Remember when John McCain ran for president eight years ago? The New York Times story today suggesting that he’s actually part of the problem in Washington has, of course, become a problem for his campaign, but also perhaps a help to it.
With his wife by his side, a subdued McCain issued an unequivocal denial, saying he’s “very disappointed in The New York Times piece. It’s not true.” That’s for every allegation in the lengthy article:
First, that he had a romantic relationship with Vicki Iseman. Mccain described his relationship with her this way: “Friends. See her occasionally at fund-raisers and appearances before the committee.”
And an assist from Mrs. McCain: “My children and I not only trust my husband, but know that that he would never do anything to not only disappoint our family but disappoint the people of America.”
Then, McCain took on the charge that he used his powerful position on a Senate committee to help her corporate clients: “At no time have I ever done anything that would betray the public trust nor make a decision which in any way would not be in the public interest and would would favor any one, or any organization.”
The Times also says eight years ago his advisers were so concerned about his relationship with Iseman that they tried to stop it: He denied that, too.
The one named source to go on the record in the Times story was McCain’s former top political adviser, John Weaver. He confirmed to CNN that he was worried and did confront her. However, he insists now that it wasn’t about a romantic relationship, but about her spreading word around town that McCain helped her lobbying clients.
“My concern wasn’t about anything John had done. It was about her comments. It was about access she claimed to have had,” Weaver told us.
McCain insists he knows nothing about that: “I never discussed it with John Weaver. As far as I know, there was no necessity for it. That’s a judgment that he made.”
But Iseman’s lobbying firm issued a statement calling the story fantasies of a former disgruntled campaign employee, without merit or foundation.
The irony in all this? The McCain campaign is relishing the controversy, because it allows the candidate trying to appeal to conservatives to pick a fight with what they see as a big enemy, The New York Times.
In fact, the campaign sent out a fund-raiser today calling on donors to send money to fight the “liberal establishment.”
–Dana Bash, 360° Correspondent
| Joan |
February 21st, 2008 10:15 pm ET Anderson, Before the New Hampshire debate, Hiliary found her voice, in Texas tonight, HILARY FOUND HERSELF in her closing remarks. She was almost resigned in her outlook. But Barack held his own. It was a great debate |
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| Anton L., Brooklyn NY |
February 21st, 2008 10:20 pm ET Would the Times really throw out such things with so little evidence? What’s the point of all of this? If the Times tried to smear McCain’s reputation then they obviously failed because he came off as a much stronger person by dismissing all of these claims. Secondly, if McCain had had such a relationship with Iseman when he first ran for president he wouldn’t be foolish enough to do it again 8 years later. This is a hit against the Times more so than against McCain. |
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| Cindy |
February 21st, 2008 10:23 pm ET I am glad that John came out fighting against this ridiculous story…as he should! It is nothing but a smear campaign in my opinion! Everything in it has been discredited. And it is too funny that he is using it to raise money to fight the “liberal establishment’! I love that! Cynthia, Covington, Ga. |
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| Chris |
February 21st, 2008 10:25 pm ET Not to change the subject, but given the democratic debates are the topic of the hour… …what about the ethical questions related to the Clinton-supprting group the ‘American Leadership Project’, which is skirting campaign finance legislation? Why aren’t you all discussing this. - Chris |
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| Lorie Ann |
February 21st, 2008 10:31 pm ET Democrats and Republicans all know how to play politics. They all have something, that someone, somewhere, would question in their past or present. Whether it’s real or imagined, both parties and the news world will be making news. I think most Americans aren’t stupid. We can see a smear, or see any inappropriate behavior. Lorie Ann, Buellton, Calif. |
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| LaTonya Scott |
February 21st, 2008 10:46 pm ET Anderson, I was very impressed with the debate. (#19) I am an avid Obama supporter. With that being said , I feel that I would have been a better voice for Barack than the commentator on your panel this evening. Gloria Borger truly stood her groung in supporting Hillary. I was more impressed with the surprising comments in favor of “President” Obama by Donna Brazile. These people are running for the highest office in the country. We don’t have time to feel sorry for candidates. If Hillary wants to cry, and seek sympathy, I feel her talents would best be served in the Senate, or maybe V.P.. |
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| mike |
February 21st, 2008 11:15 pm ET I believe many journalists complain how other journalists do not try to complete the facts of the story before they report it. If the story proves true about infidelity allegations, then McCain has shown poor character as did Bill Clinton. If the story proves to be only false allegations, it shows how journalism is more interested in sensationalism than reporting the facts of the story. When will journalists understand that unproven claims that later are proven to be false result in more than poltical damage. I believe this is why Colin Powell’s wife did not want him to run in the past. Mr. Gergan, it seemed like last night you were suggesting these allegations are true since McCain told you he was not perfect. Was he discussing this in reference to this story or are you linking something that all of us should admit (we all have faults)? |
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| Tammy |
February 22nd, 2008 10:29 am ET When life hands lemons, make lemonade. What else can they do with this one? I think it just shows more and more what a class act John McCain is and will be as president of this country. |
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| Dwayne Reed |
February 22nd, 2008 10:31 am ET First of all Mr.McCain will not admitt to this affair at a time like this hey remember former president Clinton I repeat i did not have sexual relations with this woman. The new york times deffinantly has let the cat out of the bag!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 |
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