Given all this, it’s fair to ask: What did Barack Obama know, and when did he know it? After all, if he was aware of the potential truth of the allegations, it’s revealing of his judgment that he was willing to continue publicly to consider Edwards as a running mate, or for some other high office – and to honor him with a keynote speaking slot at the Democratic National Convention (an offer that’s now been rescinded). Indeed, shouldn’t Obama be asked whether he continues to deem Edwards a viable contender for attorney general or another government post?
It’s far from certain that the mainstream media will, indeed, pose the tough questions to the Democrats’ putative presidential nominee. It’s even less likely that Democrats will seek the same kind of accountability they demanded from Republicans in the wake of the Foley scandal. Obama himself will hardly be eager to raise the subject, given its potential to alienate either the female voters who sympathize with Mrs. Edwards’ plight, or the Democrat partisans who still support her husband. Nevertheless, voters deserve to know where – and whether – Barack Obama draws the line when it comes to behavior like John Edwards’.
