The article in the New York Times that is receiving so much attention these past few days goes to McCain's character and his involvement with lobbyists, not necessarily his alleged affair with a woman, which both lack of character and adultery appear to be the norm for Washington politics. Isn’t this business as usual in American politics? Additionally, according to the Drudge Report’s developing story: (full text) “MEDIA FIREWORKS: MCCAIN PLEADS WITH NY TIMES TO SPIKE STORY
Thu Dec 20 2007 10:56:57 ET
Just weeks away from a possible surprise victory in the primaries, Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz has been waging a ferocious behind the scenes battle with the NEW YORK TIMES, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned, and has hired DC power lawyer Bob Bennett to mount a bold defense against charges of giving special treatment to a lobbyist!
McCain has personally pleaded with NY TIMES editor Bill Keller not to publish the high-impact report involving key telecom legislation before the Senate Commerce Committee, newsroom insiders tell the DRUDGE REPORT.
The paper's Jim Rutenberg has been leading the investigation and is described as beyond frustrated with McCain's aggressive and angry efforts to stop any and all publication.
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The drama involves a woman lobbyist who may have helped to write key telecom legislation.
The woman in question has retained counsel and strongly denies receiving any special treatment from McCain.
Rutenberg, along with reporter David Kirkpatrick, has been developing the story for the last 6 weeks.
Rutenberg had hoped to break the story before the Christmas holiday, sources reveal, but editor Keller expressed serious reservations about journalism ethics and issuing a damaging story so close to an election.
McCain campaign officials Rick Davis, Charlie Black and Mark Salter are also said to have met with the NEW YORK TIMES in an effort to halt publication.
Developing... “ McCain’s hiring of attorney’s to squash the story makes one wonder about his alleged innocence.

It appears that the Republican Party wants to push a candidate that has no chance in Hades of winning the white house in the fall. They are more interested in the 4 year backlash that they hope will occur with a Democrat in charge; providing the groundwork for a return to power in the house and senate. As a conservative McCain falls short of the mark, and is more appropriate labeled liberal. How much character can he have when he is sending out letters via Townhall stating that he is the nominee of the party? Frankly, last time anyone checked he has not received the delegates necessary to clinch the nomination - yet. I find his letter to be somewhat deceptive. I'm concerned that, for once, the sentiments of the NYTimes editorial board maybe on the right track. From Townhall email dated Feb. 21st, sent at 3:40 pm and entitled: “We must unite as a party: "My Friends,

I am writing to you because we must begin to unite as party and prepare for the upcoming election in November. If I am so fortunate as to be the Republican nominee for president, I will stand on my conservative convictions and offer Americans a clearly conservative approach to governing. But my friends, I cannot succeed in this endeavor without the support of dedicated conservatives like you. And today, I write to ask for your support."

Will you join my campaign today by making a generous contribution? We will have a hard-fought battle against either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama, and I know that by joining together, our party will prevail on Election Day.

Earlier this month, Senators Clinton and Obama raised over $10 million online for their respective campaigns in just a few short days. I know that I must take the time now to replenish my campaign's funds to prepare for what will undoubtedly be the most expensive campaign for president in our history. That is why I ask you to make an urgent contribution of $25, $50, $100, $250, $500 or more today.

This election is going to be about big things, not small things. And I intend to fight as hard as I can to ensure that our shared conservative principles prevail.

Senators Clinton and Obama want to increase the size of the federal government, raise your taxes, and withdraw our forces from Iraq based on an arbitrary timetable designed for political expediency. I intend to reduce the size of the federal government, cut your taxes and win this war. I have had the distinct honor of serving our great country for many decades and with your support, I will be able to serve her for a little while longer.

I am proud to have come to public office as a foot soldier in the Reagan Revolution. My friends, twenty-five years later, I am still proud to be a conservative and it is my greatest hope that you will join me in this campaign today. Thank you.

Sincerely,

John McCain”

Is John McCain a man of Character? The party has a man of character, one that has strong conservative values and one who is more qualified than McCain. Mike Huckabee. The problem with Mike Huckabee is that although he is the better candidate, he won’t play businesses as usual with Washington. Will JQ Public wake up in time? There is time left. There is still time for Mike Huckabee to garner enough delegates to make it impossible for McCain to get the delegates to win the nomination. In an old-fashioned brokered convention, the delegates would have an opportunity to run a true conservative with a proven governing record instead of a feeble excuse for a candidate that one finds in McCain. It is not Mike Huckabee that needs a miracle; it is the people of this county and the Republican Party.