Former White House candidate John Edwards admits cheating on ill wife

Aug 10 2008 By Lynn Mcpherson

LYING Democrat John Edwards yesterday finally admitted an affair with an aide during his bid for the White House.

The US politician had repeatedly denied the allegations, calling claims that he cheated on his cancer-stricken wife "tabloid trash".

But in a bombshell TV interview, Edwards admitted having an affair with documentary maker Rielle Hunter, 44.

The former presidential hopeful denied claims he fathered her child - although he has not taken a paternity test.

He said he had told his wife Elizabeth, who is fighting incurable cancer, adding: "I had hoped it would never become public."

Edwards, who was Democratic vice presidential nominee in 2004, confessed to ABC News that he had lied repeatedly about the affair with Hunter, 42.

Her daughter Frances was born in February - with no father named.

Edwards said: "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.

"I was and am ashamed of my conduct and choices.

"In the course of several campaigns, I started to believe that I was special and become increasingly egocentric and narcissistic."

Insisting his wife's cancer was in remission when he began the affair, he added: "If you want to beat me up feel free.

"You cannot beat me up more than I have already beaten up myself."

OCTOBER 2007

'The story is false, it's completely untrue. I've been in love with the same woman for 30-plus years. She is warm, beautiful, sexy and as good a person as I have ever known.'

AUGUST 2008

'I conducted myself in a way that was disloyal to my family and to my core beliefs. I recognised my mistake and told my wife I had a liaison with another woman. I asked for forgiveness.'

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