Regarding Mrs. Edwards' comment, I can see how the situations she describes were trials for the victims, but how were they trials for Mr. Edwards? He was a lawyer doing his job, building his reputation, making a fortune, laying the groundwork for a political career. It's not as if HE had most of his intestines sucked out and had to live the rest of his life that way. No, he just represented the girl who did. Does that take any particular strength or courage? I'd make the same point about his "Road to One America" tour. He's to be commended for trying to revive what has been a moribund issue, but how does this indicate anything about his character? I suppose he's metaphorically "staring the worst in the face" but raising this issue, but he's certainly not living it himself. He gets to retire to a nice hotel room every evening.

If the fights he has taken on somehow required a meaningful personal sacrifice, Mrs. Edwards' response would make a lot more sense.