In a press gaggle this morning, the White House weighed into the New York Times’s explosive story on Sen. John McCain’s (R-AZ) ethics troubles and firmly sided with the senator. White House deputy press secretary Scott Stanzel told reporters:
I think a lot of people here in this building, with experience in a couple campaigns, have grown accustomed to the fact that during the course of the campaign, seemingly on maybe a monthly basis leading up to the convention and maybe a weekly basis after that, the New York Times does try to drop a bombshell on the Republican nominee.
And that is something that the Republican nominee has faced in the past and probably will face in this campaign. … And sometimes they make incredible leaps to try to drop those bombshells on the Republican nominee. [...]
I’m not going to speak to the specifics in that story but it’s been our impression that they do drop those bombshells.
To this point, the White House had not yet spoken out about the New York Times article. In fact, officials have even been reluctant to comment on the presidential election, consistently dodging questions about specific candidates. Yet the Bush administration apparently couldn’t pass up an opportunity to attack The New York Times.
In the past, White House officials have been “furious” with the paper’s reporting, pressured the editors to change headlines, accused them of “advertising” U.S. nuclear secrets, and said the paper undermines people’s “right to live.”
And Fox News would NEVER do anything like that… /snark…
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:16 pmOhhhhhh, the irony.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:17 pmThe Whitehouse will always leap to the defense of ANYONE attacked by the NYT!
If the times printed a smear campaign against Usama Bin Laden, the Whitehouse would be backing him all the way.
Partisan hackery disguised as a story.
http://www.soultv.net
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:17 pmTypical, stupid as fcuk Wingnuts easily forget the 1th Amendment?!!!
FREEDOM OF THE PRESS.
If you continue your research, you’ll learn that this freedom, along with transparency is the hallmark of Democracy.
Bush is and his Admin are THE most Un-American.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:17 pmMan that’s a priceless pic. McCain’s birthday party while people were drowning in Noew Orleans. A real classic.
Are there any pictures of Lincoln playing guitar and eating cake while an entire city flooded?
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:17 pmBushCo could teach the NYT a thing or two about smear campaigns.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:19 pmHaving Kristol on the payroll is a blast!
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:20 pmThey got their token Neocon now they can keep reporting the news.
YEAH!!! Send those treasonous barstids at the GDNYT to GITMO!!!!!!!!
How *dare* they print an unflattering story about a Republican!!!!
/snark
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:22 pmWhite House Defends McCain: NYT Took ‘Incredible Leaps’ To ‘Drop A Bombshell’
Unlike what Judy Miller did to help along your rush to invade Iraq , eh Chimpy Administration ?
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:25 pmYa right.
If their intention was to do a “hit job”, they would have waited until October.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:25 pmThe sad part is that Republicans are also supporting Obama by voting for him in the primaries. This is one of the ugliest camaigns that I can remember.
sigh…….
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:26 pmAnd why doesn’t anyone go after Carl Rove for claiming in 2000 that McCain had a bastard child with a black maid ???
I guess Carl Rove didn’t take incredible leaps to smear McCain then.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:28 pmI love that fantasy of the Times regularly dropping bombshells on the Republican candidate. Maybe this chowderhead could provide a list? Because in RealityLand, they failed to come through with the bombshells.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:28 pmHas nothing at all to do with the handy dandy arsenal of bombs these assclowns have given anyone with a journalistic bent to go sniff out…
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:29 pmWhite House officials best just focus themselves on packing up and preparing to get out. They can also count their blessings that they haven’t been physically driven from the building already, by mobs brandishing torches and pitchforks.
It’s not too soon for them to just go ahead, STFU, and go about the work of vacating the premises. No one is interested in their comments on anything, anymore.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:29 pmIf anything, the past few years have shown the NYT bends over backwards NOT to print stories if they think they’ll be criticized as being “liberal.” The only times they print such stories is when a competitor is about to scoop them.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:30 pmThis story is also in the Washington Post retards
And Drudge had it in his closet back in Dec
But it’s the Nooo Yawrk Tahmes that’s the problem.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:30 pm“But it’s the Nooo Yawrk Tahmes that’s the problem.”
Comment by lefty
Actually it is – but because their such cowards.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:32 pmsure they got ‘em a war, but what have they done for them lately?
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:32 pmOhhhhhh, the irony.
Comment by Zooey — February 22, 2008 @ 12:17 pm
It is that obvious.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:33 pmI just read the NYT article and I don’t believe the outrage fits the article. They all seem a bit too defensive for what was said.
And the harder these people deny and keep this story alive the more people will want to look deeper.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:35 pmTwo obvious points:
1. McCain = Bush if the Bushies are going to defend him.
2. The White House is using the sex angle of the story to ignore the more important issue/question: did McCain have a habit of trading favors with lobbyists?
The letters from McCain to the FCC seem pretty damning. Let’s hope the media keep the focus on the corruption issue which is far more important to investigate and publish.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:36 pmThe rumor is that the information for this story was leaked to the New York Times by a Republican who wants to derail John McCain’s attempt to win the nomination.
It was an inside “hit job” by someone like (maybe) “Karl Rove”.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:36 pmFirst his lawyer and now the Bush White House adding to McCain’s bona fides–how much more credible can you get?
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:37 pmSpeaking of incredible leaps, Senator McCain took some rather unconventional leaps to pressure the FCC commissioners to approve a noncommercial license for the station Paxson Communications wanted to buy. In fact, it might have been in violation of Senate rules.
Read all about it at Democracy Now:
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:38 pmhttp://www.democracynow.org/2008/2/22/behind_the_john_mccain_lobbying_scandal
White House Defends McCain: NYT Took ‘Incredible Leaps’ To ‘Drop A Bombshell’
Could this administration be any more arrogant and stupid ?
What credibility (if any) does this secretive and dishonest group possess , to be attempting to “defend” anyone ?
They aren’t even capable of defending themselves any longer because of their continual deception over the last 7 years ; their word isn’t worth a cup of spit………….
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:41 pmComment by satirev — February 22, 2008 @ 12:39 pm
Do colors actually have odors?
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:43 pmMcCain sure is getting press today at TP. 5 of the last 7 threads either feature or mention him in some way.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:45 pmMcMetal: Dontcha love the overt hypocrisy of it all? When they spoon fed bogus facts (aka lies) to Judith Miller and she printed these lies, they then went public boasting and quoting from the very information they propagandized via Miller. Do they really think the people aren’t smarter than them? This is their first mistake.
Comment by satirev — February 22, 2008 @ 12:42 pm
That has been Chimpy’s existence in a nutshell ; always protected from criticism , and surrounded by like-and-feeble-minded individuals , so he can seem comparable and sometimes even intellectually superior.
There are retarded slugs who have more honor and intelligence than this idiotic fool fouling the Oval Office and embarrassing the office of the president………
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:47 pmThe White House doesn’t approve of using newspapers to smear candidates. They prefer Roves habit of putting fliers on cars in church parking lots all over America so “lefties” don’t find out about it.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:48 pmMcCain sure is getting press today at TP. 5 of the last 7 threads either feature or mention him in some way.
Comment by The Republic of Stupidity — February 22, 2008 @ 12:45 pm
And none of them cast him in an admirable light …………..
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:49 pmHow ironic that this is what it takes for the right wing religous crowd to come to McCain. I wonder what would have happened had any media outlet run a story suggesting questionable relationships and judgment Obama. I doubt that the religous right or the White House would attack the report. If they did question it’s bona fides at all they would do so in a manner that pointed out the serious questions that any appearance of impropriety raised. They would likely point out all the other lobbyist relationships including many photos of every hand of any lobbyist he ever shook. They would use it as an excuse to mention again every rumor no matter how false and no matter how unrelated to the issues and positions of the candidate.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:50 pmDoes anyone really want the worst president and administration in US history , who are known for nothing but their dishonesty and secrecy , to actually be “defending” them ?
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:50 pmWonder which scent is typically Republican?
Comment by satirev — February 22, 2008 @ 12:46 pm
You don’t need an answer to this one, do you?
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:51 pmComment by MCMetal — February 22, 2008 @ 12:49 pm
Uh, yes… yup… and yeah…
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:52 pmoh where, oh where has our little gg gone?
oh where, oh where could she beee…?
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:52 pmComment by satirev — February 22, 2008 @ 12:52 pm
I didn’t think so.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:53 pmLook at that pic , too ………. 2 retarded monkeys , drooling over a birthday cake ; both of them wishing it was actually a bright red rubber ball that they could play with…………….
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:55 pmHe’s a national embarrassment with all of his lying in the people’s faces.
Comment by satirev — February 22, 2008 @ 12:53 pm
Shi-ite, he’s an INTERNATIONAL embarrassment.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:56 pmSo true satirev. Bushco wants newspapers to print only the information the White House gives them. Heil Hitler! Oh and Bushco also likes the Rovian Push Poll to slander candidates, but newspapers, never.
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:00 pmDo colors actually have odors?
Comment by The Republic of Stupidity — February 22, 2008 @ 12:43 pm
If they’re made from organic inks, yes.
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:01 pmThe sad fact is that the people cannot trust their president and wish he would just dry up and blow away. He’s a national embarrassment with all of his lying in the people’s faces.
Comment by satirev — February 22, 2008 @ 12:53 pm
I’d prefer he’d “assplode” if were taking votes.
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:02 pmLeave McSleazebag alone!
-GSD
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:03 pmJust checking out the latest at pollingreport.com and looks like the latest show McCain three to twelve points ahead of Clinton, and Obama four to eight points ahead of McCain.
This will flux over time, but my guess is that the Obama McCain spread will get larger as McShame sets in with the voters over his links (staff and other) to lobbyists, and as Sen. Clinton fades.
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:05 pmMcCain is a National Hero ???
You’ve got to be shitting us!
Spending eight years in NVA captivity does not a hero make.
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:06 pmMcCain is a National Hero who has served his country with honor for nearly forty years.
Comment by Nettles — February 22, 2008 @ 1:01 pm
There’s “honor” in cheating on your ill wife repeatedly before divorcing her for a younger , wealthier woman , to help you along with your political aspirations ?
And where’s the “honor” in allowing your youngest female family member to be smeared by a piece of dog dreck like Karl Rove ?
And McInsane has covered himself in “honor” by pandering to the same people you claim to have been “marginalized” ; especially when it comes to his supposed signature and immutable stance on torture ?
McLame is a useless old fart……………..
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:07 pmIf they’re made from organic inks, yes.
Comment by toasterhead — February 22, 2008 @ 1:01 pm
I sit corrected, Sir!
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:10 pmThanks for the link toasterhead. that’s the meat of this story.
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:11 pmDon’t want those Press Guys exposing our wrong doings, those wrong doings are a secret, executive privilege, super secret, none of the publics business…. go shopping.
How can you not just Hate this Criminal Administration?
Oh, forgot, the Trolls get paid to support these guys, shows what ethics they have, unamerican scum that they are.
Buck Fush
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:28 pmMcCain wrote two leters to the FCC about a TV station in Pittsburgh. McCain was head of the Commerce Commision at the time. He asked the members to report back to him on when and how they voted. This is in violation of the rules.
This is the story.
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:30 pmThe sad part is that Republicans are also supporting Obama by voting for him in the primaries. This is one of the ugliest camaigns that I can remember.
sigh…….
Comment by delafield
I take it you think that the Republicans are voting for Obama in primaries for a nefarious reason. How about they are voting for Obama because they like him. I know several Republicans who will be voting for Obama in November.
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:38 pmThe White House that sponsored the Iraq war WMD snipehunt and quagmire is now scolding somebody for making “incredible leaps and dropping bombshells”? At least the NYT isn’t using actual bombs.
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:45 pmthey do drop those bombshells . . .
dude . . . that’s a bummer . . .
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:59 pmI know several Republicans who will be voting for Obama in November.
Comment by bilbobaggins
The only Republican at our Business (out of 22 people) is voting for Obama. He is discussed with the corruption and perversion that he has witnessed over the last 7 years. (he is the only truly “good christian” that I have met)
Buck Fush
February 22nd, 2008 at 2:01 pmMore from the Obama article:
‘”Sure,’ said Lawrence, when asked if he was concerned by the great number of people who had gotten into the building without being checked. But, he added, the turnout of more than 17,000 people seemed to be a ‘friendly crowd.’”
It only takes one. I hope that some head’s roll for this one and I hope that Obama is VERY careful to investigate the security measures that are taken at all his venues.
February 22nd, 2008 at 2:11 pmThey’re voting Obama because they want to leave the darkness and align themselves with the light of hope. If we don’t have “hopeâ€, we have nothing left.
Comment by satirev
I have heard Republicans I know say that the Democratic party today is more like the Republican party they joined. They are all Goldwater Republicans and mourn the loss of their party to the right wing nut jobs.
But, I keep telling them that they bear some responsibility since they sat idly by and watched it happen. They don’t disagree.
February 22nd, 2008 at 2:14 pm