Mr. McCain, 71, and the lobbyist, Vicki Iseman, 40, both say they never had a romantic relationship. But to his advisers, even the appearance of a close bond with a lobbyist whose clients often had business before the Senate committee Mr. McCain led threatened the story of redemption and rectitude that defined his political identity. Full Story »
Posted by Ara Gregorian
This article points out that in several cases McCain's actions appear to be at odds with his self professed integrity. On one level it is the sort of scrutiny one invites in running for office, particularly when one claims to have been "born again" after a previous indiscretion. On a higher level, though, it is a case study of the difficulty a politician faces in representing the interests of the public at large while negotiating a system fueled by money and populated by the rich, famous and influential. On that level, perhaps McCain can be seen as every man. In my opinion, there are much more compelling reasons grounded in his policy views (e.g., security) to questions McCain's leadership.
