Just hours after ABC's Nightline broadcast an interview in which former North Carolina Senator John Edwards confessed an extramarital affair, CNN Saturday Morning co-anchor Melissa Long spoke of the ex-Democratic candidate in glowing terms, calling Edwards someone who was "much loved, worked for the poor, a man who was self-made, and all about integrity and honesty."
[UPDATED 4/11, video added]
After elevating Edwards to such heights, she asked CNN deputy political editor Paul Steinhauser to consider "all of that and this stunning admission" and speculate as to "what type of political career could this man have going forward."
Steinhauser: "I think short term, not so much...."
The exchange took part at about 7:25am EDT on August 9:
CO-ANCHOR MELISSA LONG: Democrats say John Edwards likely will not be taking part in their convention after admitting he had an affair and lied about it. News of his infidelity is dominating the political headlines this morning, no surprise. CNN deputy political editor Paul Steinhauser is joining us live now from Washington with the very latest on Edwards and, of course, the news from the campaign trail. Paul, nice to see you. Happy Saturday.
PAUL STEINHAUSER: Good morning to you.
LONG: Okay, much loved, worked for the poor, a man who was self-made, and all about integrity and honesty. Considering all of that and this stunning admission, what type of political career could this man have going forward?
STEINHAUSER: I think short term, not so much....
