Just when you think an afternoon nap might be more exciting than following the rest of these primaries, we get enough juice to fill an industrial pallet of Capri Sun sport packs: John McCain's been a bad, bad boy. Maybe.
Here's his response when confronted in Ohio:
"Nuh uh," McCain told reporters at a press conference, who asked if he had done favors for Vicki Iseman, a young blonde lobbyist seen frequently in his company eight years ago.
"Did so!" said anonymous sources to the New York Times, who published the story based on reports from former aides. The sources in the Times article also alluded to a possible romantic link between the fine young(er) thing and the aging, married senator. Both the lobbyist and the senator have denied involvement.
"You guys are liars," McCain sputtered. "And I'm not gonna be your friend anymore." Also, he's disappointed in the New York Times.
"Ha, ha," said Mike Huckabee, skipping happily in a circle with his wife of a billion years, Janet.
"Hmmmm," said Hillary, rubbing her chin. Then: "Find me a blonde lobbyist for Barack!" she screamed at her new group of best friends.
Or something like that.
McCain's daughter Meghan wrote about her father's integrity on her campaign blog. It posted a couple of hours after the story of the lobbyist went live online. From McCainBlogette she writes:
Life is all about perspective. Having grown up in politics, I know it's an industry that, for all intents and purposes, is known for being dirty and cruel. And yet, despite it all (and I really mean it all) I feel so grateful and blessed for every single day and for the opportunities I've been given. ... Why do I choose to be involved in politics right now? Because my father is different. He's compassionate, full of life, hilarious and is a beacon of integrity to myself and to so many others. Politics is rough, but I absolutely adore my Dad and this campaign and have never, ever stopped believing in him. It's just that simple.
Political Nanny is going to chase this tale as old as time. Will voters abandon the GOP front-runner and give their support to a Dem -- or Mike Huckabee? Will Cindy stand by her man (will Hillary be reaching out to another sister scorned?) Will McCain and the New York Times kiss and make up? Maybe just a handshake. People will talk.
Photo: Red Carlisle's public pics on Flickr allegedly of Iseman at a February McCain rally. [via Buzzfeed]
