Edwards returning to public arena

RALEIGH, N.C. – In a return to the public stage, John Edwards has confirmed plans to talk politics a month after admitting to an extramarital affair. But his wife won’t be at his side.

A representative for the former Democratic presidential candidate confirmed Friday that he would speak alone at Hofstra University in New York on Sept. 8, school spokesman Stuart Vincent said. It was initially billed as a joint appearance to talk about the 2008 election, but Vincent said Elizabeth Edwards would not attend.

Dennis Goldford, a professor of politics at Drake University, said the rapid return to the stump could make it difficult for Edwards to overcome the anger of his former supporters. Edwards went into seclusion last month after spending the better part of the past six years on the trail – running for president twice, serving on the Democratic presidential ticket in 2004 and pushing to shrink the gap between rich and poor.

“I don’t think the dust has settled sufficiently,” Goldford said. “You’re going to see a lot of people who are extremely skeptical.”