How Low Can They Go?

For those who thought the New York Times couldn’t sink any lower, check out today’s hit piece on Cindy McCain. The real target, of course, is her husband, and the Times takes every opportunity to dredge up their favorite anti-McCain talking points, while painting an unflattering personal picture of the candidate.

Still, what is shocking about the piece is the tone it takes toward Cindy McCain. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Presidential candidate’s spouse treated so negatively or so unfairly. It’s a safe bet that the National Enquirer wouldn’t have run this article; only the Times is this committed to putting politics above news judgment or basic fairness.

The lead reporter on the story, Jodi Kantor, went trolling for trash among schoolmates of the McCains’ 16-year-old daughter, Bridget. Here is the email Kantor sent via Facebook to another kid at Bridget’s school:

I saw on facebook that you went to Xavier, and if you don’t mind, I’d love to ask you some advice about a story. I’m a reporter at the New York Times, writing a profile of Cindy McCain, and we are trying to get a sense of what she is like as a mother. So I’m reaching out to fellow parents at her kids’ schools. My understanding is that some of her older kids went to Brophy/Xavier, but I’m trying to figure out what school her 16 year old daughter Bridget attends– and a few people said it was PCDS. Do you know if that’s right? Again, we’re not really reporting on the kids, just seeking some fellow parents who can talk about what Mrs. McCain is like.

Also, if you know anyone else who I should talk to– basically anyone who has encountered Mrs. McCain and might be able to share impressions– that would be great.

Thanks so much for any help you can give me.

Jodi Kantor
Political correspondent
New York Times
[email protected]

Kantor’s fishing came up empty; she couldn’t find a single parent willing or able to contribute dirt on John or Cindy McCain. A single sentence sums up the fruit of Kantor’s “research” among Xavier kids and their parents:

Some of Mr. McCain’s Washington friends say they have barely met Mrs. McCain, while fellow mothers at their children’s schools say they have little sense of her husband.

Now there’s a shock! I’m sure if you interviewed the mothers of kids who have gone to school with my son or daughters, most of them would say they have “little sense” of me. But the Times apparently didn’t want its Facebook trolling to go completely to waste.

It’s a typically disgusting production from a news organization that long ago forfeited any claim to credibility or respect.

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