McCain Finds Himself in the Midst of Mudslinging

Senator McCain's victories in Washington and Wisconsin on Tuesday (Feb. 19) gave the leading Republican candidate another boost in the race toward the White House. While he should be celebrating his ever-growing lead, McCain is focusing all of his energy on protecting his image.

The New York Times ran a front page story today (Feb. 21) about McCain's alleged affair with a female lobbyist. Vicki Iseman was seen at many of McCain's political rallies and events when he ran for the GOP nomination eight years ago. She even accompanied McCain on trips on a client's corporate jet, causing speculation over the depth of their relationship. Advisors insisted that Iseman be denied access to the senator, claiming that her presence could raise suspicions of McCain's private life.

After the article surfaced this morning, McCain publicly denied a romantic relationship with Iseman.



A statement was issued by McCain's campaign team last night (Feb. 20). It appropriately attacked the New York Times as a liberal, biased publication in attempt to divert attention from McCain's situation and on to the unfair, slanted view used by the media:

"It is a shame that The New York Times has lowered its standards to engage in a hit-and-run smear campaign. John McCain has a 24-year record of serving our country with honor and integrity. He has never violated the public trust, never done favors for special interests or lobbyists, and he will not allow a smear campaign to distract from the issues at stake in this election.

"Americans are sick and tired of this kind of gutter politics, and there is nothing in this story to suggest that John McCain has ever violated the principles that have guided his career."

As long as no new information about the relationship arises, McCain's political journey won't be ruined. Some think that the situation may energize conservatives behind McCain in a way that was not previously possible. If McCain and his advisers can spin the story as an example of the liberal media attempting to ruin a conservative campaign, he may have a chance at igniting a fire in voters who are sick of the biased media. The story could very well boost his reputation among conservatives who are tired of the media portraying them in a liberal, twisted light.

His personal life aside, McCain is still blazing down the campaign trail, only pausing to engage in some mudslinging. McCain has unleashed some biting comments toward Senator Obama, claiming that the Democratic candidate is neither genuine nor sincere. McCain's actions suggest that he assumes that Obama will be the eventual Democratic nominee. In an attempt to set himself up to beat the opposition, McCain is probably firing shots at Obama here and there to establish himself as the stronger competitor.

Next up for the Arizona senator (besides focusing on clearing his name) are the elections on Tuesday, March 4, in Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas and Vermont. McCain supporters are hopeful that the opposition will lose focus on negative rumors and turn their attention toward his road to the White House.