The New York Times devotes inches of space to a story today about Sen. McCain’s relationship with wealthy Arizona developer Donald R. Diamond – The Donald Trump of Arizona. As if anyone in America is surprised to learn that influential politicians help out wealthy donors from time to time. What in God’s name does this have to do with whether Sen. McCain should be elected President of the United States? Why does the media herd think Americans will be shocked and awed by this cozy relationship? Here is how Mr. Diamond describes their relationship:
Mr. Diamond, for his part, said Mr. McCain had only done his job. “I think that is what Congress people are supposed to do for constituents,” he said. “When you have a big, significant businessman like myself, why wouldn’t you want to help move things along? What else would they do? They waste so much time with legislation.”
He said he often complained to Mr. McCain that he was “too straight” about refusing to provide federal help for Arizona businessmen. “I tell him, ‘You are an Arizona senator besides being the world senator. Loosen up, kid!’ ”
That’s a pretty good answer!
Bottom Line: Didn’t The New York Times learn its lesson about publishing a story suggesting the appearance of impropriety where none exists after the flap it caused with a story about Sen. McCain’s relationship with lobbyist Vicki Iseman? A story that earned a rebuke by The Times’ own public editor for suggesting illict sex . Today’s story doesn’t suggest that Sen. McCain has done anything wrong. It simply implies that he did something wrong by helping out a rich person. MediaHerd believes that Americans aren’t surprised by these cozy relationships between politicians and wealthy donors. Americans are smart enough to understand that politicians don’t become influential without such cozy relationships. And that as long as there are politicians they will help out wealthy donors. However, Americans DO want to hear about the plans and policy proposals politicans have for America and whether the politican has a history of backing said plans and policy proposals.
MediaHerd suggests an “in-depth” article about Sen. McCain’s evolving positions and plans with respect to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq specifically and his philosophy on American foreign policy in general. President George W. Bush proved that a President’s foreign policy views are important.
