McCain flatly denies allegations

Posted: Thursday, February 21, 2008 10:45 AM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC's Lauren Appelbaum
A tight-lipped but unflappable McCain calmly responded to allegations of an affair with a lobbyist first raised in the 2000 campaign and printed this morning in the New York Times article. Replying with a quick "no" to NBC's Kelly O'Donnell's questions about any meetings he had with staffers about Vicki Iseman and about a relationship with the woman, McCain said no staffer communicated with him of any concerns about a possible romantic relationship.

"We are friends," McCain said of Iseman. "I've seen her on occasion at receptions, fundraisers, appearances before the committee. I have many friends in Washington who represent various interests and those who don't, and I consider her a friend."

With his wife by his side, McCain also said he has not seen Iseman in several months since he "ran into her at some event."

The Arizona senator stressed his disappointment in the New York Times, saying "since it was in the New York Times, I don't take it at face value."

"I do note this, with some interest, it has quotes from former aides, that this whole story is based on anonymous sources," McCain said. "I don't think that's really something that this -- I am very disappointed in that."

Cindy McCain also discussed her disappointment. "Well, obviously I'm very disappointed in the New York Times. More importantly, my children and I not only trust my husband but know that he would never do anything to not only disappoint our family but disappoint the people of America. He's a man of great character and I'm very very disappointed in the New York Times."

McCain stressed his record in helping to rid the Congress of earmarks and pork barrel projects. Although he voted to ban travel on lobbyists' planes, McCain admitted he used to take advantage of it when it was an "accepted practice." This morning, he said he's "confident" his 24 year record in Congress will be reviewed.

"There are many people who have dealt with me and who are now stepping forward and talking about how fairly and objectively I ran the Commerce Committee and the leadership I've shown in many reform issues."

One issue that reporters did not bring up during the media avail is McCain's involvement with the Keating Five Sandal in the late 1980s -- which would be part of his 24-year-old record he hopes will be examined.

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Comments

EXTRA ! EXTRA !
First recorded case of RATS GETTING ON a sinking ship

From First Read:

'...A 527 cannot have as its primary purpose the election of a candidate, and the law limits it to running ads about issues, not ones that plainly advocate for Clinton's election or defeat. The group cannot have any contact with the Clinton campaign. Violations could subject organizers and donors to stiff fines...'

'...“Campaign finance reform experts said there are troubling aspects in the American Leadership Project's mission. The group is not part of an established effort to exert political influence in Washington, and it first officially surfaced in filings with the Internal Revenue Service on Feb. 15. It is advertising only in states where Clinton faces competitive primary contests. And the content of its first ad strongly hints that its purpose is to support her candidacy and oppose Obama's."...'

hmmmmm ....
Sounds like some real public minded citizens !!
Is Norman Hsu a contributor ?

Sierra, SF (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 10:59 AM)

(see: Charles Keating)
(see: Keating Five)
(see: Lincoln Savings & Loan)

(see: trophy wife)
(see: Republican 'Family Valuse')

Sierra, SF (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 11:01 AM)

1. EVERYONE in this country is INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY. I say again, until PROVEN guilty.

2. The New York Times has offered NO PROOF, none. If you have proof, then present it, and let the chips fall where they may. It you can’t present any actual verifiable proof, then you don’t have anything.

3. The information in the story comes from “Anonymous” sources “Off” the record, not “Named” sources “On” the record.

4. Both of the principles involved in this allegation by the Times, John McCain and Vicki Iseman have both vehemently denied the allegation.

5. This story has been floating around in the press since last Fall and the Times could have run the story months ago, but instead have waited until now. Why? The whole thing is suspect.

6. It is irresponsible of the Times or any organization that would exploit this story for political gain, especially since there is no proof that anything inappropriate has occurred.

Lewis, Chapel Hill, NC (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 11:01 AM)

And if you believe McCain on this one then maybe he has some Arizona ocean front property to sell you. Probably that plot left over from the Keeting 5 banking mess.

Union Baby, Tennessee (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 11:04 AM)

I am an Obama supporter and still I know that this story as presented is silly. The NYT's better have more than they printed to back up this scandalous claim. Very weak journalism.
I know we all like to bash the "media" but sometimes they provided all the ammunition. The sad thing is if this a much ado about nothing they can't unring the bell and give McCain back his reputation.

S. Ruff (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 11:06 AM)

I think I remember a story starting out like this once..... One of the characters was Monica, Yea Monica sounds familiar....

Tom, Seattle, WA (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 11:13 AM)

catch me if you can !

john (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 11:13 AM)

I am a dem and think this is certainly old politics as usual.Like these blogs no substance just muddy opponenet as much as you can. McCain didnt seem to mad about it. He is prob saying to himself will use this when age is brought up LOL.

Jane (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 11:17 AM)

I am impressed that the Repubs flock to circle there candidate and protect him. Our party tries to use our people up.Obama of course,no scrutiny. Hillary not allowed to run on her record. The mud of way back when with her husband is the looking forward policy Obama wants right/I also like the fact McCains wife stands by him and stands up for him. We have lost a lot of respect for right in this party and the country. When JFK was fooling around everyone turned there head because we had respect for his office.If Obama get the nomination i will go Rep.in my vote .If Obamas people need to throw so much mud to keep attention from him than one wonders what he doesnt want us to see.hmmmmmmmm

circling wagon for Hillary (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 11:29 AM)

The media is missing the point of this article. It is not that he had a relationship with this woman but that he will and has done favors politically for people who are close to him and that has included Lobbyists in the past.

jim (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 11:33 AM)

The New York Times violated its own policy on anonymous sources in today’s front page article about John McCain. The core of the story was based on two unidentified former staffers who spoke on “the condition of anonymity.” The article only noted that the anonymous ex-staffers claimed to be “disillusioned.”

Bill Keller laid out the NYT policy on anonymous sources.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/14/business/media/14asktheeditors.html?pagewanted=all

“We do all we can to inform the readers about the reliability and motives of the unnamed source.”

Except in this case. We know nothing about why they sought and were given anonymity. We know nothing about their reliability or motives. We do not know whether they were fired, associates of Ann Coulter or Sen. McCain’s political enemies, or otherwise biased..

Richmond (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 11:36 AM)

Heard some pundits say "this is old news". Well, seems to me we had a former President who was attacked repeated about some "old news" re: affairs. Better it come out now than after he's elected...if he's elected.

oknOK (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 11:48 AM)

Hey folks,
This is what experience gets you. Experience gets you sex,money and influence scandals from the Washington Cess pool. This is experience legacy that both McCain and Hillary are running on. Give me some new who will clean up this mess. Give me Obama.

loris bay (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 11:50 AM)

where's the story about Larry Sinclair and Obama? Let's just get all the sexual scandals out there now!

oknOK (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 11:50 AM)

Why is no one mentioning John McCain's divorce from his first wife Carol Shepp? It speaks of his morality, character and integrity. If a democrat was in the same current situation and had that in his past it would be all over the news.

CSS, Memphis, TN (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 11:53 AM)

And if you believe McCain on this one then maybe he has some Arizona ocean front property to sell you. Probably that plot left over from the Keeting 5 banking mess.

Union Baby, Tennessee

Yeah, he's been such a liar in the past. Are you this easily lead? Grow up.

Jake Grant, Morris TN (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 11:54 AM)

IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE TOO LAZY TO LOOK AT THE CANDIDATES RECORD. I PREDICTED THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN. THE MEDIA IS TRYING TO CONTROL THIS ELECTION AND SO FAR IS SUCCEEDING. THEY WERE POSTING MCCAIN AS THEIR POSTER BOY SO IGNORANT AMERICANS THAT DONT KNOW MUCH ,JUST GOES ALONG WITH WHAT THEY HEAR FROM THE NEWS. BIG MISTAKE. NOW THAT MCCAIN IS ARE NOMINEE THE NEW YORK SLIME WHICH WAS HOLDING OUT ON THIS STORY TILL NOW IS KILLING THE CONSERVATIVES FOR A VICTORY . AMERICAN VOTERS PLEASE USE YOUR HEAD BEFORE YOU PUSH THAT VOTE BUTTON. SEE THE MESS YOU HAVE US IN. I DID MY HOMEWORK AND DIDNOT VOTE FOR MCLAME. SORRY CONSERVATIVE.

MAUREENMCKNIGHT (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 11:55 AM)

lets face it what else are you going to do but denie it just like the saying i didnt have sex with that woman. I dont know if he did or didnt but its the same old politics as usual and this is why you see more voters voiceing ther concerns of mistrust in washington and voting for change...again out with the old in with the new.....and when you have the power of individuals supporting your campaine and lawyers, what else do you have to say.....

russ fox Wells, Maine (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 11:57 AM)

Do we really need a newspaper with the reputation of the NYT? I would suggest that to cure them, cancel all subscriptions, take the money away and they would clean up their act. I stand with you John.

Marty CR Iowa (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 12:06 PM)

"Well, my friends - I'm just another phoney and corrupt Republican. What do you expect?" J. McCain

Brian, Cedar Hill, TX (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 12:09 PM)

I think this story hurts Clinton and McCain. It reminds people of Flowers/Jones/Lewinsky at a time when they wish sex scandals were not part of the conversation. Especially since McCain chose the same PR man to handle this. Is he listed under "Bimbo Eruptions" in the yellow pages? (I hate that term; but Hillary the feminist coined it)

Stacy, Virginia (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 12:09 PM)

What always happens when people continue to deny things? Bill Clinton. Gary Hart. Larry Craig. Martha Stewart.

Go ahead, Senator McCain, just say you did it whether you did or not. Once you say those sweet words,the press will forget it all, and you'll have no more trouble sleeping.

Anna Molly (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 12:09 PM)

no matter what this is not the time to pick a person with such little nohow! this country is in TROUBLE- and we need HILLAR. no time to take a chance maybe in another 4 years obama - BUT NOT NOW.PLEASE AMERICA WAKE UP!we need a women and she is IT!!!!!!!!!!!!.

Lynn Salerno-Addison Illinois (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 9:14 PM)

Look The Times just presented the information they spent time, money, and man hour to get. They used it in the context of, McCain is so convinced he con't be influenced that it blinds him when he is. I'm 24 and only and was too young to know much about the "Keating 5" scandal and I appreciated the information presented. I short while i feel great appreciation and respect for his past military service I feel I cannot trust him at this point. Especially the way he changed his mind on torture to get more republican backing.

Chris, West Palm Beach, FL (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 10:40 AM)

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