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Hofstra still expects Edwards, wife to speak on campus

BY KARLA SCHUSTER | karla.schuster@newsday.com

August 14, 2008

Hofstra University officials expect former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards and his wife, Elizabeth, to keep their date to speak on campus early next month despite the couple's retreat from the public eye after Edwards admitted last week that he had an extramarital affair with a campaign videographer and lied about it.

The Edwardses, scheduled to speak on Sept. 8, are considered the headliners in a series of campus lectures, conferences and speeches leading up to Hofstra's hosting of the third and final presidential debate on Oct. 15.

But Edwards, a two-time presidential candidate and the 2004 Democratic vice-presidential nominee, has seen his stock plummet since he confirmed the affair, costing him a chance to speak at the Democratic National Convention later this month and prompting him to cancel at least one other upcoming speaking engagement.

On Monday, Edwards sent word to the Harris County Democratic Party in Texas that he was withdrawing as keynote speaker for a Sept. 20 fundraiser, telling organizers that "his family and he need some time in private," according to the party's Web site.

Phone and e-mail inquiries to The Harry Walker Agency, which represents the Edwardses and booked them to appear at Hofstra, were not immediately returned yesterday. But Hofstra officials said the agency confirmed to them on Tuesday that the couple still plans to appear.

The couple's appearance fee, which the university refused to disclose, was paid for with private donations raised to underwrite the entire "Educate '08" program, which also includes appearances by Edward Rollins, the national campaign manager for former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee; former White House press secretaries Dee Dee Myers and Ari Fleischer, and former Gov. Mario Cuomo.

After denying it for months, Edwards last Friday admitted a 2006 affair with videographer Rielle Hunter. He has denied he is the father of Hunter's 5-month-old daughter, although there are questions about the paternity of the little girl and whether Edwards knew of payments to Hunter by his former campaign finance director.

He told ABC News the affair happened while his wife's cancer was in remission.

Although the event is open to the public, advance registration is required and the venue - the school's John Cranford Adams Playhouse - seats just 1,100. Those interested in attending the event must register after Aug. 25 at www.hofstra.edu/academics/ educ8/