I visited Free Republic a few times two or three years ago. It was like a showcase of what the term "trailer trash" is supposed to refer to. (Disclaimer: I don't like that term for the way it stereotypes people who live in mobile homes, most of whom are perfectly good people.)

Freep types seem to vent their meanness, selfishness, ignorance, fears and resentment in the form of vulgar bashing of political enemies. It's clear that to a good many of them anyone they don't like or understand is a liberal and therefore an enemy.

So, this dumping on John Edwards doesn't surprise me. I expect the Freeps especially have it in for him because he's about as clean and decent as it gets — devoted husband and father, churchgoing Christian, worked hard to get a law degree and become a successful lawyer, fine senator, etc.

They much prefer someone like Newt Gingrich, whose sharp-tongued bashing of liberals made him a neocon favorite decades back, even if his personal life has had its despicable moments. Such as dumping his wife while she was in the hospital with cancer.

Among Democrats, I suspect the Freeps much prefer someone like Bill Clinton, whose personal failings always make for an easy target.

There's no reaching these people, no having a sensible, respectful exchange of views. The ones like the character whose comment you quoted need some quality time with a shrink.