We are reminded by Mr. Young that one of Mr. Edwards's early boosters was the late Ted Kennedy, who "saw almost unlimited potential in this young, energetic, well-spoken, good-looking Southerner." In a conversation with Mr. Young, Mr. Kennedy waxed sentimental about Washington in the early 1960s: "It used to be civilized. The media was on our side. We'd get our work done by one o'clock and by two we were at the White House chasing women. We got the job done, and the reporters focused on the issues. . . . It was civilized." We now know that Mr. Edwards's idea of civilization was much the same as Kennedy's.
Will the old argument that private conduct is irrelevant to the quality of public service once again be offered when, and if, that time comes?
"He who is void of virtuous Attachments in private Life, is, or very soon will be void of all Regard for his Country. There is seldom an Instance of a Man guilty of betraying his Country, who had not before lost the Feeling of moral Obligations in his private Connections." - Letter to James Warren, November 4, 1775
Mr. Young was just over 30 when he first saw Mr. Edwards in action. He was so impressed by an Edwards campaign speech that he turned to his wife, Cheri, and said: "This guy is going to be president one day. . . . I'm going to find a way to work for him." Cheri, who emerges as one of the few sensible, decent people in this sadly tangled tale, had a different reaction. "She looked at me, unimpressed, rolled her eyes, and said, 'Let's go to the beach.' "
Well, that puts the phrase "better half" into a whole new perspective, doesn't it?