by Les Thompson

Created on: February 22, 2008   Last Updated: May 31, 2011

There is no smoke without fire. The fact that Governor Huckabee has continued his campaigning in defiance of the pressure to quit may be interpreted to indicate that he, and his supporters, know something we don't know? Is this alleged scandal the whole, or only part, of what they may know? Is this the 'Miracle' to which the governor so often alludes? We may be enlightened sooner or later.

The New York Times is a respected publication. It matters very little that it is considered by the Right as liberal. I will hazard a guess that subscriptions run the gamut of the political spectrum. That makes its stories so much more potent. And this one may not go away for a while yet.

Whether this tale has substance we do not now know. However, it would be quite a stretch to conclude that the editors of this publication had not verified the information, and vetted their sources, before printing. That they had a motive is quite clear; to get the story out before a competitor stole the thunder. Then, there is nothing wrong with that.

Senator Mccain is a war hero, and he does not let us forget it. But he is also human; and a man at that. I have often opined that, as far as chasing after the opposite sex, we are just like any other animal. I grew up seeing the roosters chasing after the hens each day. Our instincts are no different. Civilization, as we have come to accept it, has only dampened that urge just a wee bit. So, if he had a romantic relationship with Ms. Isemann, I can forgive him. I just hope he has not lied about it. As a candidate, whose party, my party, expects purity, he would be damaged beyond repair. And, I dare say, some of those who would condemn him are themselves wolves in sheep's clothing.

In short, let's wait and see. Has the pot completely boiled, or is the water just begun to simmer? If the latter is true, the damage will be ephemeral and may boost his chances at the nomination and the General Election. If the former proves true, Senator Clinton, or Senator Obama, has been handed the presidency on a platter. And the report of the Times will be vindicated. Then it will have done its duty, apprise us of a fact upon which we would have made a judgement. And, I hope, a reasoned and objective one.

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