John Edwards: 'I did an awful, awful lot that was wrong'

John Edwards: 'I did an awful, awful lot that was wrong'

GREENSBORO, N.C. -- The prosecution may have failed in its attempt to convict John Edwards of campaign finance fraud, but in comments made Thursday after a judge declared a mistrial in his case, the former Democratic presidential candidate stepped forward to take responsibility for what he called his sins.

Appearing with his daughter Cate and his parents on the courthouse steps, he first thanked jurors for their time â€" almost nine full days of deliberations â€" and for the attention they gave to the evidence.

“Thank goodness we live in a country that has the kind of system that we have,” Edwards said.

The former U.S. senator and 2004 Democratic vice presidential nominee had been charged with six counts of accepting illegal campaign contributions during is 2008 presidential campaign. He faced up to 30 years in prison and $1.5 million in fines if convicted and sentenced to maximum penalties.

The jury acquitted Edwards on one count and deadlocked on the five other counts against him. The judge then declared a mistrial.

After thanking the jury, Edwards' comments became personal.

“While I do not believe I did anything illegal -- or ever thought I was doing anything illegal -- I did an awful, awful lot that was wrong. And there is no one else responsible for my sins.”

“I am responsible.… It’s me, it is me and me alone.”

Edwards also looked to the future. “I don’t think God is through with me,” he said. “He still thinks there are good things I can do.”

In discussing that future, Edwards said he wanted to work with poor children â€" and spend time with his own kids.

“I want to dedicate my life to being the best dad I think I can be,” he said, mentioning all of his children -- including his son Wade, who died in 1972, and his daughter with videographer Rielle Hunter, Quinn.

Edwards made a point of thanking his oldest daughter, Cate, saying: “Cate has been here every single day, no matter how awful and painful a lot of the evidence was.... She never flinched.”

Edwards also had two other children with wife Elizabeth Edwards: Emma Claire and Jack. Elizabeth died of cancer in December 2010.    

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david.zucchino@latimes.com