Cheating Edwards: ‘I Have Already Beaten Up Myself’

4 comments August 9th, 2008

The extreme narcissism and self-centeredness of some politicians never ceases to amaze me. John Edwards, whose presidential bid was built in large part on his image as a wholesome and devoted family man, has admitted to cheating on his cancer-stricken wife:

Edwards’ confirmation of an extramarital affair with a woman he met in a New York bar shakes the public persona of a man whose image was deeply linked to his role as a devoted husband. It effectively rules him out as a vice presidential nominee, and it appears to have cost him a prime-time speaking slot at the Democratic National Convention.

Edwards joins the ranks of Bill Clinton, Newt Gingrich, Eliot Spitzer and other upper-echelon public officials who cheated on their wives. In classic form, Edwards issued this gem of a statement:

“In the course of several campaigns, I started to believe that I was special and became increasingly egocentric and narcissistic. If you want to beat me up — feel free. You cannot beat me up more than I have already beaten up myself. I have been stripped bare and will now work with everything I have to help my family and others who need my help.” [Emphasis added]

By claiming to have “already beaten up myself,” its as if Edwards could somehow pre-empt public criticism of him and his infidelity. And by saying he’s off to “help,” it’s as if everybody who believed in him and his campaign must quickly move past his indiscretion and re-embrace a man who wants only to help other people.

It’s as if ordinary folks are all just so simple. And he is so superior.