Massachusetts later next month, and in Illinois in October. (More John Edwards stories.)