MyFoxDC

Like a lead pipe to the shins of presumptive Presidential nominee John McCain (R), the New York Times just did a real Tonya Harding on the longtime Senator. I could almost see the elder statesman stumbling around his campaign headquarters before the story broke last night wailing to no-one in particular ... "Why? Whhhhhhyyyyyyy?"

Flash to the New York Times editorial board meeting where mock glum marked the faces of the decision makers, a lot of 'tsk tsk-ing' to each other with knowing glances they HAD to run a thinly sourced insinuation piece selling a 9 year old story wrapped in 8 year old sexual overtones.

I can't tell who's more arrogant and sleazy. A lifelong politician who barely escaped the Keating 5 scandal, only to clumsily straddle the line of impropriety and indignation for decades. A man who turns righteous on 'soft money' corporate contributions, but rides their jets, vacations at their homes and if you believe the New York Times ... whispers sweet nothings in the ears of their lobbyist.

Or, a former fixture of the journalism altar. Kneeled at and blindly trusted by millions of Americans. Only to be humiliated and ripped naked of its luster by former employees and trusted journalists Judith Miller and Jayson Blair. A newspaper that apparently just figured out sex sells ... even dusty old stories of 'business as usual' on Capitol Hill.

Ultimately, I'm equally offended by both John McCain and the New York Times. To me, the real story in this 'expose' is two-thirds of the way down. Burying the lead if you will. The two letters sent by John McCain in 1999 on behalf of his "friend" Ms. Iseman and her employer Paxson Communications to the FCC. Drawing a 'rare rebuke by the chairman' for its impropriety. McCain doesn't deny it. Iseman doesn't deny it. The FCC doesn't deny it. It's a crystal clear example of a powerful politician trading on the reputation as a maverick ... playing that same old sleazy political game of wielding influence for "friends" and by logic, personal gain. But the New York Times shrouds the story is some weak, anonymous smut to interject unneeded salaciousness and therefore ITSELF in the story.

Will John McCain find redemption and accolades in the court of public opinion ala Nancy Kerrigan. Doubt it. His saintly image has been tarnished and through his actions with the FCC ... rightly so. But the New York Times just got a lot closer to a sad, out of shape and bitter opponent ala Tonya Harding. Slinging mud as a wild, winded boxer desperate to land a punch and prove its self worth.

Brian Bolter's Blog

Who's More Arrogant & Sleazy: NYT or McCain?

Brian_Bolter

Inside Fox:
About Fox 5 Fox 5 People Fox 5 Morning What's on Fox Politics

Write your comment below: Email me when a new comment is added to this entry