John Edwards has labeled stories of an affair and love child as "tabloid trash." The former senator's fellow politicians are now urging him to address the scandal before the Democratic convention -- and strongly denounce it -- if it's a pack of lies. The convention starts in Denver on August 25.

"If it's not true, he's got to stand up and say, 'This is not true. That is not my child and I'm going to take legal action against the people who are spreading those lies,'" Dem strategist Gary Pearce tells The News & Observer in Raleigh. "It's not enough to say, 'That's tabloid trash.'"

"Extra" was the first to interview the alleged other woman, Rielle Hunter, who denied any romance with Edwards -- and had nothing but praise for the senator. "He was very real and authentic," the filmmaker said, adding, "He was inspirational to me."