Dana:
This is the part of elections that I dislike. The part that gets ugly.

I understand why the New York Times released the story, but one has to admit it does seem like the story was maneuvered rather than released. Because the Times is considered a “liberal” newspaper, the story would have had more teeth if it would have been released by the Weekly Standard.

Voters are suspicious at anonymous sources during this critical time in the primaries. Or is the other side of the Republican Party behind all this? It is quite a soap opera. But Americans are not actors playing parts in the human condition. We are living it.

I hope the New York Times IS nervous about this story. Their reputation as a professional newspaper is at stake. Tabloid journalism doesn’t belong in politics. Voters need the facts about how a candidate is going to lead America the next four years.

This story by the New York Times about John just wreaks of a smear campaign to me! If they had this info in December why hold off on telling it? I think they wanted to release it when it could hurt him the most. Actually I think they wanted to wait longer but others caught on to the story and they had to go to press with it or risk losing it. Besides it is 8 years old and both camps have said nothing happened. I am sure this will be scrutinized by every one now.

Cynthia, Covington, Ga.

At least he was having a relationship with a woman. The worst part is that his “advisors” felt the need to interfere. Why didn’t they just let to 2 of them work it out themselves? It’s not like they knew 8 years ago he’d be running and leading in the race to be one of the 2 possible candidates for President. The whole think just stinks.

Besides Guliani was running and everyone knows he wasn’t faithful. Thompson was on his second wife. And don’t even get me started on Bill and Hillary.

Why would the New York Times risk loosing their creditability?

I understand why this is being reported on but I hope it doesn’t become a media obsession. I really don’t care if McCain or any other politician has an affair. I’m sick of the political debate getting bogged down by scandal about the personal life of a politician. If there is good evidence he did favors for this lobbyist that would matter, although all of these politicians are not innocent about these kinds of things. I say move on and keep the important issues that face this country front and center.

I read the NYT online every morning, and they have lost what little credibility they still have with me on this one. The article, the timing, the lack of truth all reek of dirty politics. And what gets me is that they endorsed McCain. I have to wonder who got into their back pockets (was it a desperate move by Hukabee or either of the Dem candidates?). All I hope is that Americans are too smart for this juvenile tactic.

The timing of this is all very suspicious. Is it any wonder people are disillusioned about the whole political process? Is anyone even discussing the issues anymore? Instead, it’s all about who did or said what ,and when. Hopefully once the primaries are over and we move toward the general election, we can get some indepth discussion of what really matters. But I won’t hold my breath.

I don’t believe this will hurt McCain in the short run. What this will do will make it harder for McCain to swiftboat his opponent in the future, after complaining that it had been done to him.

Did anyone notice an article a month or so ago that Mitt Romney was the only person running for president that had been married just once?

I don’t pay a lot of attention to mud-slinging in political races, but since Romney is a MORAL family man already known for his integrity, proven talent for leadership, spiritual lifestyle AND was willing to spend $40million of his own fortune for the opportunity to serve and preside in our country, WHY did America neglect to support these virtues?

A sad waste, America!

John McCain is a fine politician. I might even vote for him. That said, he is a hypocrite. His puritan stance on ethics is baloney. His facade of being above special interest has NEVER been credible - all the way back to the Keating 5. He can’t be believed when it comes to ethics. But, few politicians can. This story and the Keating story will not die until after the November election - nor should it as long as HE is one the playing the holier than thou role.

I share the same sentiment as most everyone else here. I’m really shocked and surprised by this. From the NYTimes endorseing a candidate, to their retorting to this nonsense. What could they possibly be thinking. Are they changing management or being sold or somethingt?? Disgruntled editors and or reporters??? What?

I am more concerned with his history with lobbyists. The straight talker himshelf jet setting like he’s J.R. Ewing. The Keating 5 scandel idn’t cast enough of a shadow to him ro restrain from over indulging in the high living offered by lobbyists.

I think that it is sad if it was knocked down before as not true, yet it is returning to haunt him.

It is “gutter politics” as he said.

America is tired of the mud-slinging politics.

This race should be based on the facts and issues.

If he did it, then it should be called into question for his character but if it is false….it is bad to smear someone this late in the nomination process.

We have really become one sad country. Full of hate and gossip and lust of power and money. I not a McCain supporter but this article just sums up what we have become in America. SAD !!!!

I watched McCain deny the story. I could see he was struggling with it. I’ve seen him blow of false accusations before. He generally laughs. He is not laughing at this one.

What scares me is his temper. He couldn’t look more rigid and inflexible a man if he tried. Even the accusation that he could have an affair or flirtation with a female lobbyist makes one stop and pause and consider his personality. He would look more comfortable in a uniform, I think.

This notion that McCain had an affair is so stupid I find it hard anyone would print it or even suggest it has merit. After all, Bill Clinton had sex IN the White House and his wife is now running for President. Monica had her life destroyed and Bill now collects millions upon millions from rich high rollers. Why doesn’t the NY Times go after the companies that have destroyed our retirements via the subprime mortgage debacle?