1 of 18

Write now Article Tools

An unfounded story of scandal that may or may not have happened eight years ago has been resurrected by The Times just as John McCain's chances for the Republican nomination are at their most favorable and his popularity is at its highest. Is there a political agenda in the newspaper's story? Is The Times playing favoritism by attempting to strengthen the upcoming campaign of the Democratic nomininee, whether Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama? Angry McCain supporters claim there is.

The Times officially endorsed John McCain in January as its choice to be the Republican nominee. However, many political experts suspect that the alleged scandal story just published about him is the left-leaning newspaper's first salvo in a subtle battle to undermine him. They expect The Times to continue its attacks on McCain throughout the remaining eight months of the campaign, and particularly in the weeks between the summer nominations and the November general election.

The alleged scandal story accuses McCain of an inappropriate romantic connection in the year 2000 with Vicki Iseman, a Washington lobbyist. Beyond the personal relationship, The Times alleges, McCain interceded in her efforts to get favorable treatment for her clients from legislators. After The Times story was published, McCain and his supporters, reacting angrily, immediately called it totally untrue, and said the newspaper's clear intent was to hurt his political career.

According to The Times, their research indicated that the McCain-Iseman relationship of eight years ago became so obvious at the time, including their traveling and attending meetings together, that the Senator's staff made many efforts to cool it off. The Times further claims concerned McCain staffers actually tried to limit Ms. Iseman's access to the Senator, and warned her to stay away in fear the relationship would hurt his political career. The McCain staff has denied all of these allegations.

The Times article, in an apparent attempt to underscore McCain's involvement with the woman lobbyist in 2000, brought up the troubles McCain previously endured in the early 1990s because of accusations of inappropriate dealings with lobbyists in the Keating Five scandal. The Times emphasized its concerns by comparing McCain's alleged private favoritism for some lobbyists, with the Senator's very emphatic public denunciations of any hints of underhanded political influence by lobbyists on all government officials, including the Senate.

Is newspaper story an effort to undermine John McCain's reputation and his chances to win the Presidency? Of course it is. But, is the story true? Only time ... not The New York Times ... will tell.

Learn more about this author, Ted Sherman.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Commentary: The New York Times and the McCain lobbyist scandal?
We want to hear your view. Write now!