Thursday, July 6, 2006

Maverick McCain gets some flack from the right

Some conservative are spreading nasty rumors about that media darling Maverick McCain:  Conservative site launches full-frontal attack on McCain, questioning 'explosive' temper Raw Story 07/06/06.  (Thanks to Ereading7 for pointing out this article to me.)

The "conservative site" in question is from Ronald Kessler at NewsMax.com, so apply appropriate critical judgment.  But he got an on-the-record quote from former New Hampshire Sen. Bob Smith, and a weird story from ex-Congressman John LeBoutillier (both Republicans).  The main signficance of the story is the fact that some conservatives are actively seeking to trash the bold Maverick, who has been one of the most conservative Senators.

Who knows what that's all about?  Obviously, some conservatives will prefer someone who doesn't even pretend to be a Marvelous Maverick and don't think McCain will sufficiently kow-tow to the Christian Right.  Although from McCain's performance, it's hard to see why they would worry about that.

Raw Story, who I give higher credibility than NewsMax, had a couple of anonymous quotes from Democrats on this:

A conservative website has launched a full-frontal attack on Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), who the story says has an "irrational, explosive" temper, citing two former Republican senators and GOP aides.

At least two Democratic aides have told RAW STORY McCain has shown a similar temperament. Multiple sources have also said that McCain has a practice of leaking stories on those he doesn't get along with - and is believed by several reporters and Senate aides to have been behind a series of leaks in the Jack Abramoff scandal.  McCain's office has vehemently denied the claims.

The adoring "press corps" will no doubt cite these conservative attacks as further evidence of the bold Maverick's independence and political courage.

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