A Stitch in Haste

Remember John Edwards?

Remember his divisive gobbledygook about "Two Americas"?

Remember how he disingenuously claimed to champion one of those "Two Americas" in his role as one of the most successful personal injury attorneys in the country?

Remember how he was so busy championing -- as an ambulance chaser -- "his half" of America that he never once in his legal career took a pro bono case?

Well now we have even more evidence of which of the "Two Americas" Edwards sides with:

BusinessWeek has learned that Edwards has signed up to work for the New York-based private investment concern Fortress Investment Group as a part-time senior advisor. As such, he will be "providing support in developing investment opportunities worldwide and strategic advice on global economic issues," says Edwards spokesperson Kim Rubey. Fortress declined to comment about hiring Edwards, who teamed up with Massachusetts Senator John Kerry in a losing bid against President George Bush and Vice-President Dick Cheney last year.
...
Fortress apparently has had its eye on Democratic politics and Edwards for some time. During the 2004 Presidential campaign cycle, the employees political action committee of the company contributed $143,650 to Democratic candidates for Congress and the White House, including $4,000 to Edwards. They gave just $10,500 to Republicans running for federal office.

There's a word for lawyers like John Edwards:

Shyster.

More thoughts from both Mike and Norm at Crime & Federalism.