I watched MSNBC’s Countdown coverage of the New York Times breaking story tonight on Sen. John McCain’s “relationship” with lobbyist Vicki Iseman* during his 2000 Presidential campaign.
I guess my bottom line reaction was simply “that’s it?”
The story is mostly a rehash of McCain’s problems with the Keating 5 Savings and Loan Scandal and a few other subsequent missteps.
But while the article implies some sort of “impropriety”—sexual favors or political favors between McCain and Iseman—there is not one shred of evidence. There’s only the “concerns” of some former staffers—now disgruntled—that there was something going on between the now 71 year old McCain and now 40 year old (and still rather babalicious) Iseman.
Let me just be straight out about this. I didn’t give a crap that President Bill Clinton was schtuping Monica Lewinski. And I don’t give a crap if McCain was schtuping Iseman. McCain has talked a lot about being ethical in the political realm. What he does outside of work is his and his wife’s business, not mine. If it were Gov. Mike Huckabee who had these allegations, I might feel differently that the man of the cloth was a sexual hypocrite. But I don’t think McCain has ever put himself on that mountain top.
And further, THERE’S NO PROOF OF HANKY PANKY!
I would be more concerned if he did Iseman or her clients’ favors above and beyond what he might do for other constituents. But if he did pull a few favors, even Mr. Clean McCain isn’t perfect. That’s the way of Washington and Pierre.
So, this is one Democrat that needs to see a lot more proof of any wrong doing by Sen. McCain before he jumps on the McCain for Hypocrite Bandwagon. If the NY Times has more about this, then they should have reported it. Right now, I would agree with the Arizona Republican—it’s a smear job.
But, the cynic in me also knows that oftentimes, where there is smoke, there is fire. But right now, I”m not sure the NY Times presented more than a book of matches.
- Here’s the link to the full NYT story: For McCain, Self-Confidence on Ethics Poses Its Own Risk
- Vicki Iseman’s Lobbyist Database on opensecrets.com.
*Ms Iseman’s profile page at Alcalde and Fay now comes up empty. I don’t know if it was taken down with the breaking scandal or that she had previously left the firm.
Photo: Vicki Iseman’s photo from Alcalde and Fay.
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