Edwards’ Party Role Clouded by Allegations

John Edwards’ reluctance to refute allegations that he had an affair and child with his former videographer could jeopardize his potential role as a Democratic National Convention speaker and surrogate for his party’s presumptive nominee. The former North Carolina senator has been relatively low-key since dropping out of the Democratic presidential primary race in January. But his reputation as a passionate populist who trumpets social issues most dear to the Democratic Party would arguably make him a shoo-in as a top speaker in Denver. Edwards’ role at the Democratic convention, where Barack Obama will be formally nominated for the presidency in late August, has not been solidified — but his silence on tabloid reports alleging he had an affair with video producer Rielle Hunter could make him Kryptonite to Democrats. “If he’s going to be a spokesman on working-class issues … in the fall, he’s going to have to get it resolved. It ain’t ... (link)