(CNN) – John McCain’s presidential campaign wasted no time taking advantage of an article in the New York Times which portrayed a relationship with a female lobbyist that troubled his advisers nearly a decade ago.
The article “is particularly disgusting – an un-sourced hit-and-run smear campaign designed to distract from the issues at stake in this election,” McCain’s campaign manager, Rick Davis, wrote in a e-mail to supporters Thursday afternoon.
“We need your help to counteract the liberal establishment and fight back against the New York Times by making an immediate contribution today,” the e-mail also said in text that links to an online contribution form on the McCain campaign’s website.
Related: McCain denies close relationship with lobbyist
–CNN Associate Producer Martina Stewart
From CNN Politics
© 2011 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertising practices | Advertise with us | About us | Contact us | Work for us | Help
To compete with Obama he needs every penny he can get and then some.
Obama shouldn't have tried to pull this garbage. It runs against his campaign message.
One doesn't need money to compete with Obama. Just an informed electorate.
I crashed five Navy aircraft, lobbied for S&L convict Keating, hung out with a hot lobbbyist babe in corporate jets, and now I'm going to be President. Is this a great country or what?!
To the MCcain campaign...
Dont waste my time trying to kill the messenger (NYT)
State your case, answer the questions, tell the truth. No Snow job.
Show us that respect and all will be well,
for it is us who can and will make the final decision based on ALL the information.
I think what we are learning is how dangerous lobbys and lobbyists can be.
Follow the young man from Illinois example.....just say no.
What we need is Ken Starr to investigate all of these allegations. Perhaps he could dig up countless bimbos who have fantasized about McCain, lobbyed in his plane, met him in restrooms or hallways, wrote him letters or sent him valentives.... Who knows? We have an extra 32 million dollars, don't we? Sounds like an impeachment offense to me.
Get a grip on reality, media pundits. Shut up for once.
Why does every thing I write stay under "moderation" and then dissapears? Do I say something you don't approve?
I have never insulted any candidate. Perhaps you like hate comments?
Any way I like McCain, but I will vote for Obama
What a ludicrous way to solicit donations for the McCain camp! Sounds somewhat senseless to me.
Yup, the empty headed Obama is out now to do what he can, through spending hundreds of millions to running a smear campagne to go after Senator McCain. And the guy has absolutely no shame since in order to cover up his empty rhetoric, he needs to pull out all stops! I just hope that this country is smarter than electing a empty suite for an experienced candidate. And guess what, I am a Democrat saying this and I will most definitely vote for and contribute heavily to John McCain's campagne if Obama gets the Democratic nomination.
oBAMA 08
I've been an enthusiastic Huckabee supporter, but the New York Slimes makes me angry enough to defend McCain. This is such a low stunt–if the Times thought this was news, why not run it when there was a genuine primary fight going on? This looks like a political hit job by a partisan paper.
Fortunately for this country, he doesn't have a chance against Barack. Can the U.S. and the rest of the world take another 8 years of a corrupt Republican regime!!??
I would advise people not to waste their hard earned money, as a Republican will not be returning to the White House.
Get ready for Hillary
Now McCain wants to fight the same "liberal establishment" that he was so happy to accept an endorsement from just a few months ago.
I don't necessarily agree with Ben, but he was wise to use it as a fundraiser. Obama is enjoying a love affair with the press at the moment and the man hasn't seen anything yet. As I stated earlier on another board, the Republicans are going to eat him alive and people who think he is a shoe-in for the job are fooling themselves in the worst way. He is getting many votes from Democrats and even some independents but when his views, as opposed to his very limited record, are put under the hot lights the Republicans are not going to join him or anyone who thinks like him. Being black, handsome and well spoken is not enough to win the general election. Nor should it be. Hillary at least had been through the fire already and whatever skeletons there are, are out. I don't know a single Republican in our – admittedly largely Democrat – office who would even consider voting for Obama and I myself am not sure.
I like it when the liberal NYT does this. It good for the republicans, we alreeady know about the smear lords on the left.
I don't understand why New York times endorsed McCain..Helloooo!
i'm not a mccain supporter but this is brilliant!
This is insane. McCain is clearly having problems fundrising.. maybee thats because Americans are sick of politics as usual, and thats exactly what McCain is.
michelle obama has said that she is proud of this country
for the first time in her life ! !
just because her husband is running for office.
well I am proud of this country and we do not need
that kind of person or attitude in a first lady of
UNITED STATE.
MACCAIN IS THE BEST CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT.
It isn't a surprise. Look at what Edwards did with Ann "I'm really a self hating liberal" Coulter. Everytime she opened her mouth, he raised more money. Why should McCain not use this oppertunity to do this. He has had some trouble raising money in the past, but I don't think that is a problem now.
Obama, all sales pitch no substance.
CNN, I keep trying… maybe this time you will let my comment on, please!
Why is the Democratic party goning to split. So many are not understanding what is going on in our country. Over 100 Dollars A BARREL for oil just today. That is some real history, Kids ! We also had our latte liberals, limousine liberals, but we called them” YUPPIES.” They all had BMWS and spent too much money on real estate and junk bonds. Bill Clinton was real lucky to get in. Ross Perot split the republican party twice.
We are going to have it real hard, kids. We will suffer the things that came real easy for your mom and dad and grandparents. It's not going to be easy for anybody’s generation. My generation was the 80’s and 90’s. It was allot easier (and we had better music). I hate to say it, but 9/11 changed everything. Bush’s inexperience changed everything! Obama will split the party and make McCain Democrats like my family.
We worked our fingers to the bone trying to keep Bush’s inexperience out of the White House. Should we now turn a blind eye to the inexperience of Barack Hussein Obama! Everything in my soul says this is wrong for the country and for our party. Yes, I was a young Dem once... so go vote what feels good! And your Mommies and Daddies will vote for the person that is going to keep your great American young idealism Safe and Secure from real, real, REAL ....BAD GUY"s like Bin Ladin !
And if anyone thinks we are going to leave IRAQ, think again. Remember the OIL? We need it…… to drive our cars, heat our homes, and truck our food around to feed our families. It is there in Iraq, the country Bush made a real mess of. We won’t just pick up and go! We will take years to leave.
Bush and his “inexperience.” We fought to keep his inexperience out. First with Gore-Lieberman, then with Kerry- Edwards. If Bush was a Republican nightmare… then Obama will be the Democratic nightmare!
The planet needs our help. Hillary has the experience to get done what is needed. She has a plan to stop what's happening with "Green JOBS.” Also, what is the South going to do about its drought and not having water? Will there be water wars in this country?
And the big bad Wolf wants to take your home away because of that subprime loan. What if we are hit again by terrorists! Has this man Obama told anyone how he intends to do anything? Do any of you even care? Has it occurred to you that you are being manipulated because of your youth?
It's sick, It's sad, I hate it because you and latte liberals are not thinking about where we are as a country..
And that’s why Dems like me wanted Hillary Clinton. If you cannot understand, then that's why we will stand with Republicans and vote for McCain as McCain Democatics. Not out of spite. It's because we Love our kids and our families. We want them SAFE and we Love this Country! So go and vote for some guy that makes you feel cool. Its okay, we forgive you. And we will be right here telling you why we Democrats keep losing the White House when it’s all over.
sorry republicans.
the party is over for you.
mccain, though an honorable public servant,
is just as childishly incompetent as bush.
you can't run from the truth any longer.
come november, your party will have to take responsibility for it's failings.
step aside and let the proven leaders run the show.
Is this the best McCains got?????
Barack Obama had nothing to do with this attack. He has run a relatively clean campaign to date. The NY Times is responsible for this attack, and for the record, they have endorsed Hillary.
Politicians have been in bed, so to speak, with lobbyists for too long. This is just another example. At least, McCain finally has an issue he can talk about with some conviction.
Uhh, Peter (comment #2), Senator Obama had absolutely nothing to do with that trashy article. If you believe otherwise, where is your proof for making such a ridiculous accusation?
Peter,
What are you talking about? Obama had nothing to do with the New York Times article. I love the spin on the Republican side. It's funny because this is exactly how Obama gets stronger.
Oh, and The New York Times endorsed Hillary Clinton. Get informed.
Keep it comin Peter.
Obama 08!
If Huckabee would be the frontrunner of The GOP, the New York Times would have invented a similar fairy tale. Some newspapers are only good for usage as toilet paper. McCain and others should definitly sue the NYT for their terrible record of destroying other peoples lives.
McCain, What happen too you 1st wife? Cindy knows. Trust and Honesty is the core of of all relationship even in business.
Are you kidding me Pete? Obama had nothing to do with this
I am a lifelong Democrat and I have been supporting Hillary. Obama and his cult like supporters really scare me. There is no way I will support him if he is the nominee. There are millions of Democrats like me who will not vote for this arrogant empty suit.
I haven't yet decided if I will support McCain or just stay home on election day. For you McCain supporters, the media has done a major hatchet job on Hillary and now they are gunning for McCain. Watch out. There is no limit to the level the media and Obama's supporters will stoop to.
not this time my friend i guess cindy mccain is truely proud of his country
Iseman, 40, who joined the Arlington-based firm of Alcalde & Fay as a secretary and rose to partner within a few years........WOW secretary to partner ....she also looks like his current wife, something FISHY is goin on here, where there is smoke there is fire
Jeff Spangler – You neglected to mention his 5+ year stay in Hanoi Hilton. His "trophy wife" is better qualified to be President than Barack Obama.
This smells like Rovian press manipulaiton all over it!
To the New York Times, YOU HAVE BEEN USED!
I can't believe all these idiots claiming to be Democrats who would vote for McCain if Obama is the nominee. Obviously a bunch of scared Republicans who wouldn't have supported either Dem but fear Obama most of the two. Get real! I can claim to be a Republican who won't vote for McCain if he is the nominee also. If you're a Democrat you vote for the person who supports your ideals you don't vote against the person who supports your ideals but beats your first choice. I see the same people under different names pushing this idiotic message, the only people you're really fooling are yourselves.
Is anyone in Washington of true character? Cindy McCain going on and on about her husbands "impeccable character"????? Look at what is now circulating about her husband and their adultress affair!
I am so sick of "conservative Christains" and Clinton lovers knocking Barack Obama.....The Clintons and McCains are cut from the same cloth!
This is why America wants a new, refreshing change!
As soon as McCain's campaign manager referred to the media as a "liberal establishment" that is what convinced me he is lying - anybody with any common sense knows the media is not liberal or progressive.
When one attacks the messenger, instead of the message, one suspects the truth in the messenger's message! I smell a rat here, and it's not the dems or the NYT...its Keating 5 McCain! After all, he's the one who left his first wife for his second while having an affair with the second and while the first was sick
What the heck is does: Obama has run a "relatively ""clean" campaign actually mean to us dummies?
Obama has taken advantage of every opportunity the competition has to turn the tables–with e-mail rapide velocity!
This is clearly smut and sludge–scraped from un-named sources–and likely drudged up by a competitorbama–not to mention any names.
This is bunk!!
The New York Times story is tabloid journalism at it's "finest". Sadly, there are some Democrats who will believe anything.... particularly if it's a Republican being accused. However, this Democrat ain't buying.
The article in the New York Times about Sen. McCain has no validity and is tasteless. Besides, it is not the first time that this newpaper has published false information. If they cannot support their position with facts they should print a retraction.
Why did the NYT hold this for so long? If this had been made public earlier, it certainly would have affected the race. Since the NYT endorsed McCain, and then chose to hold this until he cinched the nomination should be investigated. There are going to be a lot of conservatives asking this question.
This only helps McCain now, but shouldn't this have been brought to light before Super Tuesday so that the voters had a chance to determine if they really wanted to take a chance on this guy?
Maybe conservatives should be wondering now if this was meant to help McCain with the conservatives now. McCain had the backing of the NYT but since they are considered a liberal media McCain surely was smart enough to convince them to hold the article and he could use it to get the conservatives to back him.
ANYBODY ATTEMPTING TO LINK NEW YORK TIMES "REPORTERS AND EDITORS" TO THE OBAMA CAMPAIGN ARE JUST PLAIN TOO STUPID TO LIVE!
THE STORY IS THE STORY.... YOU THINK OBAMA HAS TIME ON HIS HANDS TO DIG UP THIS GARBAGE???
(geez! no WONDER we wound up with Bush for 8 years!)
You guys are so naive. The NY TIMES DID AN INVESTIGATIVE REPORT OF THEIR OWN VOLITION. GET OVER YOURSELVES. THIS HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH BARACK. HE HAS STAYED CLEAR OF THE SMEAR. YOU GUYS HAVEN'T A CLUE. YOU FAR-RIGHT IDIOTS ARE NO DIFFERENT FROM EXTREMIST MUSLIMS. LOOK AT WHAT YOU'RE DOING TO THE DOLLAR. IDIOTS!!
In 2000 the Democratic Party lost the presidency because of the Clinton (Bill) scandals. Thanks to Clinton scandals we have eight years of Bush.
Should Clinton (Hillary) cost the Democratic Party the presidency just because she does not win the nomination? If you are a Hillary supporter who will not vote for Obama, then have it your way you are waiting for Chelsea to run in 2012 or 2016.
Be 2.55
Peter 2.58
Liz 3.01
Frank 3.06
Obviously, you cannot read, else you would have read the whole story.
No wonder they say Hillary's supporters have no college education.
Why can't everyone mind their own business and equit trying to destroy someone. It is peersonal and should be regarded as such.
I do not think that the story here is about the woman. What I would like to know is why wasn't this published before Super Tuesday? There are a lot of younger voters that did not know about McCain's past history with the S&L scandal. Didn't they have a right to know about this?
Did you notice McCain nuanced that he didn't have "romantic" relationship? Did anyone else hear "I did not have sex with that woman" all over again!!!
why people hate hillary so much for all the wrong reasons, is that the change obama supporters are happy about. they talk about uniting the party but all they are doing is disliking her for the wrong reasons like, she too old, we done want clinton in the white house and we do want bill neither. alot people talk about experience done matter wow, let us tell the kids that experience done matter. i am a african i like obama, but i dont think he's ready yet. the bill clinton years are best years for alot of american and people are looking at him like he's nothing. hillary is been judge by lot of people and the media not because she cant do the job, but stupid reasons that have nothing to do with the jod that she is seeking. god help us.
I laugh when I hear the American people talk about conservative and
liberal. why these words are they matter so much to politicians or people in that country?
John McCain is a conservative and so people believe that he can not
do wrong things. Wait a minute this his second marriage, isn't it?
This very news paper endorsed him few weeks ago. Were they
promoting him to demote today? Let us wait and see what the facts are
behind this story that could have suffaced early to put a dent to
McCain presidential ambitions instead coming after he almost
secured the republican nomination.
Can somebody smear me? I could use the money. The other day, I was totally having a seemingly inappropriate relationship with this girl. Really, I was. Now go to the media, go!
Yippee!!
That's the way to go my man!!
Turn a negative into a positive!!
Now that is HOPE of a different color!! Meaning: hope based in the reality of the world and times.
Thanks Senator McCain for being the ONE wedge against creepin "socialism" represente d by Hillary and OpraBama.
Why would the New York Times risk loosing their creditability?
Silly, its a fund raising strategy by John McCain.
He was endorsed by the NYT. Get real people.
Why are people even mentioning the name "Obama"? Do you realize the New York Times endorsed HILLARY???
WAKE UP!!!
The Times is a rag and the piece was clearly a hitjob but what has that got to do with Obama? He didn't have anything to do with it. Wait until the confetti stops falling and the cheers die away and they start turning on Obama and they will. For the life of me I can't believe how enthralled people are with Obama. I can't think of a single reason to vote for him save the color of his skin and that isn't enough for me. His lack of experience is a real and serious issue and I don't mean government experience I mean leadership/executive experience. People think that because they love him he will win. I don't love him but will vote for him if he is the nominee but I would bet money on it that he gets owned by McCain. Republicans and independents are NOT flocking to him despite the myth-spinning. If he gets the nod, we get owned.
Obama has nothing to do with this, it's the Republican devouring their own. Wake up, people
It doesn't matter anyway. McCain supports the Iraq-invasion; therefore, he can't win. By the way, McCain has to prove he didn't do it in today's world.
CNN PLEASE POST MY COMMENT RESPONDING TO REBECCAS POST THERE IS NOTHING DEROGATORY ABOUT ANY OF THE
COMMENT THAT WAS MADE IT IS THE TRUTH AND VEIWS FROM SOMEONE ELSE WHOSE OUTLOOK FOR THE NEXT PRESIDENT
SHOULD BE AND WHAT THEY STAND FOR
I am an Obama supporter, and i don't like these attacks. I think it is unfair, who are his accusers? If they are telling the truth, they should
All of you guys blaming Obama for the New York Times article must be joking,and those of you thinking Hillary is the only one out there who could save America must still be in some kind of sleep;It doesn't that 100 years of experience to govern a nation.I was watching McCain talk the other time, how he would go after some guys that came into POW camp when they were in Vietnam. I think it's time everyone think of peace and a way forward for America and it's people;Do something to lift this nation up and get people out of debt and poverty.
I don't hate McCain, but his talk so far shows what path he would lead the Nation; America should not be handed over to old men without visions or directions;We need someone to get America to new height.
OMG people! Obama DID NOT write this article! The New York Times did. It just shows Obama on the front because there is a story about him as well as McCain. I noticed that just from studying it. Obama in no way talked about McCain. If you read, the New York Times have been working on this story for two months. Can we please use some common sense and stop smearing people's names? Just pay a little more attention. I'm 23 and I feel like the people my age are being way more mature about this race than people twice my age.
Oh go cheat on another wife! You should read the Ten Commandments!
Gov. Huckabee for president!
This kind of stuff you put out during the october surprise.
IT IS NOT THE DEMOCARTS FAULT THAT THE REPUBLICANS ARE IMMORAL CRIMINALS.
"The Clintons and McCains are cut from the same cloth!
Regardless of one's Party affilitation, this is an absolutely insulting comment comparing an honorable American with an amoral, narcissistic liar like Bill Clinton. The two couldn't be more different. If Bill Clinton were a POW with an opportunity to home early, he would not be thinking about his compatriots...only his own a##. McCain has principle...Clinton does NOT.
Peter , you said "Obama shouldn't have tried to pull this garbage. It runs against his campaign message".
What has this got to do with Obama. Is he also New York Times. Maybe you need to read articles more than once to understand what is going on.
Again, I'll sit in moderation........
Yes, send in that money today before the actual truth comes out and McCain is forced to admit the truth. He left himself NO wiggle room to get out of this . He adamately stated "NO" to all questions asked. Do you really believe NYT, after consulting with their lawyers, have a baseless story??
GO OBAMA!!
What is going to happen to our tax dollars if MCCain is president and you find out that he is lying. Did we forget about the Clinton's. They cost USA a lot of money with our tax dollars..
Sheeeshh I am glad it is out in the open and America is given the opportunity to make up their mind if they want to participate in a dragged out possible impeachment. McCain isn't the aggressor now.
I doubt if NY Times would put out such an allegation if they were not certain. I believe they have cold hard facts.
Are you kidding me??? Using the article to 'fundraise'? Give me a break!!! People would be crazy to donate any money to this guy until they at least investigate to see if there is any truth to this article!!! The mere fact that he is trying to use this article as a way to raise money should actually raise questions about his so-called ethics!!!
It seems that the Times has decided to follow in the yellow journalism footsteps of the New York World and New York Journal.
I hope the Times follows its predecessors all the way to bankruptcy as well.
The front page is not the editorial section in most papers.
I am laughing hysterically at the idiots that think that Obama has the power to get the NY Times to write an article against McCain (Who the Times endorsed by the way!). You cynics are too much!!! Also, for all the 'If Obama wins the nomination, I'm voting for Hillary' people...please, just do it, we don't need to know who you are voting for.
The attack on Michelle Obama for a CLUMSY remark came right out of the McCain attack machine ... THIS is a little justice , that's all .
The rep.'s are going to APPOINT Juan and Bimbo McCain ...like it or not ....Huckabee is just there to show you it doesn't matter who the DECENT one is or who you want ... you are getting an APPOINTED REP. CANDIDATE... like it or not ,
....THE FILTHY RICH HAVE SPOKEN !
they don't call them filthy for nothing .
John McCain is a wonderful seventy-two year old man, that had spent five years in a POW camp. Has been beaten down by his own party ,(Bush 2000 /2004) and now these horrific personal attcks by the New York Times to boot! Wake up folks, this is America, and your presumed innocent until proven guilty. Believe nothing you hear, Half what you see, and don't even trust your own eyes on half of that!!!
Come on Folks ! Where do you see the name of Obama linked with this Mcain story? First of all , NY times has endorsed Hillary and Mcain ,not Obama. Even thought I'm supporting Obama, I don't think that this mess has some to do with Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton. So , Some of Hillary supporters must know that election is a choice. If your candidate is loosing, don't hate.Democraty is the voice of Poeople. NY times about Mcain is a garbage.Even if it was true, I don't care about that. The real american challenge is not a stupid story from NY times about people's private life ...
Please, love don't hate.
Stop calling Obama, evil or any name.... Election is a choice, when you camp is loosing take it fairplay.... DON'T HATE...
Shannon, Charlottesville, Virginia February 21st, 2008 3:56 pm ET
"As soon as McCain's campaign manager referred to the media as a "liberal establishment" that is what convinced me he is lying — anybody with any common sense knows the media is not liberal or progressive."
Too true. And for someone who claims to be willing to work across the aisle, this sounds like a rather partisan comment...was McCain lying about that, too? Given the streak of Republican falsehood these last few years, I'd guess that yes, that was also a lie from McCain's lips.
I wish grandpa Mac would just go into retirement. Maybe even have a beer or two under the rock with Karl Rove.
JOHN McCAIN IS AN HONORABLE MAN AND THE NYT SHOULD
BE ASHAMED TO SMEAR HIS REPU TA TION WI TH A NO
SUBSTANCE STORY SEVERAL YEARES AFTER THE SO CALLED
INCIDENT. McCAIN WAS ENDORSED BY THE NYT AND THEN
THEY START THIS SMEAR TACTIC. WITH FRIENDS LIKE THIS
WHO NEEDS AN ENEMY.
It's more likely that the source of this article was the Republicans. Why has McCain gone back on years of bipartisanship to pander to the conservative base? He's alienating a lot of independants and moderate Democrats.
The Times story is old news. It happened 8 years ago. Has already been investigated by the dems in the ethics committee and there was no "there" there.
The times broke it because they wanted to get the jump on the New Republic.
Consider the source and forget it. The Times is a rag like the National inquirer. All innuendo and hints and no on record sources.
good job Times. Just making the repubs unite all the more.
I'm proud to be American. Glad we shot down the satelite. Good to show Russia and China we have a good defense system. Being able to shoot something going 17,000 mph from rocking ship at sea so far away boggles the mind.
Great technology and Military. Thank you Ronald Reagan the greatest president in our life time. I bet if a missile was aimed at LA, Cal., the dems wouldn't be whining about our missile defense system.
Don't forget the Love in at the debate tonight.
So the New York Times endorses John McCain all the while supposedly knowing for months that eight years ago he had an alleged affair with a lobbyist. The only thing this shows me is that that the New York Times is a seriously bias newspaper not worth the paper it is written on.
I realize that some McCain and Clinton supporters have problems with objective thinking but please consider the fact that Barack Obama is not employed by or affiliated with the New York Times. Your beef is with the Times, not Obama.
Fairness may be a diificult concept for some but please try to at least sound rational.
deny, deny, deny ......... just wait for the 'blue dress' or similar shows it's face as evidence.