Edwards: I Cheated

“Being in the limelight doesn't make our presidents, royals and celebrities any less human or any more moral than the rest of us,” Della Casa said. “It just shines a light on their faults and gives others a reason to dig deeper in your garbage. If a man or woman has issues that make him or her want to cheat, lie, steal, do drugs or engage in destructive behavior, having an adoring public isn't going to discourage you from dabbling in your destruction; on the contrary, it may make it easier.  There are more people willing to help you self-destruct and the ego on celebrity can be a mighty motivation.”

The fact that Edwards’ wife has been battling cancer would almost certainly add to a higher level of public disgust to the story. “We feel for victims like John Edward’s wife. Most cheaters steal not only the marital funds, but the victim’s dignity is at stake, too. Only a deviant wants to witness this type of humiliation. And this is the real price of adultery. The consequences of bad behavior are limitless. In general, cheaters focus on their best interests leaving little remedy for those who love them,” said Bill Mitchell, a private investigator who operates Mitchell Reports Investigations LLC, which routinely deals with cases of marital infidelity.  

“Cheating conduct is nothing original, but it is visibly more apparent today. To demonstrate this trend just consider the significant Internet memberships at cheaters Web sites. You can order an affair online. A team of experts joins forces to deceive your mate, a trend not available to previous generations of married couples,” Mitchell said. 

The problem, according to New York family law attorney Daniel Clement, who publishes a blog about about divorce and related issues, is simple: “No one thinks they are going to get caught. It is not a narcissistic thing or power thing. Like athletes, politicians are spending a lot of time away from the spouses and temptation is everywhere. Their political power is an aphrodisiac.”

And if Hunter’s child does, indeed, end up being linked to the married Edwards, it could certainly complicate his life, according to Mitchell, who said having a child out of wedlock with a married person isn’t “an uncommon circumstance when someone wants a legal stronghold. Forgetting to use birth control can be a great ploy for financial security.”

After years of similar stories about politicians and sex scandals, some say Americans have simply gotten used to sex scandals. “Americans are obsessed with instant gratification and the bigger, better deal in just about every aspect of their lives from clothes and shoes to relationships and zip codes,” Della Casa said. “Our scandal is no different. There was a time when a starlet flashing her private parts and walking around with cocaine on her nose would never be heard of again, now it will get her on the cover of People magazine and a book deal.“

Mitchell believes Americans have even “come to expect” scandal – particularly “when a President makes a mockery of marriage.” And given there aren’t many repercussions, legal or otherwise, for extramarital affairs, it’s not likely to change. “The lasting image is denying your way out of story,” Mitchell said.

“President Clinton demonstrated great skill in waving a web of deceit and lives to smile about it today. It’s sad, how few have remorse,” said Mitchell. “We can blame bad morals the TV media, Hollywood, or the Internet but it really comes down to parenting. Children learn what they live. Home life should bring stability, loyalty and trustworthiness. It appears our country is losing the battle for monogamy.”      


FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Read expert advice by Mark Goulston: "10 Reasons Not to Date a Married Man."

Read expert advice by Mark Goulston: "Don't Judge Edwards by Affair."

Read expert advice and stories about cheating, infidelity, affairs and related topics.


photo by Alex Decarvalho