"Some people on this board were quick to blame a Cheney-driven Republican Party for throwing dirt."

Actually, I don't think that's true. At least it was not for me. When I posted about it I was blaming the Clintons and their pal Terry Lenzner. Cheney and/or the Republicans had no reason to interfere at that juncture nor did they find Edwards much of a threat because I think they were certain they would face Hillary at that point. So, I don't remember anyone blaming Cheney for that nor do I think he'd much care about Edwards as he is not part of that arm of the RNC. Plus the Republicans had a sweet deal at that point and all they needed to do was sit back and let the Clintons tear apart their opposition. There may have been some information exchange between the Clintons and RNC folks but I doubt that the RNC really had to do much to bring down Edwards. Sure, they'd run with whatever came out but they probably weren't the ones doing the digging.