The American Spectator

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Washington Prowler

While Barack Obama was making history, former Sen. John Edwards was making money... much in the same way his mentor, former President Bill Clinton did immediately after leaving office in disgrace.

Edwards, who has lost close to $500,000 in speaking fees since it was revealed he cheated on his wife, Elizabeth, who is battling cancer, is being paid a $65,000 fee by the student union organization at the University of Illinois. Edwards is represented by the Harry Walker Agency, a well-known speakers bureau. According to an AP report, the agency claimed Edwards' fee had increased since the scandal. What's more, Edwards is further ensuring his full fee by making appearances with his wife, who is also represented by the Walker agency.

If anyone knows how to make money for his speakers, it's Walker, whose client base includes former President Clinton. Clinton, you'll recall, for the first year or so out of office was not making his expected speaker fee of $100,000 plus from the more traditional corporate clients, but was instead taking smaller fees from universities and larger fees from overseas clients. It appears that Edwards is following that model.

When asked about the increased fee, one former Edwards Senate aide said, "What do you expect? It looks like he's got more child support to pay out now."

topics:
Barack Obama, Bill Clinton