Aug 14, 2008 7:14 pm US/Eastern
CBS 2 FLASHBACK: Edwards' Foreboding '07 Interview
Disgraced Ex-Presidential Candidate: 'I'm Sure There's Lots Of Things That All Of America Doesn't Know About Me'
MAMARONECK, N.Y. (CBS) ―
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A split-screen of John Edwards and Rielle Hunter.
CBS
In the spring of 2007, former presidential candidate John Edwards made a campaign visit to a Mamaroneck nursing home.
It was months after he now says he told his wife about his affair with Rielle Hunter.
But even then Edwards was cagey and coy, and not talking much about his private life.
CBS 2 HD spoke exclusively with Edwards during that stop in Westchester County.
At the Sarah Neuman Nursing Home in Mamaroneck Edwards told CBS 2 HD he hoped the Democratic party chooses a candidate...
"Who has integrity, is honest, open, good human being," Edwards said.
He was obviously talking about himself, but the interview now seems ironic.
CBS 2 HD: "Is there something we don't know about you?"
Edwards: "Oh … I'm sure there's lots of things that all of America doesn't know about me."
Sure … like Edwards' now infamous affair with Hunter, which he now admits started the year before our interview. It was also just after Edwards and wife Elizabeth told Americans that her breast cancer was no longer in remission and was no incurable.
CBS 2 HD: "How is your wife?"
Edwards: "She's actually doing very well."
CBS 2 HD: "Is this a good time for you being away from her on the campaign trail?"
Edwards: "Last week we were together the entire week on the campaign trail, had our kids with us and I talk to her constantly, so we're both doing fine."
At the nursing home Edwards spent the day following in the steps of nurses' assistant Elaine Ellis. On Thursday Ellis told CBS 2 HD Edwards really impressed her.
"He has this quiet demeanor, easy going person like somebody that you could get along with," Ellis told CBS 2 HD.
Administrator Rita Morgan also has fond memories.
"I remember his sincerity and compassion and his real interest," Morgan said.
Both women said the affair with Hunter has not changed their opinion of the John Edwards they met that day.
"I would just tell him I will keep him in my prayers," Ellis said.
While the jury is still out about whether Edwards can rehabilitate his image with the American people, he has found forgiveness here.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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