Ever on top of events (well, not really), the Grey Lady finally realizes there is a good old-fashioned money and corruption scandal in the John Edwards story. Did Fred Barton give Rielle Hunter the money on his own whim? Were campaign funds used for real “services” or for hush money? Did anyone pay gift tax on the Barton-conveyed funds? Just a few of the many questions that have legal implications for all those involved. And all of this, of course, goes to the nub of the matter: the mainstream media is now racing to catch up to the National Enquirer.

The latest parlor game–how much of Edwards confession was a lie?–holds some interest. At the very least, it seems that Mr. Barton has some major explaining to do. I’m sure the National Enquirer will get to the bottom of all of this. That’s who’s driving the story, right?