Hunter Told Edwards Not to Run: Mistress Speaks in 'GQ' Interview

You may recall that about three weeks ago, NEWSWEEK ran a story detailing Rielle Hunter's "quiet dignity" as the sordid John Edwards scandal unfolded. Well, no more: Hunter has opened up with an interview for GQ, complete with semi-risque photos (a pantsless Hunter) as well as a touching picture with her and Edwards's daughter, Frances Quinn Hunter). Among her revelations to interviewer Lisa DePaulo: she and Edwards, who she calls "Johnny" throughout, slept together the day they met; she insists he still loves her; and Edwards lived "in fear of the wrath of Elizabeth," his wife. The interview is fascinating in a rubber-necking sort of way, but there's not too much of political interest.

A couple exceptions: First, the interview offers some details into how the affair started on the campaign trail. And it suggests—perhaps for the first time—that Edwards had reservations about going forward with a presidential bid with such an explosive secret. (Hunter's reservations were deeper. She felt he shouldn't run, based partly on astrological augurs, and told Edwards that.)

Okay, so I know this might be a chick question, but did you know that very first night that you were something special to him? 
I did know, yes. I did know the first night. We had an extraordinary night, and I did know that this was unlike anything either of us had ever experienced. And as we have all learned, that was accurate! [laughs]He in fact did say to me the first night, "Falling in love with you could really f--k up my plans for becoming President." And of course I said, "If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans."

Later in the interview, she says, "Everyone talks about how Johnny has fallen from grace. In reality, he's fallen to grace. He is integrated. He is living a life of truth." There are, of course, the requisite swipes at Edwards aide-cum-tell-all author Andrew Young, as well as at Elizabeth Edwards.

There's more tawdry Edwards news on the Web today, if you're into that: The Daily Beast has some details on the infamous Edwards-Hunter sex tape. This is a family Web site, so we won't be quoting it. For a harder-hitting item on how Edwards used a poverty-fighting nonprofit organization to funnel money to Hunter, see Michael Isikoff's report here on the Declassified blog.