McCain camp denies Enquirer story, threatens lawsuit
ST. PAUL (CNN) - A senior adviser to John McCain’s campaign threatened a lawsuit against the National Enquirer Wednesday over “baseless attacks” in a cover story about Sarah Palin that included allegations of marital infidelity.
“The smearing of the Palin family must end,” said senior adviser Steve Schmidt. “The allegations contained on the cover of the National Enquirer insinuating that Governor Palin had an extramarital affair are categorically false. It is a vicious lie.
“Governor Palin is the most popular governor in the country. She is a proven leader, an accomplished executive, a champion for ethics reform, and a fighter against corruption. The efforts of the media and tabloids to destroy this fine and accomplished public servant are a disgrace. The American people will reject it.
He also said that “legal action will be considered with regard to this disgraceful smear.”
Over the past few days, the McCain campaign has issued increasingly aggressive responses to rumors about the presumptive Republican VP nominee, including some detailed public statements denying sensational stories that had not previously been reported by any mainstream media organizations.
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I'm almost getting sick of this, but it's nothing compared to what the Repubs would have hit the Dems with if this was reversed. Carry on!
Hey Kathleen! McCain can always borrow money from his rich wife or his lobbyist buddies.
Did we realize that she was the most popular governor when McCain announced her as his VP and everybody went "huh?"
Gee, the democrats who are calling for Palin's removal from the ticket must really be threatened by her. GOOD!
so let me get this straight...some 17 year old self proclaimed "redneck" knocks up the governor's daughter and, as a reward for his brilliant decision making and life skills, he gets to share the national spotlight with one of our countries most prominent politicians john mccain...the hypocrisy just never ends...
A lawsuit would not provide lots of food for the media? That would be even more fun.
This is getting interesting.....................
Definitely thinking the issues are not getting talked about because of this Republican. veep.
K A R M A!
Well so much for the party of family values!! Marital fidelity is not a strong of the republican ticket!!
Now she's the most popular governor in the country???
Umm, until a few days ago, I don't think anybody even knew who she was.
Crazy how they are forced to "defend" her so quickly. The last week has been a circus. Now I do feel bad for Palin because I doubt she expected to be under such microscope and scrutiny like this. But it's a double-edge blade on both sides. Everyone has been getting hits from everywhere. Obama and his wife have been attacked numerous times as well.
Happens.
Maybe McCain should've vetted his running mate better.
It just doesn't get any better from the Obama gutter people. THIS is his base - no thanks!
Wow, the Republicans can sure dish it out, but they certainy can't take it. I guess it's OK for their operatives to Swiftboat Kerry and Obama, but when it comes to one of their own, it's all of a sudden outrageous and grossly unfair. Give me a break!!!
John McCain made a bad choice for VP and now he has to live with the fallout from it.
A party of sue-ers.
It's the American way.
McCain has proved he's not a hands-on leader and he's got terrible judgment. With a hands-off, poor judgment approach, I wonder which lobbyists will be running our economy? Phil Gram? Oh lord!
McCain must fire whoever vetted Palin. There seems to be a lot still out there on her, who knows when it'll explode.
Wasn't Schmidt the guy who was on the giving end of the McCain "black baby scandal" in 2004?
Bully's and liars can give but they do not like to take.
This kind of discourse certainly makes me want to chant, "USA, USA, USA!"
Whether it's true or not, it wouldn't be a surprise to anybody because the McCain campaign didn't vet her properly. I'm sure there's much more to come about her! After all, her husband was an alcholic....I'm sure there must be some marital problems!
"the most popular governor in the country" ???? WHAT COUNTRY?? I'd bet Bobby Jindal of Lousiana tops the beauty queen in most peoples mind....among others.....get real fool.
I agree, smearing of ALL the candidates must end. The McCain campaign has been putting out ads that lie about Obama, that should end as well. Keep it simple, keep it true, keep it respectful. But, as disgusting as this tabloid crap is, there is a part of me that has to say that it appears that the chickens are coming home to roost . You are going to get what you give, it's as simple as that. What a way to elect a President. The world is probably very entertained by this.
I guess experience only counts if you are running for VP, not President. We will see who is laughing when either McCain wins, or Obama raises your taxes. Nothing like working for Uncle Sam....
snicker.....You can sure tell when the libs are scared just by how they ratchet up their "if it stinks, fling it" machine.
You people are funny. Thanks CNN for the cheap laff....
McCain's getting "testy".!
So the GOP had no problem with the media smearing Obama for literally months on end, but all of a sudden their sensitivity is sickening. Grow a pair and nut up GOP. You've been doing this crap for years, and now it's your turn.
If McCain is so concerned about Palin's daughter and asking media to respect her Privacy, why have a Photo-op with the Daughter and the soon to be husband?