Former Senator (D-NC) and presidential candidate John EdwardsProsecutors on Monday described former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards as 'master manipulator' as both sides delivered opening arguments in the case examing whether Edwards cover-up of his affair with Rielle Hunter is a federal crime. The trial, which began at a federal courthouse in North Carolina, has high stakes. If found guilty, Edwards could face a lengthy prison sentence if convicted. It's not certain whether the former trial lawyer will take the stand in his own defense. Government attorneys argued that the former Democratic Senator of North Carolina and two-time presidential candidate knew two wealthy contributors that had provided the nearly $1 million to hide his pregnant mistress. They claimed the donations were "tantamount" to campaign contributions intended to preserve Edwards' family-man image during his presidential campaign. The defense argued the donations were "private money" intended to protect Edwards' family from embarrassment. Edward's lawyer told jurors most of the money was handled by former campaign staffer Andrew Young towards building Young's new house in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
The day of opening arguments comes after more than four years when Edwards ended his presidential campaign bid and watched his reputation crumble under the emerging scandal. The focus of the trial is the money trail. At issue is whether the $1 million in donations was intended to help his campaign or whether it was intended to prevent his wife and children from finding about Edward's "affair" with his mistress.
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