{"id":1908813,"date":"2023-04-02T11:42:18","date_gmt":"2023-04-02T15:42:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/flashback-presidential-candidate-john-edwards-acquitted-on-campaign-finance-charge-hillary-clinton-only-paid-fine-for-violation\/"},"modified":"2023-04-02T11:45:06","modified_gmt":"2023-04-02T15:45:06","slug":"flashback-presidential-candidate-john-edwards-acquitted-on-campaign-finance-charge-hillary-clinton-only-paid-fine-for-violation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/flashback-presidential-candidate-john-edwards-acquitted-on-campaign-finance-charge-hillary-clinton-only-paid-fine-for-violation\/","title":{"rendered":"Flashback: Presidential Candidate John Edwards Acquitted On Campaign Finance Charge, Hillary Clinton Only Paid Fine for Violation"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">34<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fflashback-presidential-candidate-john-edwards-acquitted-on-campaign-finance-charge-hillary-clinton-only-paid-fine-for-violation%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=1908813&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><div class=\"text article-body font-default font-size-med\" data-content-ads-inserted=\"true\">\n<p>By now our readers have certainly been made aware of the patently political indictment issued against former President Donald Trump.<\/p>\n<p>Trump is now the first former President to be indicted after a Manhattan grand jury investigating the circumstances around hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels voted to do so.<\/p>\n<p>He also just so happens to be the leading Republican candidate for President.<\/p>\n<p>This biased prosecution is historic in nature, making it difficult to compare and analyze.<\/p>\n<p>But two incidents involving former presidential candidates might shed some light and, as you\u2019ll see, as Democrats they were treated a little bit differently.<\/p>\n<h3>John Edwards Acquitted on Campaign Finance Violation<\/h3>\n<p data-slot-rendered-content=\"true\">John Edwards was a frontrunner at one point during the <a href=\"https:\/\/thepoliticalinsider.com\/cnn-staged-event\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2008 Democrat primary<\/a>. He would finish second in the Iowa Caucuses that year to then-Senator Barack Obama, and ahead of Hillary Clinton.<\/p>\n<div id=\"content_btf_wrapper\" class=\"adunitwrapper content_btf_wrapper mv-size-undefinedxundefined\" data-wrapper=\"content_btf\" data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"display: none;\">\n<div id=\"content_btf\" class=\"content_btf adunit\" data-google-query-id=\"CNXrmfPEi_4CFUzrswody9YH2g\" style=\"display: none;\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/1030006,82057636\/thepoliticalinsider\/content_0__container__\" style=\"border: 0pt none; width: 300px; height: 0px;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>         <mv-ad-reporter data-slot-id=\"content_btf\" data-offering=\"1\" data-offering-name=\"mediavine\" style=\"display: block;\"><\/mv-ad-reporter><\/div>\n<p>He was on a short list of possible candidates to be selected as Vice President on Obama\u2019s campaign.<\/p>\n<p>It all came tumbling down for Edwards when his campaign was eventually derailed by <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/John_Edwards_extramarital_affair\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">extramarital affair allegations<\/a> involving actress Rielle Hunter. An affair he would eventually admit to and which had yielded a child.<\/p>\n<p>Edwards\u2019 affair with Hunter took place while his wife Elizabeth was battling cancer.<\/p>\n<div class=\"twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered\" style=\"display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;\"><iframe id=\"twitter-widget-0\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" allowtransparency=\"true\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" class=\"\" style=\"position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 369px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;\" title=\"Twitter Tweet\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/embed\/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=rustyweiss74&#038;dnt=false&#038;embedId=twitter-widget-0&#038;features=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%3D&#038;frame=false&#038;hideCard=false&#038;hideThread=false&#038;id=1641774328931909633&#038;lang=en&#038;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fthepoliticalinsider.com%2Fflashback-presidential-candidate-john-edwards-acquitted-on-campaign-finance-charge-hillary-clinton-only-paid-fine-for-violation%2F&#038;sessionId=97ccdb9c19bfd2b5059f4af342654f684c0f6f72&#038;theme=light&#038;widgetsVersion=aaf4084522e3a%3A1674595607486&#038;width=550px\" data-tweet-id=\"1641774328931909633\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<div id=\"subscribe\" class=\"email-signup inarticle\" data-slot-rendered-content=\"true\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<h4>Support Conservative Voices!<\/h4>\n<h5><strong>Sign up to receive the latest<\/strong> political news, insight, and commentary delivered directly to your inbox.<\/h5>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"enews\"> <script src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/recaptcha\/api.js\"><\/script> <script>var l_submit_confirmation_status = true; var l_recaptcha_status = false; function ciEnableSubmitButton(code) { if(code != '') { l_recaptcha_status = true; if (l_submit_confirmation_status && l_recaptcha_status) { document.getElementById('CI_submit').removeAttribute('disabled'); } } }<\/script> <script>var rfnames=new Array(\"CI_email\"); var rfdesc=new Array(\"Email Address\"); var val_email_names=new Array(\"CI_email\"); var val_email_desc=new Array(\"Email Address\"); var val_phone_names=new Array(); var val_phone_desc=new Array(); var val_zipcode_names=new Array(); var val_zipcode_desc=new Array(); var val_numeric_names=new Array(); var val_numeric_desc=new Array(); var whitespace_CI = \" tnr\"; function isValidEmail_CI(s) { if (isEmpty_CI(s)) return false; if (isWhitespace_CI(s)) return false; var i = 1; var sLength = s.length; while ((i < sLength) &#038;&#038; (s.charAt(i) != \"@\")) { i++ } if ((i >= sLength) || (s.charAt(i) != \"@\")) return false; else i += 2; while ((i < sLength) &#038;&#038; (s.charAt(i) != \".\")) { i++ } if ((i >= sLength - 1) || (s.charAt(i) != \".\")) return false; else return true; } function isValidPhone_CI(s) { if (isEmpty_CI(s)) return false; if (isWhitespace_CI(s)) return false; var regexObj = \/^(?([0-9]{3}))?[-. ]?([0-9]{3})[-. ]?([0-9]{4})$\/; if (regexObj.test(s)) { return true; } else { return false; } } function isValidZipCode_CI(s) { if (isEmpty_CI(s)) return false; if (isWhitespace_CI(s)) return false; var regexObj = \/(^d{5}$)|(^d{5}-d{4}$)\/; if (regexObj.test(s)) { return true; } else { return false; } } function isNumeric_CI(s) { if (isEmpty_CI(s)) return false; if (isWhitespace_CI(s)) return false; return !isNaN(parseFloat(s)) && isFinite(s); } function isEmpty_CI(s)  function isWhitespace_CI(s) { var i; if (isEmpty_CI(s)) return true; for (i = 0; i < s.length; i++) { var c = s.charAt(i); if (whitespace_CI.indexOf(c) == -1) return false; } return true; } function checkForm_CI() { var message = \"\"; for(var i=0; i<rfnames.length; i++) { if (document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[rfnames[i]].value == \"\") { document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[rfnames[i]].style.backgroundColor=\"yellow\"; message = message + rfdesc[i] + \" is required nr\"; } } for(var i=0; i<val_email_names.length; i++) { if (document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_email_names[i]].value != \"\" &#038;&#038; !isValidEmail_CI(document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_email_names[i]].value)) { document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_email_names[i]].style.backgroundColor=\"yellow\"; message = message + val_email_desc[i] + \" must be a valid email address. (yourname@domain.com)nr\" ; } } for(var i=0; i<val_phone_names.length; i++) { if (document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_phone_names[i]].value != \"\" &#038;&#038; !isValidPhone_CI(document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_phone_names[i]].value)) { document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_phone_names[i]].style.backgroundColor=\"yellow\"; message = message + val_phone_desc[i] + \" must be a valid phone number nr\"; } } for(var i=0; i<val_zipcode_names.length; i++) { if (document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_zipcode_names[i]].value != \"\" &#038;&#038; !isValidZipCode_CI(document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_zipcode_names[i]].value)) { document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_zipcode_names[i]].style.backgroundColor=\"yellow\"; message = message + val_zipcode_desc[i] + \" must be a valid zipcode nr\"; } } for(var i=0; i<val_numeric_names.length; i++) { if (document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_numeric_names[i]].value != \"\" &#038;&#038; !isNumeric_CI(document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_numeric_names[i]].value)) { document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_numeric_names[i]].style.backgroundColor=\"yellow\"; message = message + val_numeric_desc[i] + \" must be numeric nr\"; } }         if (message.length > 1) { alert(message); return false; } else { document.CI_subscribeForm.submit(); } } var userLang = (navigator.language) ? navigator.language : navigator.userLanguage; userLang = userLang.substr(0,2); userLang = userLang.toUpperCase(); function checkLanguageSetting(){ var confirmation_text_language = \"\"; var default_confirmation_text = \"I agree that the above information is correct\"; var submitConfirmHTML = form_label_language = list_label_language =''; var default_btn_text = \"Subscribe!\"; console.log(userLang); if(userLang == 'FR'){ confirmation_text_language = \"\"; form_label_language = \"Vous pouvez vous abonner \u00e0 notre liste d'envoi en remplissant le formulaire ci-dessous et cliquez sur \"Abonnez-vous\" bouton.\"; list_label_language = \"S'il vous pla\u00eet s\u00e9lectionner vos listes d'int\u00e9r\u00eat\"; btn_text_language = \"Abonnez-vous\"; } else if(userLang == 'DU'){ confirmation_text_language = \"\"; form_label_language = \"Sie k\u00f6nnen auf unsere Mailingliste, indem Sie das folgende Formular aus und klicken Sie auf die Schaltfl\u00e4che \"Abonnieren\" abonnieren.\"; list_label_language = \"Bitte wahlen Sie Ihre Listen von Interesse\"; btn_text_language = \"Abonnieren\"; } else if(userLang == 'ES'){ confirmation_text_language = \"\"; form_label_language = \"Usted puede suscribirse a nuestra lista de correo rellenando el siguiente formulario y haga clic en el bot\u00f3n \"Suscribirse\".\"; list_label_language = \"Por favor, seleccione las listas de inter\u00e9s\"; btn_text_language = \"Suscribirse\"; } else if(userLang == 'IT'){ confirmation_text_language = \"\"; form_label_language = \"\u00c8 possibile iscriversi alla nostra mailing list compilando il modulo qui sotto e cliccando sul tasto \"Iscriviti\".\"; list_label_language = \"Si prega di selezionare le vostre liste di interesse\"; btn_text_language = \"Iscriviti\"; } else { confirmation_text_language = \"\"; form_label_language = \"\"; list_label_language = \"\"; btn_text_language = \"Subscribe\"; } var l_html_div = document.createElement(\"div\"); l_html_div.innerText = l_html_div.textContent = confirmation_text_language; confirmation_text_language = l_html_div.innerHTML; formLabelHTML = form_label_language; document.getElementById('form_label_display').innerHTML = formLabelHTML; if (btn_text_language == ''){ btn_text_language = default_btn_text; } document.getElementById('CI_submit').value = btn_text_language; submitConfirmHTML = '<input onClick=\"agreesubmit_CI(this)\" type=\"checkbox\" name=\"submit_confirmation\" id=\"submit_confirmation\" value=\"submit_confirmation\">\u00a0'+confirmation_text_language+''; } window.onload=function() { checkLanguageSetting(); }<\/script> <\/p>\n<form action=\"https:\/\/portal.criticalimpact.com\/wc\/wc_verify.cfm\" name=\"CI_subscribeForm\" id=\"CI_subscribeForm\" method=\"post\"> <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"CI_thankyou\" value=\"https:\/\/thepoliticalinsider.com\/thank-you\/\"> <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"CI_thankyou2\" value=\"https:\/\/thepoliticalinsider.com\/thank-you-valued-reader\/\"> <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"CI_err\" value=\"https:\/\/portal.criticalimpact.com\/wc\/error.cfm\"> <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"CI_Action\" value=\"sub\"> <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"CI_LID\" value=\"2623023534\"> <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"CI_MID\" value=\"177842933\"> <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"CI_FID2\" value=\"1000K2I000000000BOV\"> <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"CI_triggeredid\" value=\"1016401083\"> <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"CI_custom17\" value=\"04\/02\/2023 11:24:22\"> <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"CI_custom14\" value=\"Newsletter-Signup-In-Article\"> <\/p>\n<p id=\"form_label_display\">\n<p> <input type=\"text\" name=\"CI_email\" maxlength=\"150\" placeholder=\"Enter Email\">  <input id=\"CI_submit\" name=\"CI_submit\" type=\"button\" value=\"Subscribe\" onclick=\"checkForm_CI();\" disabled=\"\"> <\/p>\n<div class=\"g-recaptcha\" data-sitekey=\"6LcNcgsUAAAAAJrF307H_oCEzYub8hkGI5sWVxOB\" data-callback=\"ciEnableSubmitButton\" align=\"center\" style=\"width: 100% !important; display: inline-block !important; margin: 15px 0 0 0 !important; text-align: left !important;\">\n<div style=\"width: 304px; height: 78px;\">\n<div><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"reCAPTCHA\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/recaptcha\/api2\/anchor?ar=1&#038;k=6LcNcgsUAAAAAJrF307H_oCEzYub8hkGI5sWVxOB&#038;co=aHR0cHM6Ly90aGVwb2xpdGljYWxpbnNpZGVyLmNvbTo0NDM.&#038;hl=en&#038;v=NZrMWHVy58-S9gVvad9HVGxk&#038;size=normal&#038;cb=toq68jbu7wlj\" width=\"304\" height=\"78\" role=\"presentation\" name=\"a-drtwid4gf3r4\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" sandbox=\"allow-forms allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-top-navigation allow-modals allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><textarea id=\"g-recaptcha-response\" name=\"g-recaptcha-response\" class=\"g-recaptcha-response\" style=\"width: 250px; height: 40px; border: 1px solid rgb(193, 193, 193); margin: 10px 25px; padding: 0px; resize: none; display: none;\"><\/textarea><\/div>\n<\/div><\/form>\n<p> <script>function my_getParamVal(param)  \"\"; return val[1]  if (document.forms.CI_subscribeForm !== undefined && document.forms.CI_subscribeForm.CI_email !== undefined ) { var t_email = my_getParamVal('myemail'); if (t_email !== undefined && typeof t_email === 'string' && t_email.length > 5) { document.forms.CI_subscribeForm.CI_email.value = t_email; } }<\/script> <\/div>\n<div class=\"terms-privacy\"><span>By subscribing, you agree to receive emails from ThePoliticalInsider.com and that you&#8217;ve read and agree to our <a href=\"http:\/\/bonginoreport.com\/privacy-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">privacy policy<\/a> and to our <a href=\"http:\/\/bonginoreport.com\/terms-conditions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">terms and conditions<\/a>. You further agree that the use of reCAPTCHA is subject to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/policies\/privacy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Privacy<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/policies\/terms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Terms of Use<\/a>.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"img default\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"content_2_btf_wrapper\" class=\"adunitwrapper content_btf_wrapper mv-size-undefinedxundefined\" data-wrapper=\"content_2_btf\" data-nosnippet=\"\">\n<div id=\"content_2_btf\" class=\"content_btf adunit\">           <\/div>\n<p>         <mv-ad-reporter data-slot-id=\"content_2_btf\" data-offering=\"1\" data-offering-name=\"mediavine\" style=\"display: block;\"><\/mv-ad-reporter><\/div>\n<p><script async=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Following a two-year investigation, Edwards was indicted by a federal grand jury in North Carolina on six felony charges stemming from efforts to conceal the affair by using campaign contributions.<\/p>\n<p>He was accused by the Justice Department of funneling nearly <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2012\/apr\/24\/john-edwards-campaign-funds-trial\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">$1 million in donations<\/a> to his pregnant mistress.<\/p>\n<p data-slot-rendered-content=\"true\">Edwards was acquitted on one campaign finance violation charge while the others resulted in mistrials. The DOJ would later drop the charges and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/politics\/john-edwards-will-not-be-retried-justice-department-announces\/2012\/06\/13\/gJQAfbeiaV_story.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">decline to pursue<\/a> a retrial.<\/p>\n<div id=\"content_3_btf_wrapper\" class=\"adunitwrapper content_btf_wrapper mv-size-undefinedxundefined\" data-wrapper=\"content_3_btf\" data-nosnippet=\"\">\n<div id=\"content_3_btf\" class=\"content_btf adunit\">           <\/div>\n<p>         <mv-ad-reporter data-slot-id=\"content_3_btf\" data-offering=\"1\" data-offering-name=\"mediavine\" style=\"display: block;\"><\/mv-ad-reporter><\/div>\n<p>Interestingly, this case parallels Trump in some manner, but it might also provide the GOP frontrunner a defense.<\/p>\n<p>Edwards successfully argued that the payments to persuade someone alleging an affair to go away amount to private transactions. The idea was that the gifts were given to keep the scandal quiet, and would have taken place if he were running for President or not.<\/p>\n<p>His defense team submitted that Edwards\u2019 actions were <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2012\/jun\/01\/john-edwards-campaign-fraud-case\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a wrong but not a crime<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered\" style=\"display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;\"><iframe id=\"twitter-widget-1\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" allowtransparency=\"true\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" class=\"\" style=\"position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 321px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;\" title=\"Twitter Tweet\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/embed\/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=rustyweiss74&#038;dnt=false&#038;embedId=twitter-widget-1&#038;features=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%3D&#038;frame=false&#038;hideCard=false&#038;hideThread=false&#038;id=1641779678116495360&#038;lang=en&#038;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fthepoliticalinsider.com%2Fflashback-presidential-candidate-john-edwards-acquitted-on-campaign-finance-charge-hillary-clinton-only-paid-fine-for-violation%2F&#038;sessionId=97ccdb9c19bfd2b5059f4af342654f684c0f6f72&#038;theme=light&#038;widgetsVersion=aaf4084522e3a%3A1674595607486&#038;width=550px\" data-tweet-id=\"1641779678116495360\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p data-slot-rendered-content=\"true\"><script async=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<div id=\"content_4_btf_wrapper\" class=\"adunitwrapper content_btf_wrapper mv-size-undefinedxundefined\" data-wrapper=\"content_4_btf\" data-nosnippet=\"\">\n<div id=\"content_4_btf\" class=\"content_btf adunit\">           <\/div>\n<p>         <mv-ad-reporter data-slot-id=\"content_4_btf\" data-offering=\"1\" data-offering-name=\"mediavine\" style=\"display: block;\"><\/mv-ad-reporter><\/div>\n<p><strong>RELATED: <a href=\"https:\/\/thepoliticalinsider.com\/desantis-forcefully-condemns-un-american-trump-indictment-says-florida-will-refuse-to-cooperate-in-extradition\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DeSantis Forcefully Condemns \u2018Un-American\u2019 Trump Indictment, Says Florida Will Refuse to Cooperate in Extradition<\/a><br \/> <\/strong><\/p>\n<h3>Hillary Clinton Paid Fine For Campaign Finance Violation, Was Never Indicted<\/h3>\n<p>In more recent events, but perhaps a less apples-to-oranges comparison, former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton\u2019s 2016 campaign and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) were fined thousands of dollars over undisclosed campaign payments for the infamous \u201cSteele dossier.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-slot-rendered-content=\"true\">The DNC was ordered to pay $105,000 by the Federal Election Commission while Clinton\u2019s campaign was fined $8,000\u00a0for failing to properly disclose spending on the controversial dossier.<\/p>\n<div id=\"content_5_btf_wrapper\" class=\"adunitwrapper content_btf_wrapper mv-size-undefinedxundefined\" data-wrapper=\"content_5_btf\" data-nosnippet=\"\">\n<div id=\"content_5_btf\" class=\"content_btf adunit\">           <\/div>\n<p>         <mv-ad-reporter data-slot-id=\"content_5_btf\" data-offering=\"1\" data-offering-name=\"mediavine\" style=\"display: block;\"><\/mv-ad-reporter><\/div>\n<div class=\"twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered\" style=\"display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;\"><iframe id=\"twitter-widget-2\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" allowtransparency=\"true\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" class=\"\" style=\"position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 624px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;\" title=\"Twitter Tweet\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/embed\/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=rustyweiss74&#038;dnt=false&#038;embedId=twitter-widget-2&#038;features=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%3D&#038;frame=false&#038;hideCard=false&#038;hideThread=false&#038;id=1641591014329823232&#038;lang=en&#038;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fthepoliticalinsider.com%2Fflashback-presidential-candidate-john-edwards-acquitted-on-campaign-finance-charge-hillary-clinton-only-paid-fine-for-violation%2F&#038;sessionId=97ccdb9c19bfd2b5059f4af342654f684c0f6f72&#038;theme=light&#038;widgetsVersion=aaf4084522e3a%3A1674595607486&#038;width=550px\" data-tweet-id=\"1641591014329823232\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><script async=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>The DNC and Hillary\u2019s campaign reportedly misled on the reasoning behind financing the dossier, \u201cclaiming it was for legal services, not opposition research.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Neither the campaign nor the party conceded to any wrongdoing but agreed to pay the fines as a means to settle the situation.<\/p>\n<p data-slot-rendered-content=\"true\">Which is interesting if you think about it. Clinton was able to \u201csettle\u201d her campaign finance situation \u2013 in which she paid a foreign spy to try to defeat her political rival \u2013 without drawing a grand jury indictment.<\/p>\n<div id=\"content_6_btf_wrapper\" class=\"adunitwrapper content_btf_wrapper mv-size-undefinedxundefined\" data-wrapper=\"content_6_btf\" data-nosnippet=\"\">\n<div id=\"content_6_btf\" class=\"content_btf adunit\">           <\/div>\n<p>         <mv-ad-reporter data-slot-id=\"content_6_btf\" data-offering=\"1\" data-offering-name=\"mediavine\" style=\"display: block;\"><\/mv-ad-reporter><\/div>\n<p>Edwards\u2019 team was reportedly part of \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/John_Edwards_extramarital_affair\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">intensive negotiations<\/a>\u201d for <a href=\"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20121002221904\/http:\/\/www.newsobserver.com\/2011\/06\/05\/1249318\/plea-falls-over-prison-deal.html#ixzz1OV1uTYvm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a plea bargain<\/a> before things fell apart, leading to his indictment.<\/p>\n<p>Was Trump ever offered a plea deal prior to the grand jury vote, or the ability to \u201csettle\u201d his alleged campaign finance violations?<\/p>\n<p>Trump\u2019s lawyer indicates that there is zero chance the former President will accept any kind of plea deal at this point.<\/p>\n<div class=\"twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered\" style=\"display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;\"><iframe id=\"twitter-widget-3\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" allowtransparency=\"true\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" class=\"\" style=\"position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 600px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;\" title=\"Twitter Tweet\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/embed\/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=rustyweiss74&#038;dnt=false&#038;embedId=twitter-widget-3&#038;features=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%3D&#038;frame=false&#038;hideCard=false&#038;hideThread=false&#038;id=1641801612749336579&#038;lang=en&#038;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fthepoliticalinsider.com%2Fflashback-presidential-candidate-john-edwards-acquitted-on-campaign-finance-charge-hillary-clinton-only-paid-fine-for-violation%2F&#038;sessionId=97ccdb9c19bfd2b5059f4af342654f684c0f6f72&#038;theme=light&#038;widgetsVersion=aaf4084522e3a%3A1674595607486&#038;width=550px\" data-tweet-id=\"1641801612749336579\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p data-slot-rendered-content=\"true\"><script async=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<div id=\"content_7_btf_wrapper\" class=\"adunitwrapper content_btf_wrapper mv-size-undefinedxundefined\" data-wrapper=\"content_7_btf\" data-nosnippet=\"\">\n<div id=\"content_7_btf\" class=\"content_btf adunit\">           <\/div>\n<p>         <mv-ad-reporter data-slot-id=\"content_7_btf\" data-offering=\"1\" data-offering-name=\"mediavine\" style=\"display: block;\"><\/mv-ad-reporter><\/div>\n<p>Trump\u2019s defense attorney, in an\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/politics\/donald-trump\/live-blog\/live-updates-manhattan-grand-jury-indicted-donald-trump-rcna75172\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">interview<\/a> on NBC News, said he \u201cwill not take a plea deal on this case.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s not gonna happen,\u201d he said. \u201cThere\u2019s no crime.\u201d<\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"margin: 0; padding: 10px; color: #b51509; font-size: 20px; line-height: 120%; text-align: center;\"><strong>Now is the time to support and share the sources you trust.<\/strong><br \/> The Political Insider ranks #3 on <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.feedspot.com\/political_blogs\/\">Feedspot\u2019s<\/a> \u201c100 Best Political Blogs and Websites.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"read-also\">\n<p><span class=\"rtn-this\">Read this Next<\/span> <span class=\"rtn-on\">on<\/span> <span class=\"rtn-tpi\">ThePoliticalInsider.com<\/span><\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/thepoliticalinsider.com\/unbelievable-poll-shows-american-values-are-dying-and-fast\/\" rel=\"prev\">Unbelievable Poll Shows American Values Are Dying, and Fast<\/a> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"text\">\n<fieldset class=\"search-form\">\n<form role=\"search\" method=\"get\" action=\"https:\/\/thepoliticalinsider.com\/\"> <input id=\"s\" type=\"text\" name=\"s\" placeholder=\"Start search...\" onfocus=\"this.placeholder=''\" onblur=\"this.placeholder='Start search...'\" tabindex=\"1\" class=\"search\"> <input type=\"submit\" value=\"\u203a\" tabindex=\"2\" class=\"button\"> <\/form>\n<\/fieldset><\/div>\n<div class=\"text article-body font-default font-size-med\" data-content-ads-inserted=\"true\">\n<p>By now our readers have certainly been made aware of the patently political indictment issued against former President Donald Trump.<\/p>\n<p>Trump is now the first former President to be indicted after a Manhattan grand jury investigating the circumstances around hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels voted to do so.<\/p>\n<p>He also just so happens to be the leading Republican candidate for President.<\/p>\n<p>This biased prosecution is historic in nature, making it difficult to compare and analyze.<\/p>\n<p>But two incidents involving former presidential candidates might shed some light and, as you\u2019ll see, as Democrats they were treated a little bit differently.<\/p>\n<h3>John Edwards Acquitted on Campaign Finance Violation<\/h3>\n<p data-slot-rendered-content=\"true\">John Edwards was a frontrunner at one point during the <a href=\"https:\/\/thepoliticalinsider.com\/cnn-staged-event\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2008 Democrat primary<\/a>. He would finish second in the Iowa Caucuses that year to then-Senator Barack Obama, and ahead of Hillary Clinton.<\/p>\n<div id=\"content_btf_wrapper\" class=\"adunitwrapper content_btf_wrapper mv-size-undefinedxundefined\" data-wrapper=\"content_btf\" data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"display: none;\">\n<div id=\"content_btf\" class=\"content_btf adunit\" data-google-query-id=\"CNXrmfPEi_4CFUzrswody9YH2g\" style=\"display: none;\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/1030006,82057636\/thepoliticalinsider\/content_0__container__\" style=\"border: 0pt none; width: 300px; height: 0px;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>         <mv-ad-reporter data-slot-id=\"content_btf\" data-offering=\"1\" data-offering-name=\"mediavine\" style=\"display: block;\"><\/mv-ad-reporter><\/div>\n<p>He was on a short list of possible candidates to be selected as Vice President on Obama\u2019s campaign.<\/p>\n<p>It all came tumbling down for Edwards when his campaign was eventually derailed by <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/John_Edwards_extramarital_affair\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">extramarital affair allegations<\/a> involving actress Rielle Hunter. An affair he would eventually admit to and which had yielded a child.<\/p>\n<p>Edwards\u2019 affair with Hunter took place while his wife Elizabeth was battling cancer.<\/p>\n<div class=\"twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered\" style=\"display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;\"><iframe id=\"twitter-widget-0\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" allowtransparency=\"true\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" class=\"\" style=\"position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 369px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;\" title=\"Twitter Tweet\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/embed\/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=rustyweiss74&#038;dnt=false&#038;embedId=twitter-widget-0&#038;features=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%3D&#038;frame=false&#038;hideCard=false&#038;hideThread=false&#038;id=1641774328931909633&#038;lang=en&#038;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fthepoliticalinsider.com%2Fflashback-presidential-candidate-john-edwards-acquitted-on-campaign-finance-charge-hillary-clinton-only-paid-fine-for-violation%2F&#038;sessionId=97ccdb9c19bfd2b5059f4af342654f684c0f6f72&#038;theme=light&#038;widgetsVersion=aaf4084522e3a%3A1674595607486&#038;width=550px\" data-tweet-id=\"1641774328931909633\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<div id=\"subscribe\" class=\"email-signup inarticle\" data-slot-rendered-content=\"true\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<h4>Support Conservative Voices!<\/h4>\n<h5><strong>Sign up to receive the latest<\/strong> political news, insight, and commentary delivered directly to your inbox.<\/h5>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"enews\"> <script src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/recaptcha\/api.js\"><\/script> <script>var l_submit_confirmation_status = true; var l_recaptcha_status = false; function ciEnableSubmitButton(code) { if(code != '') { l_recaptcha_status = true; if (l_submit_confirmation_status && l_recaptcha_status) { document.getElementById('CI_submit').removeAttribute('disabled'); } } }<\/script> <script>var rfnames=new Array(\"CI_email\"); var rfdesc=new Array(\"Email Address\"); var val_email_names=new Array(\"CI_email\"); var val_email_desc=new Array(\"Email Address\"); var val_phone_names=new Array(); var val_phone_desc=new Array(); var val_zipcode_names=new Array(); var val_zipcode_desc=new Array(); var val_numeric_names=new Array(); var val_numeric_desc=new Array(); var whitespace_CI = \" tnr\"; function isValidEmail_CI(s) { if (isEmpty_CI(s)) return false; if (isWhitespace_CI(s)) return false; var i = 1; var sLength = s.length; while ((i < sLength) &#038;&#038; (s.charAt(i) != \"@\")) { i++ } if ((i >= sLength) || (s.charAt(i) != \"@\")) return false; else i += 2; while ((i < sLength) &#038;&#038; (s.charAt(i) != \".\")) { i++ } if ((i >= sLength - 1) || (s.charAt(i) != \".\")) return false; else return true; } function isValidPhone_CI(s) { if (isEmpty_CI(s)) return false; if (isWhitespace_CI(s)) return false; var regexObj = \/^(?([0-9]{3}))?[-. ]?([0-9]{3})[-. ]?([0-9]{4})$\/; if (regexObj.test(s)) { return true; } else { return false; } } function isValidZipCode_CI(s) { if (isEmpty_CI(s)) return false; if (isWhitespace_CI(s)) return false; var regexObj = \/(^d{5}$)|(^d{5}-d{4}$)\/; if (regexObj.test(s)) { return true; } else { return false; } } function isNumeric_CI(s) { if (isEmpty_CI(s)) return false; if (isWhitespace_CI(s)) return false; return !isNaN(parseFloat(s)) && isFinite(s); } function isEmpty_CI(s)  function isWhitespace_CI(s) { var i; if (isEmpty_CI(s)) return true; for (i = 0; i < s.length; i++) { var c = s.charAt(i); if (whitespace_CI.indexOf(c) == -1) return false; } return true; } function checkForm_CI() { var message = \"\"; for(var i=0; i<rfnames.length; i++) { if (document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[rfnames[i]].value == \"\") { document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[rfnames[i]].style.backgroundColor=\"yellow\"; message = message + rfdesc[i] + \" is required nr\"; } } for(var i=0; i<val_email_names.length; i++) { if (document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_email_names[i]].value != \"\" &#038;&#038; !isValidEmail_CI(document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_email_names[i]].value)) { document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_email_names[i]].style.backgroundColor=\"yellow\"; message = message + val_email_desc[i] + \" must be a valid email address. (yourname@domain.com)nr\" ; } } for(var i=0; i<val_phone_names.length; i++) { if (document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_phone_names[i]].value != \"\" &#038;&#038; !isValidPhone_CI(document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_phone_names[i]].value)) { document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_phone_names[i]].style.backgroundColor=\"yellow\"; message = message + val_phone_desc[i] + \" must be a valid phone number nr\"; } } for(var i=0; i<val_zipcode_names.length; i++) { if (document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_zipcode_names[i]].value != \"\" &#038;&#038; !isValidZipCode_CI(document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_zipcode_names[i]].value)) { document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_zipcode_names[i]].style.backgroundColor=\"yellow\"; message = message + val_zipcode_desc[i] + \" must be a valid zipcode nr\"; } } for(var i=0; i<val_numeric_names.length; i++) { if (document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_numeric_names[i]].value != \"\" &#038;&#038; !isNumeric_CI(document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_numeric_names[i]].value)) { document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_numeric_names[i]].style.backgroundColor=\"yellow\"; message = message + val_numeric_desc[i] + \" must be numeric nr\"; } }         if (message.length > 1) { alert(message); return false; } else { document.CI_subscribeForm.submit(); } } var userLang = (navigator.language) ? navigator.language : navigator.userLanguage; userLang = userLang.substr(0,2); userLang = userLang.toUpperCase(); function checkLanguageSetting(){ var confirmation_text_language = \"\"; var default_confirmation_text = \"I agree that the above information is correct\"; var submitConfirmHTML = form_label_language = list_label_language =''; var default_btn_text = \"Subscribe!\"; console.log(userLang); if(userLang == 'FR'){ confirmation_text_language = \"\"; form_label_language = \"Vous pouvez vous abonner \u00e0 notre liste d'envoi en remplissant le formulaire ci-dessous et cliquez sur \"Abonnez-vous\" bouton.\"; list_label_language = \"S'il vous pla\u00eet s\u00e9lectionner vos listes d'int\u00e9r\u00eat\"; btn_text_language = \"Abonnez-vous\"; } else if(userLang == 'DU'){ confirmation_text_language = \"\"; form_label_language = \"Sie k\u00f6nnen auf unsere Mailingliste, indem Sie das folgende Formular aus und klicken Sie auf die Schaltfl\u00e4che \"Abonnieren\" abonnieren.\"; list_label_language = \"Bitte wahlen Sie Ihre Listen von Interesse\"; btn_text_language = \"Abonnieren\"; } else if(userLang == 'ES'){ confirmation_text_language = \"\"; form_label_language = \"Usted puede suscribirse a nuestra lista de correo rellenando el siguiente formulario y haga clic en el bot\u00f3n \"Suscribirse\".\"; list_label_language = \"Por favor, seleccione las listas de inter\u00e9s\"; btn_text_language = \"Suscribirse\"; } else if(userLang == 'IT'){ confirmation_text_language = \"\"; form_label_language = \"\u00c8 possibile iscriversi alla nostra mailing list compilando il modulo qui sotto e cliccando sul tasto \"Iscriviti\".\"; list_label_language = \"Si prega di selezionare le vostre liste di interesse\"; btn_text_language = \"Iscriviti\"; } else { confirmation_text_language = \"\"; form_label_language = \"\"; list_label_language = \"\"; btn_text_language = \"Subscribe\"; } var l_html_div = document.createElement(\"div\"); l_html_div.innerText = l_html_div.textContent = confirmation_text_language; confirmation_text_language = l_html_div.innerHTML; formLabelHTML = form_label_language; document.getElementById('form_label_display').innerHTML = formLabelHTML; if (btn_text_language == ''){ btn_text_language = default_btn_text; } document.getElementById('CI_submit').value = btn_text_language; submitConfirmHTML = '<input onClick=\"agreesubmit_CI(this)\" type=\"checkbox\" name=\"submit_confirmation\" id=\"submit_confirmation\" value=\"submit_confirmation\">\u00a0'+confirmation_text_language+''; } window.onload=function() { checkLanguageSetting(); }<\/script> <\/p>\n<form action=\"https:\/\/portal.criticalimpact.com\/wc\/wc_verify.cfm\" name=\"CI_subscribeForm\" id=\"CI_subscribeForm\" method=\"post\"> <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"CI_thankyou\" value=\"https:\/\/thepoliticalinsider.com\/thank-you\/\"> <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"CI_thankyou2\" value=\"https:\/\/thepoliticalinsider.com\/thank-you-valued-reader\/\"> <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"CI_err\" value=\"https:\/\/portal.criticalimpact.com\/wc\/error.cfm\"> <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"CI_Action\" value=\"sub\"> <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"CI_LID\" value=\"2623023534\"> <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"CI_MID\" value=\"177842933\"> <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"CI_FID2\" value=\"1000K2I000000000BOV\"> <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"CI_triggeredid\" value=\"1016401083\"> <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"CI_custom17\" value=\"04\/02\/2023 11:24:22\"> <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"CI_custom14\" value=\"Newsletter-Signup-In-Article\"> <\/p>\n<p id=\"form_label_display\">\n<p> <input type=\"text\" name=\"CI_email\" maxlength=\"150\" placeholder=\"Enter Email\">  <input id=\"CI_submit\" name=\"CI_submit\" type=\"button\" value=\"Subscribe\" onclick=\"checkForm_CI();\" disabled=\"\"> <\/p>\n<div class=\"g-recaptcha\" data-sitekey=\"6LcNcgsUAAAAAJrF307H_oCEzYub8hkGI5sWVxOB\" data-callback=\"ciEnableSubmitButton\" align=\"center\" style=\"width: 100% !important; display: inline-block !important; margin: 15px 0 0 0 !important; text-align: left !important;\">\n<div style=\"width: 304px; height: 78px;\">\n<div><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"reCAPTCHA\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/recaptcha\/api2\/anchor?ar=1&#038;k=6LcNcgsUAAAAAJrF307H_oCEzYub8hkGI5sWVxOB&#038;co=aHR0cHM6Ly90aGVwb2xpdGljYWxpbnNpZGVyLmNvbTo0NDM.&#038;hl=en&#038;v=NZrMWHVy58-S9gVvad9HVGxk&#038;size=normal&#038;cb=toq68jbu7wlj\" width=\"304\" height=\"78\" role=\"presentation\" name=\"a-drtwid4gf3r4\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" sandbox=\"allow-forms allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-top-navigation allow-modals allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><textarea id=\"g-recaptcha-response\" name=\"g-recaptcha-response\" class=\"g-recaptcha-response\" style=\"width: 250px; height: 40px; border: 1px solid rgb(193, 193, 193); margin: 10px 25px; padding: 0px; resize: none; display: none;\"><\/textarea><\/div>\n<\/div><\/form>\n<p> <script>function my_getParamVal(param)  \"\"; return val[1]  if (document.forms.CI_subscribeForm !== undefined && document.forms.CI_subscribeForm.CI_email !== undefined ) { var t_email = my_getParamVal('myemail'); if (t_email !== undefined && typeof t_email === 'string' && t_email.length > 5) { document.forms.CI_subscribeForm.CI_email.value = t_email; } }<\/script> <\/div>\n<div class=\"terms-privacy\"><span>By subscribing, you agree to receive emails from ThePoliticalInsider.com and that you&#8217;ve read and agree to our <a href=\"http:\/\/bonginoreport.com\/privacy-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">privacy policy<\/a> and to our <a href=\"http:\/\/bonginoreport.com\/terms-conditions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">terms and conditions<\/a>. You further agree that the use of reCAPTCHA is subject to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/policies\/privacy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Privacy<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/policies\/terms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Terms of Use<\/a>.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"img default\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"content_2_btf_wrapper\" class=\"adunitwrapper content_btf_wrapper mv-size-undefinedxundefined\" data-wrapper=\"content_2_btf\" data-nosnippet=\"\">\n<div id=\"content_2_btf\" class=\"content_btf adunit\">           <\/div>\n<p>         <mv-ad-reporter data-slot-id=\"content_2_btf\" data-offering=\"1\" data-offering-name=\"mediavine\" style=\"display: block;\"><\/mv-ad-reporter><\/div>\n<p><script async=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Following a two-year investigation, Edwards was indicted by a federal grand jury in North Carolina on six felony charges stemming from efforts to conceal the affair by using campaign contributions.<\/p>\n<p>He was accused by the Justice Department of funneling nearly <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2012\/apr\/24\/john-edwards-campaign-funds-trial\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">$1 million in donations<\/a> to his pregnant mistress.<\/p>\n<p data-slot-rendered-content=\"true\">Edwards was acquitted on one campaign finance violation charge while the others resulted in mistrials. The DOJ would later drop the charges and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/politics\/john-edwards-will-not-be-retried-justice-department-announces\/2012\/06\/13\/gJQAfbeiaV_story.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">decline to pursue<\/a> a retrial.<\/p>\n<div id=\"content_3_btf_wrapper\" class=\"adunitwrapper content_btf_wrapper mv-size-undefinedxundefined\" data-wrapper=\"content_3_btf\" data-nosnippet=\"\">\n<div id=\"content_3_btf\" class=\"content_btf adunit\">           <\/div>\n<p>         <mv-ad-reporter data-slot-id=\"content_3_btf\" data-offering=\"1\" data-offering-name=\"mediavine\" style=\"display: block;\"><\/mv-ad-reporter><\/div>\n<p>Interestingly, this case parallels Trump in some manner, but it might also provide the GOP frontrunner a defense.<\/p>\n<p>Edwards successfully argued that the payments to persuade someone alleging an affair to go away amount to private transactions. The idea was that the gifts were given to keep the scandal quiet, and would have taken place if he were running for President or not.<\/p>\n<p>His defense team submitted that Edwards\u2019 actions were <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2012\/jun\/01\/john-edwards-campaign-fraud-case\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a wrong but not a crime<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered\" style=\"display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;\"><iframe id=\"twitter-widget-1\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" allowtransparency=\"true\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" class=\"\" style=\"position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 321px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;\" title=\"Twitter Tweet\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/embed\/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=rustyweiss74&#038;dnt=false&#038;embedId=twitter-widget-1&#038;features=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%3D&#038;frame=false&#038;hideCard=false&#038;hideThread=false&#038;id=1641779678116495360&#038;lang=en&#038;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fthepoliticalinsider.com%2Fflashback-presidential-candidate-john-edwards-acquitted-on-campaign-finance-charge-hillary-clinton-only-paid-fine-for-violation%2F&#038;sessionId=97ccdb9c19bfd2b5059f4af342654f684c0f6f72&#038;theme=light&#038;widgetsVersion=aaf4084522e3a%3A1674595607486&#038;width=550px\" data-tweet-id=\"1641779678116495360\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p data-slot-rendered-content=\"true\"><script async=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<div id=\"content_4_btf_wrapper\" class=\"adunitwrapper content_btf_wrapper mv-size-undefinedxundefined\" data-wrapper=\"content_4_btf\" data-nosnippet=\"\">\n<div id=\"content_4_btf\" class=\"content_btf adunit\">           <\/div>\n<p>         <mv-ad-reporter data-slot-id=\"content_4_btf\" data-offering=\"1\" data-offering-name=\"mediavine\" style=\"display: block;\"><\/mv-ad-reporter><\/div>\n<p><strong>RELATED: <a href=\"https:\/\/thepoliticalinsider.com\/desantis-forcefully-condemns-un-american-trump-indictment-says-florida-will-refuse-to-cooperate-in-extradition\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DeSantis Forcefully Condemns \u2018Un-American\u2019 Trump Indictment, Says Florida Will Refuse to Cooperate in Extradition<\/a><br \/> <\/strong><\/p>\n<h3>Hillary Clinton Paid Fine For Campaign Finance Violation, Was Never Indicted<\/h3>\n<p>In more recent events, but perhaps a less apples-to-oranges comparison, former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton\u2019s 2016 campaign and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) were fined thousands of dollars over undisclosed campaign payments for the infamous \u201cSteele dossier.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-slot-rendered-content=\"true\">The DNC was ordered to pay $105,000 by the Federal Election Commission while Clinton\u2019s campaign was fined $8,000\u00a0for failing to properly disclose spending on the controversial dossier.<\/p>\n<div id=\"content_5_btf_wrapper\" class=\"adunitwrapper content_btf_wrapper mv-size-undefinedxundefined\" data-wrapper=\"content_5_btf\" data-nosnippet=\"\">\n<div id=\"content_5_btf\" class=\"content_btf adunit\">           <\/div>\n<p>         <mv-ad-reporter data-slot-id=\"content_5_btf\" data-offering=\"1\" data-offering-name=\"mediavine\" style=\"display: block;\"><\/mv-ad-reporter><\/div>\n<div class=\"twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered\" style=\"display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;\"><iframe id=\"twitter-widget-2\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" allowtransparency=\"true\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" class=\"\" style=\"position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 624px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;\" title=\"Twitter Tweet\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/embed\/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=rustyweiss74&#038;dnt=false&#038;embedId=twitter-widget-2&#038;features=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%3D&#038;frame=false&#038;hideCard=false&#038;hideThread=false&#038;id=1641591014329823232&#038;lang=en&#038;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fthepoliticalinsider.com%2Fflashback-presidential-candidate-john-edwards-acquitted-on-campaign-finance-charge-hillary-clinton-only-paid-fine-for-violation%2F&#038;sessionId=97ccdb9c19bfd2b5059f4af342654f684c0f6f72&#038;theme=light&#038;widgetsVersion=aaf4084522e3a%3A1674595607486&#038;width=550px\" data-tweet-id=\"1641591014329823232\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><script async=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>The DNC and Hillary\u2019s campaign reportedly misled on the reasoning behind financing the dossier, \u201cclaiming it was for legal services, not opposition research.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Neither the campaign nor the party conceded to any wrongdoing but agreed to pay the fines as a means to settle the situation.<\/p>\n<p data-slot-rendered-content=\"true\">Which is interesting if you think about it. Clinton was able to \u201csettle\u201d her campaign finance situation \u2013 in which she paid a foreign spy to try to defeat her political rival \u2013 without drawing a grand jury indictment.<\/p>\n<div id=\"content_6_btf_wrapper\" class=\"adunitwrapper content_btf_wrapper mv-size-undefinedxundefined\" data-wrapper=\"content_6_btf\" data-nosnippet=\"\">\n<div id=\"content_6_btf\" class=\"content_btf adunit\">           <\/div>\n<p>         <mv-ad-reporter data-slot-id=\"content_6_btf\" data-offering=\"1\" data-offering-name=\"mediavine\" style=\"display: block;\"><\/mv-ad-reporter><\/div>\n<p>Edwards\u2019 team was reportedly part of \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/John_Edwards_extramarital_affair\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">intensive negotiations<\/a>\u201d for <a href=\"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20121002221904\/http:\/\/www.newsobserver.com\/2011\/06\/05\/1249318\/plea-falls-over-prison-deal.html#ixzz1OV1uTYvm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a plea bargain<\/a> before things fell apart, leading to his indictment.<\/p>\n<p>Was Trump ever offered a plea deal prior to the grand jury vote, or the ability to \u201csettle\u201d his alleged campaign finance violations?<\/p>\n<p>Trump\u2019s lawyer indicates that there is zero chance the former President will accept any kind of plea deal at this point.<\/p>\n<div class=\"twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered\" style=\"display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;\"><iframe id=\"twitter-widget-3\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" allowtransparency=\"true\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" class=\"\" style=\"position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 600px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;\" title=\"Twitter Tweet\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/embed\/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=rustyweiss74&#038;dnt=false&#038;embedId=twitter-widget-3&#038;features=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%3D&#038;frame=false&#038;hideCard=false&#038;hideThread=false&#038;id=1641801612749336579&#038;lang=en&#038;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fthepoliticalinsider.com%2Fflashback-presidential-candidate-john-edwards-acquitted-on-campaign-finance-charge-hillary-clinton-only-paid-fine-for-violation%2F&#038;sessionId=97ccdb9c19bfd2b5059f4af342654f684c0f6f72&#038;theme=light&#038;widgetsVersion=aaf4084522e3a%3A1674595607486&#038;width=550px\" data-tweet-id=\"1641801612749336579\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p data-slot-rendered-content=\"true\"><script async=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<div id=\"content_7_btf_wrapper\" class=\"adunitwrapper content_btf_wrapper mv-size-undefinedxundefined\" data-wrapper=\"content_7_btf\" data-nosnippet=\"\">\n<div id=\"content_7_btf\" class=\"content_btf adunit\">           <\/div>\n<p>         <mv-ad-reporter data-slot-id=\"content_7_btf\" data-offering=\"1\" data-offering-name=\"mediavine\" style=\"display: block;\"><\/mv-ad-reporter><\/div>\n<p>Trump\u2019s defense attorney, in an\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/politics\/donald-trump\/live-blog\/live-updates-manhattan-grand-jury-indicted-donald-trump-rcna75172\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">interview<\/a> on NBC News, said he \u201cwill not take a plea deal on this case.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s not gonna happen,\u201d he said. \u201cThere\u2019s no crime.\u201d<\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"margin: 0; padding: 10px; color: #b51509; font-size: 20px; line-height: 120%; text-align: center;\"><strong>Now is the time to support and share the sources you trust.<\/strong><br \/> The Political Insider ranks #3 on <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.feedspot.com\/political_blogs\/\">Feedspot\u2019s<\/a> \u201c100 Best Political Blogs and Websites.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"read-also\">\n<p><span class=\"rtn-this\">Read this Next<\/span> <span class=\"rtn-on\">on<\/span> <span class=\"rtn-tpi\">ThePoliticalInsider.com<\/span><\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/thepoliticalinsider.com\/unbelievable-poll-shows-american-values-are-dying-and-fast\/\" rel=\"prev\">Unbelievable Poll Shows American Values Are Dying, and Fast<\/a> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"text\">\n<h4>Support Conservative Voices!<\/h4>\n<h5><strong>Sign up to receive the latest<\/strong> political news, insight, and commentary delivered directly to your inbox.<\/h5>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"text font-default font-size-med\">\n<p>Rusty Weiss is a freelance writer focusing on the conservative movement and its political agenda. He has been following and analyzing the political climate for several years, and his writings have appeared in the Daily Caller, FoxNews.com and more.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"text font-default font-size-med\">\n<div class=\"title-wrap large\">\n<div class=\"icon\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"title\">Leave a Comment<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"comment-policy\">\n<p><strong>COMMENTS POLICY:<\/strong> We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"text\">\n<h4><strong>Support Conservative Media<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Don&#8217;t let liberals in media silence conservatives. <br \/>Please donate what you can today!<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"text\">\n<h2 class=\"title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thepoliticalinsider.com\/woke-disney-catches-desantis-napping-by-stripping-powers-from-florida-governors-appointed-board-members\/?utm_source=right-rail-trending\">Woke Disney Catches DeSantis Napping By Stripping Powers From Florida Governor\u2019s Appointed Board Members<\/a><\/h2>\n<div class=\"meta-data\"><span class=\"date\"><time class=\"date\" datetime=\"2023-03-30\">3 days ago<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"text\">\n<h2 class=\"title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thepoliticalinsider.com\/watch-did-protesters-just-honor-transgender-school-shooter-during-tennessee-capitol-protest\/?utm_source=right-rail-trending\">WATCH: Did Protesters Just Honor Transgender School Shooter During Tennessee Capitol Protest?<\/a><\/h2>\n<div class=\"meta-data\"><span class=\"date\"><time class=\"date\" datetime=\"2023-03-31\">2 days ago<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"text\">\n<h2 class=\"title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thepoliticalinsider.com\/far-left-democrats-meltdown-over-parental-rights-and-child-protections-in-schools-likening-it-to-fascism\/?utm_source=right-rail-trending\">Far-Left Democrats Meltdown Over Parental Rights and Child Protections in Schools, Likening It to \u2018Fascism\u2019<\/a><\/h2>\n<div class=\"meta-data\"><span class=\"date\"><time class=\"date\" datetime=\"2023-03-30\">3 days ago<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"text article-body font-default font-size-med\" data-content-ads-inserted=\"true\">\n<p>By now our readers have certainly been made aware of the patently political indictment issued against former President Donald Trump.<\/p>\n<p>Trump is now the first former President to be indicted after a Manhattan grand jury investigating the circumstances around hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels voted to do so.<\/p>\n<p>He also just so happens to be the leading Republican candidate for President.<\/p>\n<p>This biased prosecution is historic in nature, making it difficult to compare and analyze.<\/p>\n<p>But two incidents involving former presidential candidates might shed some light and, as you\u2019ll see, as Democrats they were treated a little bit differently.<\/p>\n<h3>John Edwards Acquitted on Campaign Finance Violation<\/h3>\n<p data-slot-rendered-content=\"true\">John Edwards was a frontrunner at one point during the <a href=\"https:\/\/thepoliticalinsider.com\/cnn-staged-event\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2008 Democrat primary<\/a>. He would finish second in the Iowa Caucuses that year to then-Senator Barack Obama, and ahead of Hillary Clinton.<\/p>\n<div id=\"content_btf_wrapper\" class=\"adunitwrapper content_btf_wrapper mv-size-undefinedxundefined\" data-wrapper=\"content_btf\" data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"display: none;\">\n<div id=\"content_btf\" class=\"content_btf adunit\" data-google-query-id=\"CNXrmfPEi_4CFUzrswody9YH2g\" style=\"display: none;\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/1030006,82057636\/thepoliticalinsider\/content_0__container__\" style=\"border: 0pt none; width: 300px; height: 0px;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>         <mv-ad-reporter data-slot-id=\"content_btf\" data-offering=\"1\" data-offering-name=\"mediavine\" style=\"display: block;\"><\/mv-ad-reporter><\/div>\n<p>He was on a short list of possible candidates to be selected as Vice President on Obama\u2019s campaign.<\/p>\n<p>It all came tumbling down for Edwards when his campaign was eventually derailed by <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/John_Edwards_extramarital_affair\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">extramarital affair allegations<\/a> involving actress Rielle Hunter. An affair he would eventually admit to and which had yielded a child.<\/p>\n<p>Edwards\u2019 affair with Hunter took place while his wife Elizabeth was battling cancer.<\/p>\n<div class=\"twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered\" style=\"display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;\"><iframe id=\"twitter-widget-0\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" allowtransparency=\"true\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" class=\"\" style=\"position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 369px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;\" title=\"Twitter Tweet\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/embed\/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=rustyweiss74&#038;dnt=false&#038;embedId=twitter-widget-0&#038;features=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%3D&#038;frame=false&#038;hideCard=false&#038;hideThread=false&#038;id=1641774328931909633&#038;lang=en&#038;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fthepoliticalinsider.com%2Fflashback-presidential-candidate-john-edwards-acquitted-on-campaign-finance-charge-hillary-clinton-only-paid-fine-for-violation%2F&#038;sessionId=97ccdb9c19bfd2b5059f4af342654f684c0f6f72&#038;theme=light&#038;widgetsVersion=aaf4084522e3a%3A1674595607486&#038;width=550px\" data-tweet-id=\"1641774328931909633\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<div id=\"subscribe\" class=\"email-signup inarticle\" data-slot-rendered-content=\"true\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<h4>Support Conservative Voices!<\/h4>\n<h5><strong>Sign up to receive the latest<\/strong> political news, insight, and commentary delivered directly to your inbox.<\/h5>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"enews\"> <script src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/recaptcha\/api.js\"><\/script> <script>var l_submit_confirmation_status = true; var l_recaptcha_status = false; function ciEnableSubmitButton(code) { if(code != '') { l_recaptcha_status = true; if (l_submit_confirmation_status && l_recaptcha_status) { document.getElementById('CI_submit').removeAttribute('disabled'); } } }<\/script> <script>var rfnames=new Array(\"CI_email\"); var rfdesc=new Array(\"Email Address\"); var val_email_names=new Array(\"CI_email\"); var val_email_desc=new Array(\"Email Address\"); var val_phone_names=new Array(); var val_phone_desc=new Array(); var val_zipcode_names=new Array(); var val_zipcode_desc=new Array(); var val_numeric_names=new Array(); var val_numeric_desc=new Array(); var whitespace_CI = \" tnr\"; function isValidEmail_CI(s) { if (isEmpty_CI(s)) return false; if (isWhitespace_CI(s)) return false; var i = 1; var sLength = s.length; while ((i < sLength) &#038;&#038; (s.charAt(i) != \"@\")) { i++ } if ((i >= sLength) || (s.charAt(i) != \"@\")) return false; else i += 2; while ((i < sLength) &#038;&#038; (s.charAt(i) != \".\")) { i++ } if ((i >= sLength - 1) || (s.charAt(i) != \".\")) return false; else return true; } function isValidPhone_CI(s) { if (isEmpty_CI(s)) return false; if (isWhitespace_CI(s)) return false; var regexObj = \/^(?([0-9]{3}))?[-. ]?([0-9]{3})[-. ]?([0-9]{4})$\/; if (regexObj.test(s)) { return true; } else { return false; } } function isValidZipCode_CI(s) { if (isEmpty_CI(s)) return false; if (isWhitespace_CI(s)) return false; var regexObj = \/(^d{5}$)|(^d{5}-d{4}$)\/; if (regexObj.test(s)) { return true; } else { return false; } } function isNumeric_CI(s) { if (isEmpty_CI(s)) return false; if (isWhitespace_CI(s)) return false; return !isNaN(parseFloat(s)) && isFinite(s); } function isEmpty_CI(s)  function isWhitespace_CI(s) { var i; if (isEmpty_CI(s)) return true; for (i = 0; i < s.length; i++) { var c = s.charAt(i); if (whitespace_CI.indexOf(c) == -1) return false; } return true; } function checkForm_CI() { var message = \"\"; for(var i=0; i<rfnames.length; i++) { if (document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[rfnames[i]].value == \"\") { document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[rfnames[i]].style.backgroundColor=\"yellow\"; message = message + rfdesc[i] + \" is required nr\"; } } for(var i=0; i<val_email_names.length; i++) { if (document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_email_names[i]].value != \"\" &#038;&#038; !isValidEmail_CI(document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_email_names[i]].value)) { document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_email_names[i]].style.backgroundColor=\"yellow\"; message = message + val_email_desc[i] + \" must be a valid email address. (yourname@domain.com)nr\" ; } } for(var i=0; i<val_phone_names.length; i++) { if (document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_phone_names[i]].value != \"\" &#038;&#038; !isValidPhone_CI(document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_phone_names[i]].value)) { document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_phone_names[i]].style.backgroundColor=\"yellow\"; message = message + val_phone_desc[i] + \" must be a valid phone number nr\"; } } for(var i=0; i<val_zipcode_names.length; i++) { if (document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_zipcode_names[i]].value != \"\" &#038;&#038; !isValidZipCode_CI(document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_zipcode_names[i]].value)) { document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_zipcode_names[i]].style.backgroundColor=\"yellow\"; message = message + val_zipcode_desc[i] + \" must be a valid zipcode nr\"; } } for(var i=0; i<val_numeric_names.length; i++) { if (document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_numeric_names[i]].value != \"\" &#038;&#038; !isNumeric_CI(document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_numeric_names[i]].value)) { document.CI_subscribeForm.elements[val_numeric_names[i]].style.backgroundColor=\"yellow\"; message = message + val_numeric_desc[i] + \" must be numeric nr\"; } }         if (message.length > 1) { alert(message); return false; } else { document.CI_subscribeForm.submit(); } } var userLang = (navigator.language) ? navigator.language : navigator.userLanguage; userLang = userLang.substr(0,2); userLang = userLang.toUpperCase(); function checkLanguageSetting(){ var confirmation_text_language = \"\"; var default_confirmation_text = \"I agree that the above information is correct\"; var submitConfirmHTML = form_label_language = list_label_language =''; var default_btn_text = \"Subscribe!\"; console.log(userLang); if(userLang == 'FR'){ confirmation_text_language = \"\"; form_label_language = \"Vous pouvez vous abonner \u00e0 notre liste d'envoi en remplissant le formulaire ci-dessous et cliquez sur \"Abonnez-vous\" bouton.\"; list_label_language = \"S'il vous pla\u00eet s\u00e9lectionner vos listes d'int\u00e9r\u00eat\"; btn_text_language = \"Abonnez-vous\"; } else if(userLang == 'DU'){ confirmation_text_language = \"\"; form_label_language = \"Sie k\u00f6nnen auf unsere Mailingliste, indem Sie das folgende Formular aus und klicken Sie auf die Schaltfl\u00e4che \"Abonnieren\" abonnieren.\"; list_label_language = \"Bitte wahlen Sie Ihre Listen von Interesse\"; btn_text_language = \"Abonnieren\"; } else if(userLang == 'ES'){ confirmation_text_language = \"\"; form_label_language = \"Usted puede suscribirse a nuestra lista de correo rellenando el siguiente formulario y haga clic en el bot\u00f3n \"Suscribirse\".\"; list_label_language = \"Por favor, seleccione las listas de inter\u00e9s\"; btn_text_language = \"Suscribirse\"; } else if(userLang == 'IT'){ confirmation_text_language = \"\"; form_label_language = \"\u00c8 possibile iscriversi alla nostra mailing list compilando il modulo qui sotto e cliccando sul tasto \"Iscriviti\".\"; list_label_language = \"Si prega di selezionare le vostre liste di interesse\"; btn_text_language = \"Iscriviti\"; } else { confirmation_text_language = \"\"; form_label_language = \"\"; list_label_language = \"\"; btn_text_language = \"Subscribe\"; } var l_html_div = document.createElement(\"div\"); l_html_div.innerText = l_html_div.textContent = confirmation_text_language; confirmation_text_language = l_html_div.innerHTML; formLabelHTML = form_label_language; document.getElementById('form_label_display').innerHTML = formLabelHTML; if (btn_text_language == ''){ btn_text_language = default_btn_text; } document.getElementById('CI_submit').value = btn_text_language; submitConfirmHTML = '<input onClick=\"agreesubmit_CI(this)\" type=\"checkbox\" name=\"submit_confirmation\" id=\"submit_confirmation\" value=\"submit_confirmation\">\u00a0'+confirmation_text_language+''; } window.onload=function() { checkLanguageSetting(); }<\/script> <\/p>\n<form action=\"https:\/\/portal.criticalimpact.com\/wc\/wc_verify.cfm\" name=\"CI_subscribeForm\" id=\"CI_subscribeForm\" method=\"post\"> <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"CI_thankyou\" value=\"https:\/\/thepoliticalinsider.com\/thank-you\/\"> <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"CI_thankyou2\" value=\"https:\/\/thepoliticalinsider.com\/thank-you-valued-reader\/\"> <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"CI_err\" value=\"https:\/\/portal.criticalimpact.com\/wc\/error.cfm\"> <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"CI_Action\" value=\"sub\"> <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"CI_LID\" value=\"2623023534\"> <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"CI_MID\" value=\"177842933\"> <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"CI_FID2\" value=\"1000K2I000000000BOV\"> <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"CI_triggeredid\" value=\"1016401083\"> <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"CI_custom17\" value=\"04\/02\/2023 11:24:22\"> <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"CI_custom14\" value=\"Newsletter-Signup-In-Article\"> <\/p>\n<p id=\"form_label_display\">\n<p> <input type=\"text\" name=\"CI_email\" maxlength=\"150\" placeholder=\"Enter Email\">  <input id=\"CI_submit\" name=\"CI_submit\" type=\"button\" value=\"Subscribe\" onclick=\"checkForm_CI();\" disabled=\"\"> <\/p>\n<div class=\"g-recaptcha\" data-sitekey=\"6LcNcgsUAAAAAJrF307H_oCEzYub8hkGI5sWVxOB\" data-callback=\"ciEnableSubmitButton\" align=\"center\" style=\"width: 100% !important; display: inline-block !important; margin: 15px 0 0 0 !important; text-align: left !important;\">\n<div style=\"width: 304px; height: 78px;\">\n<div><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"reCAPTCHA\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/recaptcha\/api2\/anchor?ar=1&#038;k=6LcNcgsUAAAAAJrF307H_oCEzYub8hkGI5sWVxOB&#038;co=aHR0cHM6Ly90aGVwb2xpdGljYWxpbnNpZGVyLmNvbTo0NDM.&#038;hl=en&#038;v=NZrMWHVy58-S9gVvad9HVGxk&#038;size=normal&#038;cb=toq68jbu7wlj\" width=\"304\" height=\"78\" role=\"presentation\" name=\"a-drtwid4gf3r4\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" sandbox=\"allow-forms allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-top-navigation allow-modals allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><textarea id=\"g-recaptcha-response\" name=\"g-recaptcha-response\" class=\"g-recaptcha-response\" style=\"width: 250px; height: 40px; border: 1px solid rgb(193, 193, 193); margin: 10px 25px; padding: 0px; resize: none; display: none;\"><\/textarea><\/div>\n<\/div><\/form>\n<p> <script>function my_getParamVal(param)  \"\"; return val[1]  if (document.forms.CI_subscribeForm !== undefined && document.forms.CI_subscribeForm.CI_email !== undefined ) { var t_email = my_getParamVal('myemail'); if (t_email !== undefined && typeof t_email === 'string' && t_email.length > 5) { document.forms.CI_subscribeForm.CI_email.value = t_email; } }<\/script> <\/div>\n<div class=\"terms-privacy\"><span>By subscribing, you agree to receive emails from ThePoliticalInsider.com and that you&#8217;ve read and agree to our <a href=\"http:\/\/bonginoreport.com\/privacy-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">privacy policy<\/a> and to our <a href=\"http:\/\/bonginoreport.com\/terms-conditions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">terms and conditions<\/a>. You further agree that the use of reCAPTCHA is subject to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/policies\/privacy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Privacy<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/policies\/terms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Terms of Use<\/a>.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"img default\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"content_2_btf_wrapper\" class=\"adunitwrapper content_btf_wrapper mv-size-undefinedxundefined\" data-wrapper=\"content_2_btf\" data-nosnippet=\"\">\n<div id=\"content_2_btf\" class=\"content_btf adunit\">           <\/div>\n<p>         <mv-ad-reporter data-slot-id=\"content_2_btf\" data-offering=\"1\" data-offering-name=\"mediavine\" style=\"display: block;\"><\/mv-ad-reporter><\/div>\n<p><script async=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Following a two-year investigation, Edwards was indicted by a federal grand jury in North Carolina on six felony charges stemming from efforts to conceal the affair by using campaign contributions.<\/p>\n<p>He was accused by the Justice Department of funneling nearly <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2012\/apr\/24\/john-edwards-campaign-funds-trial\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">$1 million in donations<\/a> to his pregnant mistress.<\/p>\n<p data-slot-rendered-content=\"true\">Edwards was acquitted on one campaign finance violation charge while the others resulted in mistrials. The DOJ would later drop the charges and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/politics\/john-edwards-will-not-be-retried-justice-department-announces\/2012\/06\/13\/gJQAfbeiaV_story.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">decline to pursue<\/a> a retrial.<\/p>\n<div id=\"content_3_btf_wrapper\" class=\"adunitwrapper content_btf_wrapper mv-size-undefinedxundefined\" data-wrapper=\"content_3_btf\" data-nosnippet=\"\">\n<div id=\"content_3_btf\" class=\"content_btf adunit\">           <\/div>\n<p>         <mv-ad-reporter data-slot-id=\"content_3_btf\" data-offering=\"1\" data-offering-name=\"mediavine\" style=\"display: block;\"><\/mv-ad-reporter><\/div>\n<p>Interestingly, this case parallels Trump in some manner, but it might also provide the GOP frontrunner a defense.<\/p>\n<p>Edwards successfully argued that the payments to persuade someone alleging an affair to go away amount to private transactions. The idea was that the gifts were given to keep the scandal quiet, and would have taken place if he were running for President or not.<\/p>\n<p>His defense team submitted that Edwards\u2019 actions were <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2012\/jun\/01\/john-edwards-campaign-fraud-case\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a wrong but not a crime<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered\" style=\"display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;\"><iframe id=\"twitter-widget-1\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" allowtransparency=\"true\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" class=\"\" style=\"position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 321px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;\" title=\"Twitter Tweet\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/embed\/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=rustyweiss74&#038;dnt=false&#038;embedId=twitter-widget-1&#038;features=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%3D&#038;frame=false&#038;hideCard=false&#038;hideThread=false&#038;id=1641779678116495360&#038;lang=en&#038;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fthepoliticalinsider.com%2Fflashback-presidential-candidate-john-edwards-acquitted-on-campaign-finance-charge-hillary-clinton-only-paid-fine-for-violation%2F&#038;sessionId=97ccdb9c19bfd2b5059f4af342654f684c0f6f72&#038;theme=light&#038;widgetsVersion=aaf4084522e3a%3A1674595607486&#038;width=550px\" data-tweet-id=\"1641779678116495360\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p data-slot-rendered-content=\"true\"><script async=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<div id=\"content_4_btf_wrapper\" class=\"adunitwrapper content_btf_wrapper mv-size-undefinedxundefined\" data-wrapper=\"content_4_btf\" data-nosnippet=\"\">\n<div id=\"content_4_btf\" class=\"content_btf adunit\">           <\/div>\n<p>         <mv-ad-reporter data-slot-id=\"content_4_btf\" data-offering=\"1\" data-offering-name=\"mediavine\" style=\"display: block;\"><\/mv-ad-reporter><\/div>\n<p><strong>RELATED: <a href=\"https:\/\/thepoliticalinsider.com\/desantis-forcefully-condemns-un-american-trump-indictment-says-florida-will-refuse-to-cooperate-in-extradition\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DeSantis Forcefully Condemns \u2018Un-American\u2019 Trump Indictment, Says Florida Will Refuse to Cooperate in Extradition<\/a><br \/> <\/strong><\/p>\n<h3>Hillary Clinton Paid Fine For Campaign Finance Violation, Was Never Indicted<\/h3>\n<p>In more recent events, but perhaps a less apples-to-oranges comparison, former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton\u2019s 2016 campaign and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) were fined thousands of dollars over undisclosed campaign payments for the infamous \u201cSteele dossier.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-slot-rendered-content=\"true\">The DNC was ordered to pay $105,000 by the Federal Election Commission while Clinton\u2019s campaign was fined $8,000\u00a0for failing to properly disclose spending on the controversial dossier.<\/p>\n<div id=\"content_5_btf_wrapper\" class=\"adunitwrapper content_btf_wrapper mv-size-undefinedxundefined\" data-wrapper=\"content_5_btf\" data-nosnippet=\"\">\n<div id=\"content_5_btf\" class=\"content_btf adunit\">           <\/div>\n<p>         <mv-ad-reporter data-slot-id=\"content_5_btf\" data-offering=\"1\" data-offering-name=\"mediavine\" style=\"display: block;\"><\/mv-ad-reporter><\/div>\n<div class=\"twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered\" style=\"display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;\"><iframe id=\"twitter-widget-2\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" allowtransparency=\"true\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" class=\"\" style=\"position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 624px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;\" title=\"Twitter Tweet\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/embed\/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=rustyweiss74&#038;dnt=false&#038;embedId=twitter-widget-2&#038;features=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%3D&#038;frame=false&#038;hideCard=false&#038;hideThread=false&#038;id=1641591014329823232&#038;lang=en&#038;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fthepoliticalinsider.com%2Fflashback-presidential-candidate-john-edwards-acquitted-on-campaign-finance-charge-hillary-clinton-only-paid-fine-for-violation%2F&#038;sessionId=97ccdb9c19bfd2b5059f4af342654f684c0f6f72&#038;theme=light&#038;widgetsVersion=aaf4084522e3a%3A1674595607486&#038;width=550px\" data-tweet-id=\"1641591014329823232\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><script async=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>The DNC and Hillary\u2019s campaign reportedly misled on the reasoning behind financing the dossier, \u201cclaiming it was for legal services, not opposition research.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Neither the campaign nor the party conceded to any wrongdoing but agreed to pay the fines as a means to settle the situation.<\/p>\n<p data-slot-rendered-content=\"true\">Which is interesting if you think about it. Clinton was able to \u201csettle\u201d her campaign finance situation \u2013 in which she paid a foreign spy to try to defeat her political rival \u2013 without drawing a grand jury indictment.<\/p>\n<div id=\"content_6_btf_wrapper\" class=\"adunitwrapper content_btf_wrapper mv-size-undefinedxundefined\" data-wrapper=\"content_6_btf\" data-nosnippet=\"\">\n<div id=\"content_6_btf\" class=\"content_btf adunit\">           <\/div>\n<p>         <mv-ad-reporter data-slot-id=\"content_6_btf\" data-offering=\"1\" data-offering-name=\"mediavine\" style=\"display: block;\"><\/mv-ad-reporter><\/div>\n<p>Edwards\u2019 team was reportedly part of \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/John_Edwards_extramarital_affair\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">intensive negotiations<\/a>\u201d for <a href=\"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20121002221904\/http:\/\/www.newsobserver.com\/2011\/06\/05\/1249318\/plea-falls-over-prison-deal.html#ixzz1OV1uTYvm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a plea bargain<\/a> before things fell apart, leading to his indictment.<\/p>\n<p>Was Trump ever offered a plea deal prior to the grand jury vote, or the ability to \u201csettle\u201d his alleged campaign finance violations?<\/p>\n<p>Trump\u2019s lawyer indicates that there is zero chance the former President will accept any kind of plea deal at this point.<\/p>\n<div class=\"twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered\" style=\"display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;\"><iframe id=\"twitter-widget-3\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" allowtransparency=\"true\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" class=\"\" style=\"position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 600px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;\" title=\"Twitter Tweet\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/embed\/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=rustyweiss74&#038;dnt=false&#038;embedId=twitter-widget-3&#038;features=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%3D&#038;frame=false&#038;hideCard=false&#038;hideThread=false&#038;id=1641801612749336579&#038;lang=en&#038;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fthepoliticalinsider.com%2Fflashback-presidential-candidate-john-edwards-acquitted-on-campaign-finance-charge-hillary-clinton-only-paid-fine-for-violation%2F&#038;sessionId=97ccdb9c19bfd2b5059f4af342654f684c0f6f72&#038;theme=light&#038;widgetsVersion=aaf4084522e3a%3A1674595607486&#038;width=550px\" data-tweet-id=\"1641801612749336579\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p data-slot-rendered-content=\"true\"><script async=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<div id=\"content_7_btf_wrapper\" class=\"adunitwrapper content_btf_wrapper mv-size-undefinedxundefined\" data-wrapper=\"content_7_btf\" data-nosnippet=\"\">\n<div id=\"content_7_btf\" class=\"content_btf adunit\">           <\/div>\n<p>         <mv-ad-reporter data-slot-id=\"content_7_btf\" data-offering=\"1\" data-offering-name=\"mediavine\" style=\"display: block;\"><\/mv-ad-reporter><\/div>\n<p>Trump\u2019s defense attorney, in an\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/politics\/donald-trump\/live-blog\/live-updates-manhattan-grand-jury-indicted-donald-trump-rcna75172\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">interview<\/a> on NBC News, said he \u201cwill not take a plea deal on this case.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s not gonna happen,\u201d he said. \u201cThere\u2019s no crime.\u201d<\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"margin: 0; padding: 10px; color: #b51509; font-size: 20px; line-height: 120%; text-align: center;\"><strong>Now is the time to support and share the sources you trust.<\/strong><br \/> The Political Insider ranks #3 on <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.feedspot.com\/political_blogs\/\">Feedspot\u2019s<\/a> \u201c100 Best Political Blogs and Websites.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"read-also\">\n<p><span class=\"rtn-this\">Read this Next<\/span> <span class=\"rtn-on\">on<\/span> <span class=\"rtn-tpi\">ThePoliticalInsider.com<\/span><\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/thepoliticalinsider.com\/unbelievable-poll-shows-american-values-are-dying-and-fast\/\" rel=\"prev\">Unbelievable Poll Shows American Values Are Dying, and Fast<\/a> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By now our readers have certainly been made aware of the patently political indictment issued against former President Donald Trump. Trump is now the first former President to be indicted after a Manhattan grand jury investigating the circumstances around hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels voted to do so. He also just so<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1908814,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/cndimages.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_2758-scaled-1.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[547],"tags":[17019,4087,4076,4170,5855,15140,10680,5032,5469,4112,4475,9413,3849,6569],"class_list":["post-1908813","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-bongino-report","tag-acquitted","tag-campaign","tag-candidate","tag-charge","tag-clinton","tag-edwards","tag-finance","tag-fine","tag-flashback","tag-hillary","tag-john","tag-paid","tag-presidential","tag-violation"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/cndimages.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_2758-scaled-1.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1908813","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1908813"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1908813\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1908814"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1908813"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1908813"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1908813"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}