McCAIN HAS FINISHED ANSWERING QUESTIONS ABOUT HIS CHARACTER-- TIME TO MOVE ON TO... PARROTING HIS PR AGAIN?

Culture of Corruption

McCain said he's finished talking about his character now; no more questions about that. This guy has always been an A-hole and has always insisted on playing by his own rules, which is why he crashed up so many planes when he was a naval flier. I guess we'll just have to keep replaying that moment over and over in our minds about him telling us what honorable men his campaign team are. "These people have honorable records, and they're honorable people, and I'm proud to have them as part of my team."

And, despite what everyone is saying, not all of his team are lobbyists. One of his co-chairmen is close buddy Rick Renzi. And although Renzi was indicted on 35 criminal counts today including mindboggling extortion and money laundering charges that look to me like at least 20 years in the slammer.

Adam Putnam is demanding that the other Republican House leaders force him to resign... now. Boehner doesn't like this kind of confrontation-- and would rather go play golf in Florida-- but he's let it be known to his colleagues that Renzi is a persona non grata in the GOP caucus. Boehner:

“I have made it clear that I will hold our members to the highest standards of ethical conduct. The charges contained in this indictment are completely unacceptable for a member of Congress, and I strongly urge Rep. Renzi to seriously consider whether he can continue to effectively represent his constituents under these circumstances. I expect to meet with Rep. Renzi at the earliest possible opportunity to discuss this situation and the best option for his constituents, our Conference, and the American people.

Renzi still says he's innocent (they always do-- until they start plea-bargaining and turning on their colleagues).

It is being reported that some of the lobbyists running McCain's campaign are pushing Renzi off the Double Talk Express. He's too embarrassing even for this lot! But while McCain's lobbyists are dumping Renzi, McCain is trying to stay above the fray and focus on how concerned he is for Renzi's family. "I'm sorry. I feel for the family; as you know, he has 12 children. But I don't know enough of the details to make a judgment. These kinds of things are always very unfortunate... I rely on our Department of Justice and system of justice to make the right outcome."

Are you getting the idea that McCain is the most cynical man to ever come out of the Beltway? He's had a very shabby personal life and an even shabbier career but the media has allowed him to define himself in terms of pure PR. Its as though he were the product of a corporation and the only information available was from the corporation and their paid shills. One thing this whole lobbyist scandal will do is end that free ride and help introduce more people into just who the Real McCain is.