it turns out his real name is johnny reed edwards, but we know him as john edwards, united states senator, vice presidential nominee of the democratic party, two-time presidential candidate. no one ever dreamed he would be the edwards in a case called "the united states versus edwards." it's been a spectacular fall for a public man. tonight, john edwards, johnny reed edwards of north carolina, is an accused felon under federal indictment on a charge of trying to use campaign money to hide his relationship with another woman. his wife elizabeth is now dead with breast cancer. edwards, who is a very good lawyer, said he'll go to trial with this in july. we begin with lisa myers. >> good evening, brian. this is a sordid story of deception and betrayal. even if most of the facts prove true, there already is controversy whether it all amounts to a federal crime. >> here he comes. >> reporter: with his daughter kate by his side, john edwards took responsibility for doing wrong, but not for breaking the law. >> i take full responsibility for having done wrong, and i will regret for the rest of m