A closer look at the John Edwards/Rielle Hunter webisodes

John Edwards shares the outline of a speech with Rielle Hunter, who produced a four-episode Web series about the candidate. (Photo credit: Webcastr.com)

The John Edwards/Rielle Hunter affair has been the talk of the Web since late last week, but a peppy, jagged little 2006 production called “Inspiring Politics: A Webisode Series Following John Edwards” has been attracting only a modest number of views on YouTube.

It surfaced there a week ago after being removed from Edwards’ website last year. Hunter, who by all accounts had a sketchy job history, including some off-the-radar acting and New Age spiritual advising, was contracted to make the videos soon after she met the candidate at an event in a New York City bar. The four short episodes are usually referred to as “campaign videos,” which might explain why they have not drawn much of a crowd. But they have nothing in common with traditional cleaned-up, on-message campaign videos. They’re a strangely watchable document of unbridled ambition — Hunter’s as much as Edwards’.

Hunter’s three-person production company, “Midline Groove,” was reportedly incorporated in June 2006, and she made the videos that summer and fall. YouTube was just more than a year old, and the notion of a “webisode series” was barely a twinkle in Hollywood’s eye. Lonelygirl15, the first such series to attract mainstream attention, did not get big until September of that year.

So Hunter’s “webisode” idea could reasonably have seemed to promise Edwards some political magic: a charmingly unpolished look at the candidate that would be at once high-tech and down-home, unpretentious yet cutting edge — the very essence of Internet culture. Her lack of “experience” could even be seen as part of the point of hiring her. Sen. Barack Obama’s campaign had already begun to use a MySpace page that was started by a private citizen. Revealing video clips of candidates were being e-mailed around. Why not try to tap into the YouTube revolution and its fresh, daring, amateur energy?

But as with so much on YouTube, the videos turned out to be revealing in ways no one could have predicted.

At the beginning of Episode 1, “Plane Truths,” Edwards talks into the camera about what he hopes the videos will do, sounding like any YouTubing teenager earnestly trying to express his inner self. “I’ve come to the personal conclusion that I actually want the country to see who I really am. Who I really am,” Edwards says, sitting back in his campaign plane. “But I don’t know what the result of that will be.” He is determined, however, to show people something other than the “plastic Ken doll” image he has acquired. “That’s not me,” he insists.

We soon hear the series’ theme song in the background: “True Reflections,” a solo effort by Dave Matthews Band member Boyd Tinsley. “When you look into the mirror,” Tinsley growls, “do you like what’s looking at you?” It’s a puzzling song choice that not only underscores the handsome and, yes, Ken doll looks, it also suggests that a central question confronting Edwards as he contemplates a run for the presidency is ... how he feels about himself.

Edwards was on ABC News on Friday, talking about the “self-focus, egotism and narcissism” that led him to the affair, and that’s all in plain view on the videos. But much more fascinating is the view they give of Hunter’s self-obsession.

From the start of the four-episode series, Hunter slyly establishes herself as a character right alongside the presidential hopeful. She manages to insinuate herself constantly, even though she’s never on camera. Out of what must have been many hours of footage, Hunter chose to include in the final cut moment after moment of Edwards talking flirtatiously to her. The making of the webisode series itself is a running theme. In the first minute of the six-minute “Plane Truths,” we see Edwards moving his legs aside so Hunter and her fellow videographer can walk onto the plane. Soon he’s saying, “Glad to have you. And if any of these guys aren’t nice to you, you tell me.”

At times the flirtatious banter between Edwards and Hunter sounds right out of a romantic comedy (but the material isn’t exactly Hepburn-Tracy). “It’s a great speech!” he says as he looks over some notes. “So glad you like it!” we hear her say from behind the camera, her laugh trilling out. “I like it,” he says, then stares out the window for a second with a big grin. He turns back toward her to beam and say, “Wait till you hear me give it live.” Then he collects himself and looks at the shoes of the guy sitting next to him. “So the way his shoes are shaped, are those cool?” he asks.

Episode 2, “The Golden Rule,” shows Edwards preparing for and making a speech condemning the “corporate greed” of Wal-Mart. It ends with an outtake of Edwards joshing Hunter, apropos of nothing we’ve seen: “Very graceful, camera girl.” (Was Hunter dreaming of a sequel, “The Camera Girl Chronicles”?)

Only in Episode 3, “Plight of Uganda,” are we able to forget that Hunter is holding the camera, as the dire situation in a refugee camp takes over the narrative.

But there she is again in Episode 4, jarringly named “Plugs,” which shows Edwards getting ready to go on “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart.” With this perfunctory episode, Hunter appears to have run out of steam. Even she appears to be having a hard time finding Edwards scintillating as he sits in the back of a car discussing with great seriousness his decision not to announce his candidacy on “The Daily Show.” When Stewart walks into the green room and says hello, we hear a female voice from the general vicinity of the camera (it sounds like Hunter) calling out in an excited voice, “Hiii!”

In that helpless, automatic reaction to an even bigger male star than Edwards, Hunter is revealed as not simply a videographer hired by the Edwards campaign but a member of a much older profession: a groupie. And “Inspiring Politics” represents one of the most inventive ways a groupie has ever gained unlimited access to the power guy of her dreams. But it also, alas for both of them, set him up to lose everything and to have his weakness documented in excruciating detail on YouTube.

-- Maria Russo

Comments

[MiaP]

Towards healing indeed..throwing the first stone huh.....
Maybe in your world cheating is normal and you cheat so you can go on to healing..seems like the mind of socipath already...I can do anything I wan and glibly apologize for it and we will MOVE TOWRDS HEALING

The candidated come out of the woodwork and potray a personality which has been tested and perfected for the audience to buy....honestly anyone who bought the bullshit will be mad as hell..

Edwards wrung everything out of his wife cancer scare to get sympathy votes...family man an all he potrayed himself to ne, he still have some issues to deal with..This may nto be the first time and reporters who want to snoop will find more and more...

Try getting a talkative person to shut up for a whoel day and see if it endures or if they burst into thier usual chatter box teh next day....character does not change suddenly..it was laways there will will continue to be unless he is CAUGHT EACH AND EVERY TIME

Every president lies, if you lie to your family it means you will no hesitate to lie to the general public...its time people took these things seriously, its the only way we can hope for a just and moral society..not by MOVING TOWARDS HEALING...

I say he should be made an example of and then next time an arse decided to lie to the nation they will be more cautious!!

[Tamika]

what's worse?

the affair or the lying (for character purposes) or that Hillary lost because of it

I say none, because Barack will absolutely be our next president!!!

Doesn't matter whether Mr. McCain has served (and nearly died) for our country... Wouldn't matter if Abraham Lincoln or Franklin D. Roosevelt himself ran against him, Barack will be our next President!!

There's no touching Barack yo, he's the one

You know what's better than that? Hillary and her hater husband and their broken supporters will not get a chance! Yeah!

You know what's even better than that? Barack will come with many bonuses, like Ludacriz and Jayz and Lil Kim.

Barack is the icon of where America is going.. check it out:
http://hotair.com/archives/2008/08/07/obama-america-is-no-longer-what-it-once-was/

Go Barack, it's the new revolution America!!

[Jim Gianakis]

My, my, doesn't everyone sound sanctimonious this morning? I think he was foolish considering he could have won the nomination and we would have had a huge "October surprise", otherwise, not my business. Also, it's interesting to note that Fox News just can't let go of this. You would think this was the only thing happening in the world today; CNN is also just as bad. Funny, I don't recall them carrying on this way when Republican US Senator David Vitter of Louisiana was exposed for patronizing hookers in both New Orleans and Washington DC. Even after it was learned that he had a diaper fetish and that the hookers happily participated in that with him. Mercifully, the actual details of the fetish (other than wearing the diapers) were never released. However, even without details, he received a standing ovation on the floor of the US Senate from his Republican colleagues when he returned to work. Family values, indeed!

[Downing Newman]

I would just like to see one of these wronged woman fight back. At least Elizabeth did not appear by his side as he confessed. But what kind of example did she set for her children? She lied to cover his lies? Kick him out!

[Andrew Miller]

I think the comment about John Edwards helping Obama in Iowa was definitely correct. If the story landed at that time , it would have affected J Obama's prospects because suddenly "the good looking candidate with eloquence and style" would have become more of a question mark and less of the proven commodity. Suddenly, Edwards presence would invalidate some of Obama's, giving Hilar y a better shot at that race and others.

In other words, people would have been voting less for the love of their life (I love obama!) and more for the wheaties - the known commodity rather than the x factor without experience. And that would have boosted Hillary and her chances for the nomination.

That said, Hillary shot her own campaign in the foot and Bill didnt hje help much. Sadly she ran a bad campaign - or a good campaign with damaging moments when the stakes were too high. That's just some clear mistakes. But certainly if Edwards problems had been brought to light, that would have helped Hillary and pummeled Obama a little bi bit.

Oh well. As they say, so much for that. Unfortunately pople lovted for voted for you they fell and live love with and not who they want running the country.

But I like Obama. Hope he does a good job if he gets it! I am voting for him. Health insurance is my issue. Have fun!

[Faye Bowring In Tucson]

Although I was surprised by John Edward's belated confession, I was more than shocked that his wife Elizabeth knowing about his affair would not only sanction his run for President but would work her little heart out campaigning for him whether she was sick or not. Did these two beautful people ever give one moment's thought to what they were submitting their Party and supporters to if he did win the nomination for President or be chosen as Obama's Vice President? Talk about disarray at the Democratic Convention!

And, the reason his mistress is not consenting to a paternity test is probably because neither John Edwards nor Andrew Young is the father. Talk about being bamboozled, John! She knew how to feed your "Breck Girl" ego in spades.

[NC Physicians]

The many physicians sued by John Edwards in his "get rich quick - cerebral palsy cases" wish to thank Mr. Edwards for showing the world his true character. All the lies and negativity Mr. Edwards put out are coming back to get him.

[feudi]

I am stunned! Rielle Hunter is not exactly Donna Rice. Hell, she makes Lewinsky look hot. I hear that Rielle Hunter is the daughter of a millionaire and is living in a huge mansion collecting 15K a month from the Edwards campaign coffers. If this is true, then this guy gets the Bill Clinton Award for Scummiest Politician of the Decade! He makes Larry Craig look like a boy scout...ooops. Not a good mental image...

[Lynn]

While reading today's NY Times article about Mr. Edwards, I felt a wave of sympathy for a man who I, earlier today, lambasted. Did Ms. Hunter set him up? It now appears that it is possible that Mr. Edwards really did end the affair years ago, is now totally devoted to his cancer-stricken wife, is not the father of the baby and was simply set-up by this woman. Why would she refuse a paternity test? I believe that it is because he is not the father. I now believe that he went to the hotel room because he feared that she was going to disclose the long over affair to the media -- and, it appears, that he was right, as The National Enquirer just happened to be there. Who is this guy Robert McGovern who set the meeting up? I smell a rat.

[jay]

I never could stand Edwards with his cheeky PI Attorney phonybaloney smile but I have to remark his taste in mistresses rivals that of Bill Clinton.EEEK! Talk about bad energy.

[marise Costa-Aguilar]

What a PIG __this Edwards is. Considering that his wife was in such a need of his support in such a difficult moment.

[Nita J. Eckert]

Lynn,

I agree...it is possible. I do think she doesn't know who the father is but I did hear this monring that there will be results of a paternity test later on this week (radio, who knows).

Bayonet...grow up and if you have something to say, stand behind it and sign your name. By the way, I never backed Clinton....you left out Gingrich, McCain and the Bushes..

[Whomper]

I've got a newsflash: Elizabeth Edwards doesn't have cancer. If she ever did.

[tiddle]

You're kidding me if any one of you tell me it's a total surprise that the pretty boys are naughty too. To tell the truth, I'm waiting to see when Obama's turn is, the way he's throwing the "yes honey" around.

Edwards' so-called confession is so lame. It's exactly the same as the I-smoke-but-I-don't-inhale kind of argument. It doesn't matter to me whether he fathers the child. If it's a sexual affair, it's a sexual affair. Infidelity has only one name.

I wonder: Why no one is giving Elizabeth Edwards a hard time, the same way Hillary Clinton has? Has anyone doubted why Elizabeth Edwards is still solidly behind her husband? If not, why treated Hillary Clinton so differently? It's such double standard.

[TJ]

What drives me nuts about these mistress stories is that the woman is never equally condemned by the media or the public for their participation. Rielle Hunter knew about Elizabeth Edwards condition as much or more than anyone on the planet and she still selfishly engaged in an affair with John. As the saying goes, "it takes two to tango." And it's not like John was holding a gun to her head. She willingly participated. So what does that say about the character of Rielle Hunter? A lot in my opinion.

Personally, while I think John is a complete PoS, I think Rielle is an even lower form of excrement. Yet for some unfathomable reason, there seems to be sympathy for Rielle due to her single mother status and the fact that the child may be John's. My God, this is 2008! Is birth control still a mystery to some people? Apparently she knew about it before her relationship with John, as she was over the age of 40 with no children. As a man whose been married for 21 years this September and who has no children, I can clearly testify to the effectiveness of birth control. Which begs the question, was Rielle attempting to get pregnant? Knowing the seriousness of Elizabeth's condition, did Rielle think she had an opportunity to become John's second wife if Elizabeth were to succumb to her battle with cancer? No matter what, Rielle Hunter is equally responsible for the tragedy that has befallen John and Elizabeth Edwards' long marriage and her actions and motivations should be treated no less disdainfully than John's. Like John, she made extremely selfish choices that deserve absolutely no ones sympathy from anyone.

[SD]

Who cares?

[Armyvet]

John Edwards is a liar. Why would anyone want him around? If I were his wife, I would have already filed papers to divorce him. Certainly his political career is f-i-n-i-s-h-e-d. How did he classify his hotel purpose & expenses on the nights he met with Rielle Hunter? Business trip? Political trip? Or, just a violation of the Mann Act?

[reposado]

The sad thing is that he is STILL lying to the public by stating the baby isnt his.

Either that or both him and his buddy(who is also married) had a sextual affair w/the same gal.

[Marilyn]

Are you just naive or what? How long do you have to stay in a hotel room to confront somebody about a lie. I don't think it is hours. Also He jumped into the "i welcome a paternity test" just a little too fast and I immediately said she will refuse to have one....and I was right that's exactly what happened. With all the moving of both her and Andrew Young, the payments to keep her up by a former campaign worker just "out of the goodness of his heart" Now Andrew Young is saying his affair with her was in 2006...she was a busy girl in 2006....well the baby was born in February so somebody visited her in 2007. If Elizabeth and John both knew this in December of 2006 when he announced his candidacy and they continued on with the plans for the presidency they deserve all this uproar because of what position they could have put the country in at a crucial time like election time. If this story hadn't been brought out he could have been Obama's choice for VP....what a mess. When people completely disregard the consequences something has on so many other people it will come back to bite them. I personally doubt Elizabeth knew anything about it until after the July meeting in the Beverly Hills hotel

[GWJr]

Get over it America...geez
bunch of hypocrits !!

[Bayonet]

SD, I agree ...who cares, Edwards was a two time loser and now he is just another member in the long line of perverted democrats.

Nita J. Eckert again, stop the drinking that stuff is bad for you! Bush (es) and McCain did not have affairs. If they did I want t see the stained dresses. Do you have a stained dress?

[NinaK]

It's really just sad what this world has come to. Affairs are no surprise to anyone anymore. It's just an everyday occurance.

When will we get back to a president who will support familiy values again? Who will help keep marriages together? Who will provide an excellent example of what a family SHOULD look like?

Posted by: me
---------------------
We have the future president you are describing. All we need to do is vote for him and make him OUR President----Barack Obama!! Loves, cherishes, honors and respects his wife and lovely little girls!!! The man has integrity, honesty, vision, wisdom, intellect, good character, is intelligent, smart, has already proven he is a great leader by inspiring and motivating people to become involved in our election processes, near flawless campaign already named as the BEST in U.S. history, and a superior fund-raising technique second to none. Senator Obama is one of us, he grew up in an average household, sometimes his mom was very pooor and had to use foodstamps, at age 10, Barack Obama went to live with his maternal grandparents who are white. Barack's dad left the family when Barack ws 2 years old. His mom and grandparents did the very best they could do with what they had to offer him, love, hope, dreams, and a good education. Aren't these the very things we give our own kids although we cannot give them too much of anything else? Barack used scholarships, loans and hard work to get through Columbia University, likewise with him attending Harvard. He did not have wealthy or well-known relatives to pull strings and pay his tuition, room and board, and books. He did it himself. He has worked very hard to get where he's at-----I believe this is so true of the majority of us who have succeeded. Success does not mean we stop working hard. All of us may not have college degrees but still work hard to get ahead in our jobs and in our lives, some of us decide to go to college later on and we keep on working hard. Yes, Senator Obama is one of us and he is a very good example and role model for young people everywhere: We can be whatever we want to be by dreaming, hoping, hard work, perseverance, and a good education. Yes, Senator Obama is the President we would like to see leading our country. I am a white lady who wants the best for America and our children now and in the future. I have dreams and hopes for a brighter, more progressive, more prosperous America, I have dreams of people not worrying about what to buy---medecine or food or gas for the car----I have dreams of people being able to get the medical care they need, I have dreams of people not having to give up their homes to foreclosure. I have many, many dreams for us all but they will not happen without a lot of sacrifice and hard work and the willingness to do so. Please vote for the ONLY BEST candidate---Obama 08!!

[MXD]

I might be wrong on this, but it seems that, by far, most sitting presidents who have been unfaithful are Democrats. (Clinton, Kennedy, FDR...). Is it that Democrats are less moral, or just know how to get women???

btw - this comment, from a female writer, is pretty funny:
2) You may find this very controversial: I believe that men (males) are by their very nature not entirely 'designed' for marriage/monogamy. I'm writing this not to justify or to excuse, more as a thought...

The fact is, MOST men are NOT monogomous by nature - it's WORK for us. We WANT to pollunate every pretty flower we see - we dont' DO it because of the concequences. As Chris Rock said, "A man is only as faithful as his options..."

[DM]

I wish we could all just be more French about this. Why anyone with a half a libido would run for public office in the US is beyond me. Surprise, surprise, another man revealed to be a man. The only way to solve this "problem" is turn the country over to the administration of eunichs.. Hello.. Testosterone is what makes men ambitious and seek power. I don't understand why we expect our most powerful ambitious men to not be men.

[Bayonet]

NinaK what a funny line "Please vote for the ONLY BEST candidate---Obama 08!!"... THAT IS FUNNY....WHAT A JOKE!